A discrete and safe automated insect monitoring system includes a housing, an interior chamber within the housing, and a light source arranged within the housing to illuminate at least a portion of a floor surface of the interior chamber. A multi-pixel optical sensor is arranged within the housing so that a field of view of the sensor comprehends a substantial portion of the floor surface. A processing circuit arranged within the housing receives optical data from the multi-pixel optical sensor, analyzes the optical data to detect the intrusion of an insect or other object into the interior chamber by comparing most recently received optical data to previously received optical data, and generates an indication in response to detecting the intrusion of an insect or other object. Detection and/or classification results can be wirelessly forwarded to another device, to alert appropriate personnel.
