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Updated: Mar 31, 2026
Quantifying Corticolous Arthropods Using Sticky Traps
Published on: January 19, 2020
Bed Bug (Cimex lectularius L.) Population Composition as Determined by Baited Traps
Elizabeth J Schaafsma1, Samuel D Hapke2, Michael G Banfield3
1SpringStar Inc., P.O. Box 2622, Woodinville, WA 98072, USA. beths@springstar.net.
Insights
New traps effectively capture bed bugs, revealing a higher proportion of young nymphs than previously observed. This suggests current sampling methods may skew population data, impacting control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Pest Management
- Urban Ecology
Background:
- Accurate assessment of bed bug (Cimex lectularius) population structure is crucial for effective control.
- Traditional sampling methods may not fully represent the demographic profile of bed bug populations.
- Understanding nymph-to-adult ratios is key to evaluating reproductive status and infestation severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of host-mimicking traps for sampling field populations of bed bugs.
- To determine the demographic structure (age distribution) of bed bug populations using novel trapping methods.
- To compare the obtained population structure with findings from previous studies using different sampling techniques.
Main Methods:
- Field populations of bed bugs were sampled using specialized traps.
- Traps were baited with a combination of carbon dioxide (CO2), heat, and a synthetic kairomone.
- Captured insects were identified and categorized by developmental stage (nymphs and adults).
Main Results:
- Host-mimicking traps captured a significantly higher proportion of first instar nymphs (52-78%) compared to previous studies.
- The proportion of adult bed bugs captured was notably lower (5-7%) than reported in earlier research.
- High catch variability between sampling locations and days indicated the need for extended trapping periods.
Conclusions:
- Host-mimicking traps provide a more accurate representation of bed bug population structure, particularly regarding nymphal stages.
- Previous sampling methods may have overestimated the proportion of adults, potentially leading to inaccurate population assessments.
- Extended trapping durations are recommended for comprehensive population sampling to account for spatial and temporal variations.
Abstract:
Two established field populations of bed bugs were sampled using host-mimicking traps baited with a combination of CO2, heat and a synthetic kairomone. The proportion of first instar nymphs (between 52% and 78% of all captured insects) was significantly higher than reported in previous studies, which had employed different sampling methods. The proportion of adults was correspondingly much lower than previously reported, between 5% and 7% of total capture. As many as 120 bed bugs were captured in a single trap in one night; the variation in catches between sampling locations within the same room and between days at the same location indicates that multiple nights of trapping may be required to obtain an accurate representation of population structure.
