Monitoring bed bugs using baited traps

Detecting early bed bug infestations and confirming the effectiveness of bed bug elimination efforts are an extremely challenging task. Bed bugs are attracted to carbon dioxide (CO2), heat, and chemicals released from animal hosts. Our laboratory studies showed CO2 was the most effect attractant. Tests conducted in laboratories and naturally infested apartments indicated CO2 baited pitfall traps were able to detect low numbers of bed bugs. Baited pitfall traps are potentially effective tools for evaluating bed bug control programs and detecting early bed bug infestations.