Bed bug trap and monitor

Abstract

A trapping device and method for capturing and monitoring the existence and behavior of crawling insects, such as bed bugs, is provided. The trapping device has a textured two-dimensional surface with one or more triangular entrance areas, where one of the triangular sections functions as a base, one or more wing sections, connected to either one the base or to another wing section by a neck; and a collecting area connected to one or more wing sections by a bridge. The trapping device can further include a support structure, and can be enclosed in a case with one or more entrances. The trapping device can also comprise a catching area that can optionally include an adhesive for immobilizing the insects.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A trap for capturing insects comprising a textured two-dimensional surface, the surface comprising a first surface material and a second surface material. 
     
     
         20 . The trap of  claim 19 , wherein the surface is substantially vertical. 
     
     
         21 . The trap of  claim 19 , wherein the first surface material comprises one or more of paper, paper board, cardboard, loop material, fabric, felt, wood, fiberboard, or fiberglass. 
     
     
         22 . The trap of  claim 19 , wherein the second surface material comprises one or more of plastic, glass, or metal. 
     
     
         23 . The trap of  claim 19 , wherein the first surface material is preferred by the insects for walking and the second surface material is not preferred by the insects for walking. 
     
     
         24 . The trap of  claim 19 , the surface further comprising
 one or more triangular sections, wherein one of the triangular sections comprises a base;   one or more wing sections, each wing section being connected to either one or more triangular sections or to another wing section by a neck; and   a collecting area connected to one or more wing sections by a bridge.   
     
     
         25 . The trap of  claim 24 , wherein the trap comprises two or three wing sections. 
     
     
         26 . The trap of  claim 24 , wherein the wing sections comprise one or more wings defined by angled bottom and top edges, wherein the bottom and top edges of the wings are angled upward. 
     
     
         27 . The trap of  claim 19 , further comprising a catching area with an agent capable of immobilizing insects. 
     
     
         28 . The trap of  claim 19 , further comprising a case that encloses the surface on at least four sides, the case comprising one or more entrance openings. 
     
     
         29 . The trap of  claim 28 , wherein the first surface material and second surface material extend out of the case through the one or more entrance openings. 
     
     
         30 . The trap of  claim 19 , further comprising a case enclosed on at least four sides with one or more entrance openings and the first surface material and second surface material are connected to at least one entrance opening. 
     
     
         31 . The trap of  claim 28 , wherein the case is opaque. 
     
     
         32 . The trap of  claim 28 , the case further comprising a catching area with an adhesive agent capable of immobilizing insects. 
     
     
         33 . The trap of  claim 28 , wherein the case comprises a material with a smooth surface. 
     
     
         34 . The trap of  claim 28 , wherein the case comprises plastic, glass, or metal. 
     
     
         35 . The trap of  claim 28 , wherein the insects comprise bed bugs. 
     
     
         36 . The trap of  claim 28 , wherein the case comprises a material with a dark color and the catching area comprises a material with a light color. 
     
     
         37 . The trap of  claim 27 , wherein the agent comprises an adhesive. 
     
     
         38 . The trap of  claim 27 , wherein the agent comprises an insecticide. 
     
     
         39 . The trap of  claim 24 , wherein the collecting area comprises an insecticide. 
     
     
         40 . The trap of  claim 24 , wherein the wing sections are defined by edges and wherein at least some of the edges comprise a repellent. 
     
     
         41 . The trap of  claim 19 , further comprising an attractant for bed bugs. 
     
     
         42 . The trap of  claim 41 , wherein the attractant is selected from the group consisting of heat, carbon dioxide, pheromones, host odors, and mixtures thereof 
     
     
         43 . The trap of  claim 42 , wherein the attractant is a bed bug aggregation or arrestment pheromone.