You have probably read on the internet that bed bugs can be trapped using ultrasonic devices. These devices do not work. K.M. Yturralde and R.W. Hofstetter of the Northern Arizona University investigated the efficacy of commercially available ultrasonic pest repellent devices on the behavior of bed bugs. The research findings of their works indicated that commercial devices producing ultrasound frequencies neither repel nor attract bed bugs. Therefore, spending money on these tools is a waste of time, effort and money.
Bed bugs are usually attracted to the warmth of our body, CO2 and human’s chemical lures, such as acetone, 1-octen-3-ol, and L-lactic acid (Singh et al. 2012). Bed bug monitoring traps containing the above combinations of attractants showed promising results under lab conditions, but they demonstrated less success rates in the field. In reality, reliable bed bug monitoring devices can be used successfully only if used within five feet of bed bugs’ hiding places. These devices will not work as well if the host (humans) is present at the monitoring site. In order to work successfully, adequate bed bug monitoring tools should be used and placed close to the common bed bug hiding places. For example close to sleeping areas, such as beds or sofas, as well as near cracks/crevices of the baseboards, edges of rugs, dressers, and any other suspected places within 15 feet of the sleeping areas. In addition, bed bug monitoring tools need to be set up for at least one week prior to removal. This is due to the bed bug’s feeding behavior. Bed bugs hide in cracks and crevices between meals. They usually seek a blood meal once or twice a week. Otherwise they would stay hiding doing nothing except mating, digesting food and depositing eggs (females).
If you suspect that you have bed bugs, the best way to confirm the infestation is by calling your pest management professional to conduct a through inspection.
FTC Warns Manufacturers
Check out this article about the ultrasonic devices: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2001/05/fyi0128.shtm
