Mechatronic Bedbug Attractor : Attracting bedbugs using the principles of human breathing

Sammanfattning: Bedbugs are insects which exclusively feed on the blood of humans and other large animals. Bedbug infestations are a growing problem in modern society and some of the current solutions involve humans acting as bait to lure the bedbugs out of their nests. Research indicates that bedbugs are attracted to, among other things, the increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) that humans emit. This project aimed to create a machine that was able to simulate human breathing to a point where it could be used as a human substitute to a human during treatment for bedbug infestations. The prototype was based on diaphragmatic breathing and a pump mechanism was built which breathes air in and out. The machine’s purpose was to manipulate the air by adding a specific amount of CO2 and humidity. To control the levels of CO2 and humidity, a control system was designed. The system was tested with the goal of being able to maintain a specified level of CO2 and humidity over a longer period of time. Tests found that CO2-levels were possible to regulate with relative ease, however the chosen components for the humidity-system was found to not be effective in regards of rapidly increasing the humidity to the levels that can be found in human exhaled air.