Interceptors are vital tools when it comes to bed bug management, but some do require additional maintenance to work effectively. In order for some under-the-leg interceptors to work correctly, you will need to properly maintain them, however, there are free-standing interceptors that offer little maintenance as well.

Under-the-Leg Interceptor Maintenance

As described in our previous blog, under-the-leg interceptors offer various benefits and drawbacks compared to free-standing interceptors, and the same goes for the maintenance of them. Under-the-leg interceptors tend to need additional maintenance compared to that of free-standing interceptors.

Maintenance of ClimbUp® Interceptors

ClimbUp® interceptors require specific instructions for maintenance that differs from the BlackOut® interceptor. It is important that the steps be carefully followed in order to not jeopardize the quality and effectiveness of the interceptor. Follow the directions below to properly handle and maintain the ClimbUp® interceptor.

Handling and Cleaning of the ClimbUp®

• Every 2-4 weeks you should clean out the traps to prevent dust build-up and also to remove any bed bugs that may have been captured by the trap. Use EXTREME CAUTION when handling the interceptor that may contain live bed bugs.
• Carefully remove the interceptor from under the legs of the furniture.
• Wash the interceptor in soapy water to fully immerse all of the bugs. Then dump the soapy water containing the bed bugs into the toilet. You may need to repeat this several times to remove all of the bed bugs from the device.
• Once all of the bugs have been removed from the interceptor, flush the toilet. Do not flush any physical items down the toilet, instead place those items in a sealed bag for disposal outside.
• Next, fully dry the entire interceptor with a paper towel or microfiber cloth. Ensure that both walls and wells are completely dry prior to re-lubricating the traps.

Re-lubricating the ClimbUp®

• Necessary maintenance may require you to re-talc the ClimbUp® every few weeks to ensure its effectiveness.
• After the ClimbUp® has been properly cleaned and dried, you can re-apply the talcum powder.
  • To re-apply the talcum powder, hold the exterior wall of the interceptor and use a cotton ball to carefully apply the powder to the interior inner walls.
  • As described in the instructions, the cotton ball containing the talcum powder should be gently brushed along the walls of both inner wells so that there is a very thin dust-like film of talc on the walls.

Maintenance of BlackOut® Interceptors

The maintenance of BlackOut® interceptors is slightly similar to the process used for the ClimbUp®, however you do not need to re-apply any talcum powder to the walls. Since the design of the BlackOut® already has textured walls, there’s no need to apply a powder.

You can follow the directions for handling and cleaning of the ClimbUp® when you are cleaning the BlackOut®. If you just notice some dust collection building up, you can use a microfiber cloth to clean it out every 2-4 weeks. Again, unlike the ClimbUp®, there’s no need to apply powder to the BlackOut® for maintenance.

Free-Standing Interceptor Maintenance

Maintenance for free-standing interceptors, like the SenSci Volcano™, is extremely minimal. Perhaps, you can even consider the SenSci Volcanos maintenance-free to some degree since it is designed to not collect dust and doesn’t require powder application.

Maintenance of SenSci Volcano™

If using a SenSci Activ™ bed bug lure inside of your Volcano, maintenance should be performed every 2-3 months due to the life expectancy of the lure. Below are instructions for handling and maintenance of the SenSci Volcanos.

How to Handle and Maintain the SenSci Volcano™

• If using SenSci Activ™ bed bug lures, be sure to replace the lure every 2-3 months and maintenance can be performed at that time.
• Inspect the Volcano as per our previous blog on “How to Inspect SenSci Activ Volcanos.”
• Once inspection has been completed, carefully open the Volcano over a toilet or trash receptacle in order to catch any hidden bed bugs. If using a trash receptacle, be sure to remove the bag from the home to prevent any potential bed bugs from escaping back into the home.
• After proper disposal, you can replace the old SenSci Activ™ lure inside the Volcano with a fresh packet. Then snap the Volcano back together and continue to use.

Regardless of which interceptor you use within your bed bug management program, always be sure to properly perform the required maintenance in order to maintain the effectiveness of the interceptor.

Check out SenSci’s how-to videos for more information on the products. If you’re looking to purchase interceptors for your business, contact your local distributor.