Bed bugs are tiny, resilient pests that can hide in the smallest crevices, which can make them difficult to locate and eliminate. A bed bug detector is a device used to monitor and identify bed bugs by trapping or luring them for easy detection. If you suspect you have a bed bug infestation, you should act quickly to prevent it from spreading to other areas of your home. Schedule a bed bug inspection with Terminix today!

Bed bugs in mattress

How do bed bug detectors work?

One way to check for bed bugs in your home is to use a detection tool. There are two primary types: active and passive. Bed bug detectors work by either trapping bed bugs or attracting them to a specific location where they can be identified. The science behind these detectors relies on understanding bed bug behavior, including their movement patterns and what attracts them.

Active bed bug monitors use lures to mimic the presence of a host and draw bed bugs out from their hiding places. The most common active monitors use a scent attractant. The chemical combination mimics the scent of a human. Other traps that use heat and carbon dioxide are available but have not been widely accepted.

Passive bed bug detectors, also called bed bug interceptors, work on the simple principle that bed bugs do not climb well on smooth, vertical surfaces. These detectors are low-maintenance and can be left in place for continuous monitoring. However, they only detect bed bugs that come into direct contact with the trap.

Bed bug on white background

Bed bug interceptors

Bed bug interceptors monitor bed bug infestations based on their inability to climb slippery surfaces. These small plastic dishes are placed under bedposts and furniture legs, creating a barrier that bed bugs must cross. The outer edge is rough, allowing bed bugs to climb in, but the inner surface is smooth and slippery, preventing them from escaping.

Bed bug glue traps

Bed bug glue traps are simple traps with sticky surfaces that can trap bed bugs as they crawl over them. They are typically placed where bed bugs are likely to travel, such as near beds, furniture, and baseboards. The bed bugs can not escape the traps once they come into contact with them. Glue traps can help monitor and capture some bed bugs but will not eliminate an infestation alone.

What to do if you detect bed bugs

Detecting bed bugs is one thing, but treating them is another. While DIY treatments can seem cost-effective, they often fail to address the root cause of bed bug infestations and can make things worse. Depending on the severity of the infestation, multiple treatments and methods may be required to remove these pests completely.

Technician inspecting headboard

Terminix technicians know how to inspect for bed bugs, locate common hiding spots, and determine the best treatment methods to eliminate them at all life stages. Ready to say goodbye to bed bugs? Schedule your inspection today!