Nightwatch Bed Bug Monitor

In this episode Jeff will talk about the Nightwatch bed bug monitor, how to set the monitor to trap for bugs, ideal situations to set the trap in and what to expect when setting the trap.  The Nightwatch bed bug monitor is an active monitor that release attractants that are intended to attract hungry bed bugs.  Always remember that not all bed bugs in a given infestation are going to be attracted to a monitor and therefore a zero-trap-catch does not necessarily mean that bed bugs are not present.  This monitor is intended to be used to help evaluate if bed bugs are present in a given environment.  Studies have been conducted that did show that this monitor can be effective for detecting low level bed bug infestations.  Some ideal situations for this monitor are in situations where it does not compete with other hosts (ex. humans, although it has been shown to be effective for detecting bugs in the presence of humans) such as:  offices, schools, vacant apartments or homes, pre-move-in inspections, etc…

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Richard Cooper’s Comparison of CDC 3000 and Nightwatch Bed Bug Monitors

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Advisory – Dry Ice Bed Bug Trap Update

In this episode Jeff will recap some of the information discussed in the original episode about the DIY Bed Bug Dry Ice Trap and further discuss some potential hazards associated with some of the information being reported by the media. Since the concept of this trap was released by Rutgers University researcher Dr. Changlu Wang at an entomological conference in December, several media outlets have run stories about a “great DIY bed bug trap that is affordable to make and anybody can use it”. While some of this information is true, a few news stories have began to report this monitor as a control device that can eliminate bed bugs from your home for a very small amount of money. THIS DEVICE IS NOT A CONTROL TOOL AND THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE IT WILL NOT ELIMINATE YOUR BED BUG INFESTATION. The stories that discuss this as a control tool can be very misleading and again, this is to be used as a monitor to help you determine if you have a problem, not to control your problem. Also, there are a few concerns about pest control companies using this monitor which include the hazards associated with dry ice. Please tune it to this episode to make yourself aware of some of the concerns we have about the DIY bed bug dry ice monitor so that if you do decide to set it in your home, you can do so in a knowledgeable fashion.

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BBTV #40 – Reasons Why Bed Bugs Spread

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