In this article we will answer the question: Can bed bugs get past interceptor cups?
Bed bug cups interceptors (also called pitfall traps) are usually oval-shaped and reminiscent of a cup. They consist of a reinforced plastic base surrounded by a smooth-walled gutter.
Interceptor cups (also called Climb-up interceptors) are typically placed under bed legs or other furniture to prevent them from climbing up onto the bed or furniture. They work by using a slippery surface that bed bugs cannot easily climb, along with a pitfall trap that captures any bugs that attempt to cross the interceptor.

Can Bed Bugs get past Interceptor Cups?

Interceptor cups are effective at reducing the number of bed bugs in a specific area; indeed, they are almost 100% effective at preventing all bed bugs from reaching their intended destination. In some cases, they may be able to climb or jump over the interceptor, or they may find another route to their host. But this is usually due to the misplacement of the traps.

Also, if the interceptors become too full or are not cleaned regularly, those blood suckers may be able to use the dead insects and debris in the cup as a foothold to climb out.

If the interceptor traps are damaged or not cleaned regularly, they may not function properly and bugs may be able to climb out.

For Bed bug Interceptor Cups, besides Talc powder what else can you use?

In addition to talc powder, there are a few other substances that you can use in bed bug interceptors to help prevent them from crossing:

•     Diatomaceous earth: It contains the silica skeletons of diatoms, which are microscopic algae with hard shells. You can use this powder in pest control because it is abrasive and can damage the exoskeletons of bed bugs and other insects. Sprinkling a thin layer of diatomaceous earth inside the interceptor can make it more difficult for them to cross.
•     Petroleum jelly, also called Vaseline: Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the inner walls of the interceptor. This can create a slippery surface that they cannot easily climb.
•     Double-sided tape: Placing double-sided tape along the inner walls of the interceptor. This can help prevent them from crossing by trapping them on the sticky surface. To get more information about how to isolate your bed from these parasites with adhesive tape, you can have a look at our dedicated tutorial on Duct tape for Bed Bugs.

How to make a DIY Interceptor Cup to trap Bed Bugs? 

You can make simple bed bug interceptors at home using a few basic materials. Here’s how:

Materials:

•     A shallow dish or container (such as a plastic food container)
•     Two-sided tape
•     Talcum powder or diatomaceous earth

Instructions:

•     Choose a shallow dish or container that is large enough to fit the legs of your bed or furniture.
•     Apply a strip of two-sided tape around the upper edge of the container. To make sure it is flush with the top of the container.
•     Place a thin layer of talcum powder or diatomaceous earth inside the container.
•     Place the container under the legs of your bed or furniture, making sure the legs are inside the container.
•     Check the interceptor regularly for dead insects.

The two-sided tape will prevent them from climbing up the sides of the container. While the talcum powder or diatomaceous earth will make it difficult for them to crawl inside the container. Any bugs that try to cross the interceptor will become trapped in the dry dust.

Do Bed Bugs avoid Interceptor Cups?

Bed bugs do not necessarily avoid cup interceptors, but they may be able to climb out of them if you did not install or maintain the interceptors properly.

Tips: We recommend you to choose them preferably in black color because they attract these blood sucking parasites more

Why are my Bed Bug Interceptor Cups not working?

There could be several reasons why your bed bug interceptors are not working effectively:

•     Improper installation: If you did not install the interceptors properly or did not put them beneath the legs of the furniture or bed. They may be able to climb over or around and avoid the traps.
•     Not deep enough cups: If the cups are not deep enough, bed bugs may be able to climb out of the interceptor. By using the debris in the cup as a foothold.
•     Incorrect placement: If the Pitfall traps are not in the right location. Where they will likely cross.
•     Too few interceptors: If there are not enough pitfall traps placed around the infested furniture. They may be able to climb up or down the legs of the furniture that are without interceptor traps.
•     Interceptor cups are damaged or not clean: You should ensure that they are well functioning and clean for proper efficiency against those bloodsuckers.

Bed bug Interceptor Cups for Beds without Legs?

Bed bug interceptor traps should be placed on furniture with legs, such as beds, couches, or chairs. However, if you have a bed without legs, such as a platform bed or a mattress on the floor, there are still other types of interceptors:

Bed bug barriers: You can use a bed bug barrier, which is a smooth-sided tray that you can place underneath the bed frame or platform to prevent them from climbing up onto the bed. Those barriers are similar to interceptors, but they do not have cups to trap them.

Bed leg risers: If your bed does not have legs, you can consider using bed leg risers, which are blocks that you place underneath the bed to raise it off the ground. You can then place traps underneath the risers to trap those critters.

How to make my own Interceptor Cup?

You can create your own interceptors by using plastic containers, such as pet food dishes. Then placing them underneath the bed legs. You can then fill the containers with a sticky or slippery substance, such as talcum powder or double-sided tape, to trap bed bugs. However, this method may not be as effective as commercially available interceptor cups. If you want to know the best traps for bed bugs available online. You can check our Best Bed Bugs Traps Buying Guide.

Where to place Interceptor Cups to stop Bed bugs from biting at night?

First and foremost, you should place them in the infested room.

Place them under the bed legs and under the legs of bedside tables or furniture near the bed (chair, armchair or sofa). This will prevent bed bugs from getting in and out your bed and as a result will contain the infestation.

Make sure the bed is not against the wall or the headboard is not against the bed. As it could be a pathway to bed bugs from your bed. The footboards should be the only access for a bedbug to reach your bedding.

Conclusion:

In this article we answered the question: Can bed bugs get past interceptor cups?
Overall, cup interceptor cups can be a useful tool in detecting and monitoring bed bug activity and reducing the bed bug population. They can also isolate a bed from those bloodsuckers. However, you should use interceptor traps in combination with other pest control methods. Such as mattress encasements, vacuuming, heat and insecticide treatments, to effectively end an infestation.