How NightWatch Works

NightWatch is a state-of-the-art bedbug trap and monitor. It uses the same lures that attract bedbugs to humans: CO2, a scented lure, and warmth.

It features rugged steel and plastic base construction, electronic controls, cutting-edge CO2 release technology, a proprietary odor lure, and a proprietary thermal lure.

It uses energy efficient 24V (low voltage) power, and readily available 20-oz. CO2 bottles (purchased separately). It is virtually silent, has a low CO2 alert, and automatically restarts after a power interruption.

Humans and warm-blooded animals attract all biting insects, including bedbugs and mosquitoes, because they exhale CO2, emit odors from the skin and mouth and radiate body heat. Bedbugs are attracted to the head most of all, the source of the CO2.

NightWatch mimics a small animal or human. They are attracted to the machine which gives off CO2, odor and heat, climb up a felt lined ramp on either side, and fall into a chamber with slick vertical walls from which they cannot escape. Bedbugs eat only blood from animals or humans, and need it every 7 days or so to mature and remain active.

The NightWatch package includes the NightWatch (housing, 2 pitfall traps, CO2 release mechanism, electronic control, low voltage cord with transformer, and 4 scented lures. The package weighs 4 lbs. and measures 7" x 7" x 14". 

You must also purchase a small CO2 bottle (16 oz. to 32 oz, with 20 oz the most common) and replace it when empty. The 20 oz. bottle lasts 6 days, the 32 0z. 10 days. The CO2 bottle and refills can be purchased at Lowes, Dunhams and Paintball stores. An example is shown at left. Size is 10.5" x 3.12". Total weight when full is about 45 oz. See Setup and Use for more info.

This unit will effectively attract bedbugs in a 16' x 16' room. Additional units may be required for larger rooms/suites.

NightWatch attracted and caught many bed bugs in one field trial. These were tests of prototype traps by a respected state agricultural experiment station in an extremely infested, multi-unit dwelling that had received professional chemical and steam treatments before the trials.

Click to view the Operating Manual.