It is quite important to ascertain the presence of bed bugs at an early stage. This saves the growth and severity of infestation. Market is abuzz with various bug detection tools that aid preliminary detection. Visual detection, mattress and box spring encasements are some of the tools used to find bugs on residential as well as commercial properties. New tools using modern technologies are being continuously developed that aid in better and faster detection of bed bugs in time to prevent a bed bug infestation. Monitoring & interception devices, DIY monitors and detection by dogs are some of the more advanced types of bed bug detection methods.
Visual Observation
This method is time consuming, laborious and an extremely unreliable method of detection. The bed bug makes shelter in areas that are hard to reach such as cracks, crevice, beneath the floorboard making it difficult to assess the infestation using this method. This method can assist in checking the seams of the mattress, box springs, bed frames and other places where the naked eye can reach and inspect. Visual detection is impractical without the use of powerful magnifying glasses. It is almost impossible to check for the tiny bed bug eggs and young nymphs as they less than 1.5 mm in size. This method requires removal of bed linen, inspection of box springs or mattress and looks for fecal spots, bloodstains. Though this method has constraints, this is one of the common methods since it does not involve the purchase of special expensive devices.
Mattress Encasement
Bed bugs most often find harborage in the mattress. Since majority of the bed bugs are in the mattress, these encasements act as barriers preventing the bed bugs from entering the mattress. If the bed bugs are already present in the mattress, the encasement imprisons them by trapping the live bugs inside until they die of hunger. This is also helpful in forcing the bed bugs out from the mattress for treatment. Mattress encasements are thus used proactively as well as reactively to kill the bed bugs. However, this does not prevent a bed bug infestation. It is an effective detection tool only when the mattress encasements are specifically designed and tested to fight against the bed bugs.
Trap Devices
Passive trap devices are placed under the legs of the bed frames and/or the legs of upholstered furniture. This method blocks the movement of the bed bugs to the sleeping or sitting area. The trap device prevents the bed bugs from infesting other areas within the structure. The device has a textured exterior, and a well that has slippery sides. When the bed bug climbs the exterior of the device, it falls into the well and remains trapped, as they cannot climb back due to the smooth walls. These devices cost little maintenance and are passive when compared to other bed bug monitoring devices available in the market. This type of detection device is useful for early detection of bed bugs when the infestation is minor.
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