The position of a crawling insect trap can make a significant difference to what it captures. Cockroaches, silverfish, ants and beetles commonly follow protected edges rather than crossing the centre of an open room.
Placing traps against walls, cupboards and appliances helps intercept insects along their natural travel routes and provides more useful monitoring information.
WHY TRAP PLACEMENT MATTERS
A trap placed in the middle of a room may remain empty even when insects are active nearby. Most crawling insects prefer areas that offer darkness, shelter, food, moisture or warmth.
Correctly positioned traps can help you:
- Confirm that crawling insects are present
- Identify the most active part of a room
- Compare activity between locations
- Monitor whether control measures are working
- Retain insects for closer identification
PLACE TRAPS DIRECTLY AGAINST EDGES
Position each trap so one side sits directly against a wall, skirting board, cupboard or appliance edge. Avoid leaving a gap between the trap and the surface.
Edges provide a protected route that crawling insects are more likely to follow. This is normally more effective than placing the trap in the centre of an exposed floor.
WHERE TO PLACE TRAPS IN THE KITCHEN
Kitchens provide warmth, water and food, making them an important monitoring area.
Useful positions include:
- Underneath kitchen cupboards
- Behind the refrigerator
- Beside the cooker
- Underneath the sink
- Near the dishwasher
- Inside dry cupboards where activity has been seen
- Close to indoor bins
Keep traps away from open food, food-preparation surfaces and locations where they could become wet or covered in grease.
WHERE TO PLACE TRAPS IN THE BATHROOM
Bathrooms are particularly relevant when monitoring silverfish and other moisture-associated insects.
Position traps:
- Behind the toilet
- Underneath the sink
- Beside bath panels
- Near pipework
- Inside dry bathroom cupboards
- Along skirting boards
Do not place adhesive traps where they will be splashed. Moisture and dust can reduce the effectiveness of the adhesive surface.
WHERE TO PLACE TRAPS IN UTILITY ROOMS
Utility rooms may contain pipework, appliances, pet food and damp areas. Place traps behind washing machines, close to wall edges and underneath cupboards.
Inspect for leaks and condensation at the same time. Capturing moisture-loving insects without addressing the damp conditions may provide only temporary control.
WHERE TO PLACE TRAPS IN STORAGE AREAS
Garages, cupboards, basements and storerooms can provide undisturbed shelter for crawling insects.
Place traps along wall edges, underneath shelving and near stored cardboard. Keep the surrounding floor reasonably clear so the traps remain visible and accessible for inspection.
WHERE NOT TO PLACE CRAWLING INSECT TRAPS
Avoid positioning traps:
- In the centre of an open room
- On wet or damp surfaces
- In direct sunlight
- Where they will collect excessive dust
- Next to strong cleaning chemicals
- Where children or pets can reach them
- Where they could contaminate open food
Select a dry, sheltered and undisturbed position that remains easy to inspect.
HOW MANY CRAWLING INSECT TRAPS SHOULD YOU USE?
Use enough traps to monitor the separate areas where activity is suspected. A pack of three could be distributed behind an appliance, underneath the sink and along another wall edge.
If insects are being seen in several rooms, each room should be monitored separately. Do not place all the traps together because this provides less information about the source.
HOW TO CREATE A SIMPLE MONITORING PLAN
Write a number on each trap and record:
- The room
- The precise position
- The installation date
- The number and type of insects captured
- The replacement date
Check every trap at regular intervals. Comparing the results will show whether activity is concentrated in one location or spread across the property.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD THE TRAPS BE CHECKED?
Check new traps frequently during the initial monitoring period. Once you understand the pattern of activity, continue inspecting them regularly to identify changes.
Replace a trap after up to 12 weeks, or sooner if the adhesive surface becomes full, wet, dusty or contaminated.
WHAT DOES AN EMPTY TRAP MEAN?
An empty trap does not always prove that no insects are present. The trap may be positioned away from their travel route, or the activity may be occurring in another room or hidden area.
If sightings continue, move the trap closer to a wall edge, appliance, cupboard or suspected entry point. Avoid repeatedly relocating every trap because consistent positions make results easier to compare.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AFTER CAPTURING AN INSECT?
Examine the insect carefully and try to identify it. Inspect the surrounding area for food residue, moisture, cracks, droppings, shed skins or other evidence.
A high number of captures in one trap can help direct cleaning and proofing towards that part of the room.
Read our guide on how to get rid of crawling insects indoors.
SHOP CRAWLING INSECT TRAPS
Plant & Pest Crawling Insect Traps provide discreet, insecticide-free monitoring in kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms and other indoor areas.
Each pack contains three pre-baited traps with a long-lasting adhesive surface. They can remain effective for up to 12 weeks when used according to the supplied instructions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Should the opening face the wall?
Position the trap directly against the edge and follow the assembly instructions so insects travelling along the surface can enter it.
Can I place a trap underneath the refrigerator?
Yes, provided the location is dry, accessible and does not expose the trap to moving parts or excessive heat.
Can traps be used in bathrooms?
Yes, but they must remain dry. Place them near protected wall edges, pipework or cupboards rather than where they will be splashed.
Should I move a trap if it catches nothing?
If insect sightings continue, reposition it closer to a likely travel route. Keep a record of the new position so results remain meaningful.
THE BEST PLACE FOR A CRAWLING INSECT TRAP
The best position is directly against a protected edge near suspected activity. Focus on cupboards, appliances, pipework, skirting boards and other dark or sheltered locations.
Use several numbered traps across different areas and compare the captures. This turns the traps into a useful monitoring system rather than relying on individual sightings.
