A bed bug infestation can be absolutely maddening… So you’re probably looking for a quick, effective and (if at all possible) inexpensive solution.
You’re also probably wondering if bed bug traps are even worth trying. Well, the answer is partially yes.
DIY Treatments
Bed bugs are extraordinary survivors. Even the smell of a compound that could be harmful to them can cause them to go scurrying and burrow deep into hard to reach hiding spots. Once they do this, they become significantly more difficult to eradicate. This is a major reason why we always recommend working with a competent exterminator when dealing with bed bugs. These pests are much more difficult to handle than many people realize. Unfortunately, many well-meaning DIYers actually succeed in making the problem even worse and more expensive to treat in the long run. So, does that mean that you should shy away from trying to use bed bug traps? No, not necessarily. Bed bug traps are often placed at the base of the legs of your bed frame. In such cases, their purpose is to catch and trap any bed bugs that try to climb up your bed, so that they can feed on your blood as you sleep. Unlike many DIY treatments, these and other types of bed bug traps will generally not put bed bug populations on high alert and cause them to burrow deep into their hiding areas. So, they likely will not do any harm. In fact, they may be quite effective at trapping a certain amount of these pesky bugs.
Will Bed Bug Traps Fix My Problem?
So, back to the question: Can bed bug traps help you to quickly, effectively and inexpensively solve a bed bug infestation? Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple. As mentioned, traps might help you catch a certain amount of the bed bugs infesting your home. But the chances of them catching every single bed bug in an infestation are so microscopically slim that they might as well be zero. If even one already inseminated female survives, she has everything she needs to resurrect the infestation in a relatively short period of time. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. But, despite the fact that they’re not quite as cheap as bed bug traps, your best bet is still to work with a competent exterminator.
Why Bother?
Now, you might be wondering, “If I’m going to have to hire an exterminator anyway, then why should I bother with the traps?” The answer is, you don’t necessarily need to. But it’s possible that it might help make the ultimate treatment and solution somewhat more simple and less expensive. Another advantage of bed bug traps is that they can help confirm any questions or suspicions you may have about whether or not you have an infestation. If you seem to be waking up with small bites on the exposed areas of your skin, you may have bed bugs. On the other hand, it’s possible that you’re having some type of reaction to the laundry detergent that you use to wash your sheets. But if you manage to trap a few bed bugs red-handed, then you can easily confirm your suspicions. (Note: A competent exterminator should be able to tell you if the bugs that you catch in your traps are actually bed bugs, or if they are one of the multiple types of bed bug look-alikes. Click here to learn more about bug bug look-alikes.)
If you think you may be suffering from a bed bug infestation, then please reach out right away. We would be happy to provide you with a free inspection. The longer you wait, the worse the infestation is likely to get. So, please don’t wait.
We look forward to helping you! Presidio Pest Management
(248) 457-5233
