How The Bed Bug Beacon Monitor Works

The new product called the Bed Bug Beacon, manufactured by the same company that brought us the PackTite Bed Bug Heater, harnesses the attractive power of carbon dioxide to monitor and trap bed bugs during an infestation.  The unit relies on proven studies that have shown that bed bugs use the carbon dioxide we exhale while breathing to locate us for their next blood meal.  Carbon Dioxide, illustrated in the video below, instantly re-activates inactivate bed bugs and draws the bugs towards the trail of CO2. 

When mixed with warm water, the included packets create a steady stream of carbon dioxide in the chamber (bottle). The gas is then released through the tube and out at the pitfall trap, which bed bugs can easily climb into but cannot escape.

The Bed Bug Beacon should be used in unoccupied rooms only, as the CO2 production from the device may not effectively compete with amounts produced by a human.

Target Pests

Bed Bugs

Target Uses of Bed Bug Beacon Monitor for Bed Bugs

Use the Bed Bug Beacon in any unoccupied rooms where bed bug activity is suspected. This may be especially useful in unused bedrooms in homes, in apartment buildings, and in hotels. Larger rooms will require multiple units, and the Beacon should be placed close to suspected areas of infestation, such as along baseboards and in corners. The monitor should be used for at least 11 days for best results.

ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Mixing packets create CO2. No insecticidal ingredients.

Application Instructions

Always read the product label completely before use.

Mixing:

1. Remove all contents from box.

2. Remove cap from CO2 PRODUCTION CHAMBER (bottle).

3. Add contents of one CO2 MIX A packet.

4. Add contents of one CO2 MIX B packet.

5. Add lukewarm water (68-86 °F/20-30 °C) to the level line.

6. Replace cap and swirl gently for 30 seconds.

Assembly:

1. Remove roof of pitfall monitor. Unscrew dropper bottle lid. Squeeze 3 drops of oil into bottom of the well. Replace the monitor lid over the well.

2. Slide one end of the CO2-resistant tubing firmly over spout on lid of CO2 PRODUCTION CHAMBER. NOTE: Slide end of tube past the first line on the spout. If necessary, soften the tubing by holding it under hot water for 15 seconds.

3. Insert the other end of tubing into the hole in the pitfall monitor lid. The end of the tubing should protrude no more than 1/2 inch into the hole in the lid.

Placement:

1. Place CO2 PRODUCTION CHAMBER on floor or on flat level surface in the area to be monitored.

2. Place pitfall monitor close to any known bedbug harborage or areas likely to have bedbug activity (baseboards, furniture, mattress, headboard, etc.).

NOTE: Three Bedbug Beacon monitors are suggested for a standard room (16 ft. x 16 ft.).

3. Check the monitor at convenient intervals. (The Bedbug Beacon system is designed to produce carbon dioxide for at least 5 days).

4. When the solution in the CO2 PRODUCTION CHAMBER turns from a milky color to clear and bubbles are no longer visible (usually after 5 days), test the CO2 production by removing the tubing from the lid of the pitfall trap and submerging it in a glass of water. If no bubbles are observed, rinse the CO2 PRODUCTION CHAMBER and follow MIXING instructions (above) using fresh CO2 MIX (A and B) packets.

5. After monitoring is complete, disassemble and clean the apparatus.

Each Bed Bug Beacon kit includes all required materials except water. Two sets of CO2 packets are included to produce a total of approximately 11 days of monitoring. Most rooms will require multiple Bed Bug Beacons for best results.

Standard Application Rates

*Use 3 bedbug beacons for a room 16 ft. x 16 ft.

*Each mixture products CO2 for at least 5 days.

For use in the following areas:

Residential and commercial areas where bed bugs are suspected

Indoors-

Use in rooms where bed bug activity has been observed or is suspected. The Bed Bug Beacon is most effective when used in unoccupied rooms so that human-created heat and CO2 does not compete with the trap.

Outdoors-

Do not use the Bed Bug Beacon outdoors.

Bed Bug Beacon Features

• Provides early detection of bedbug infestations
• Allows around-the-clock monitoring
• Enables ongoing monitoring after treatment
• Economical and reusable
• Detects adults and nymphs
• Each monitor comes with packets to create CO2 for 11 days.
• Components may be washed and reused.

Extra Tips

• Bedbug Beacon is for detection ONLY and is not designed for bedbug pest control.
• Operate in ambient temperature conditions of at least 70 degrees F. Colder ambient temperatures may prevent adequate production of CO2.
• Locate monitors where they will not be knocked over or otherwise spilled.
• Do not fill the CO2 production chamber past the fill line.
• Do not use with any materials not included with the system.
• Do not use dish soap or detergent to clean the CO2 production chamber.
• Always use fresh CO2 Mix packets when re-assembling the system.