Trapping systems for detecting incipient populations of insect pests of significant regulatory concern include programs that cover thousands of square kilometers and cost millions of dollars annually. Monte Carlo simulations were used examine how the sensitivity of detection trapping systems is influenced by a number of parameters and strategies such as trap density (static and fluctuating), trap servicing intervals, and scheduled trap relocation. The simulations utilized distance/capture curves that were based on extensive sets of release-recapture data from gypsy moth and Mediterranean fruit fly studies. Based on these results, the authors present several strategies for optimizing cost-effectiveness of detection trapping systems.