Pest Management Professional, May 2017

SHEPErSPEctivE Bed Bugs By Mark Sheperdigian BCE Contributor c ontrolling bed bugs Cimex lectularius is always easier when you know where they are Monitors can be a powerful tool for catching bed bugs before they get out of hand Not all monitors are created equal so choose the proper monitor for your situation Most monitors have either sticky surfaces or pitfalls featuring a slippery sided pit Among both types some are active monitors and have an attractant whereas others are passive monitors and simply wait for passing bugs If it is known where the bugs are no monitors are needed When the harborage is not known active monitors will catch bugs seeking a meal When its a matter of watching for incoming bugs passive monitors can fit the bill AttrActAnt oPtionS There has been a lot of research on bed bug behavior already but there is still much to learn It is known for example that carbon dioxide CO 2 has a dramatic effect on movement and results in improved trap catch for all types of monitors when bugs are present Still in question however is the exact nature of the effect CO 2 has on the bugs Does it attract them from long distances Short distances Does it even attract them or simply cause them to move We await research results with bated breath Monitors may feature several different types of attractants Besides CO 2 common ones include heat human odors known as kairomones and bed bug odors pheromones These monitors will often need to outcompete the sleeping or sitting occupant but they can be helpful in locating bugs that could not otherwise be identified by visual searches StAnding guArd Using monitors to watch for bed bugs coming in is different than when an active infestation exists You can reach Sheperdigian at shep@ rosepest com Place monitors between likely areas of entry and likely harborage such as beds and couches Some passive monitors are designed to be placed under bed legs or chair legs and will capture bugs that are heading either to the leg or from it Some interceptors feature both an inner and an outer well Trapped bugs in the outer well indicates they headed to the leg whereas those trapped in the inner well were likely coming from the leg In carpeted areas the weight of the leg may crack the monitor Fix this by placing a flat wooden square under the monitor This will not affect the functioning of the monitor These monitors also known as interceptors also can be placed near furniture legs or in corners where they will capture bugs as they move through This often is an effective solution when the account is highrisk for bugs being brought in The key to bed bug control is early detection Monitors can play a valuable role if you know how to best use them pMp 82 May 2017 pest Management professional mypmp net Photos Mark shePerdigian BCe get to know your bed bug monitors Active monitors are meant to attract whereas passive monitors simply wait Choose monitors to fit the needs of each account Below left are examples of bed bug monitors Above a pair of bed bug adults find themselves stuck in a monitor