Bed Bug Interceptors and Traps: Do They Work?

Bed bug interceptors, small dish-like devices that sit under bed legs, and various sticky and lure-based traps are popular products. They are easy to buy and use, and many people hope they will solve the problem. They are useful, but mainly for detection, not for getting rid of an infestation.

This guide explains what they do and how to use them.

The short answer

Interceptors and traps work well for detecting bed bugs and monitoring whether treatment is working, because they catch bugs that move between the bed and their hiding places, but they cannot eliminate an infestation on their own, since they catch only a fraction of the bugs and do nothing about eggs or the many hiding spots. Use them as part of a plan that includes professional treatment, washing and heat-drying bedding, mattress encasements and reducing clutter.

Types

• Climb-up interceptors: Dish-shaped cups placed under each bed leg. Bugs climbing up or down get trapped in the moat or smooth surface.
• Sticky traps: Adhesive surfaces placed near hiding spots.
• Lure traps: Use heat, carbon dioxide or chemical lures to attract bugs. Effectiveness varies by product.

What they do well

1. Detection: Confirm whether bed bugs are present, often before you see bugs.
2. Monitoring: Show whether numbers fall after treatment.
3. Protection: Reduce bugs reaching you in bed, if the bed is isolated from walls and other furniture.
4. No chemicals: Safe for use around children and pets when placed properly.

What they cannot do

• Remove bugs hiding in the mattress, walls, furniture and cracks.
• Kill eggs.
• Stop bugs reaching you if the bed touches walls, curtains or other furniture.
• Replace treatment.

How to use interceptors

1. Place one under each leg of the bed and any nearby furniture, such as a sofa.
2. Keep the bed away from walls and make sure bedding does not touch the floor.
3. Check them regularly, ideally every few days, using a flashlight.
4. Keep a record of what you catch, and when.
5. Clean and reset them as the product directs.

Reading the results

• Bugs caught: an infestation is present and active.
• Different sizes: breeding is ongoing.
• No catches for several weeks after treatment: a good sign, but keep monitoring.

When to call a professional

If interceptors catch bed bugs, arrange a professional inspection and treatment. They are a diagnostic tool, not a cure.

Frequently asked questions

Can interceptors get rid of bed bugs?

No. They catch some and help you monitor, but do not eliminate an infestation.

Are DIY interceptors effective?

Homemade versions can work for monitoring, but commercial ones are usually more reliable.

Do traps attract more bed bugs?

Interceptors do not attract them. Some lure traps use attractants for detection.

How long should I monitor?

For several weeks after treatment.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on bed bug control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full bed bug treatment guide for Bangalore.