Bed Bugs FAQ

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Bed Bug Questions and Answers

11. Would bed bugs be able to feed through or burrow into mattress encasement fabric?

  • If the encasement is not constructed adequately, yes. Not all encasements are created equal. Make sure the encasement you are purchasing has been laboratory tested for the prevention of bed bugs escaping, getting into or feeding through the encasement and/or fabric.

12. Will the bed bugs caught beneath be able to survive? How long?

  • Bed bugs properly encased will eventually die from starvation.
  • The adult bed bug, depending on conditions, can live for over a year without a blood meal.
  • The nymphs (babies) can live up to three months without a blood meal.
  • Needless to say, the performance of your encasement is vital to keep these insects inside or out of your bed, depending on when you encase your property.

13. Would bed bugs be able to climb/walk on this fabric?

  • Bed bugs are good climbers. Yes, they can walk and climb on almost any surface.

14. Would bed bugs find it attractive or repellent compared to a standard sheet or other fabric?

  • The term “attractive” or “repellent” implies there is some property of the fabric that modifies the behavior of the insect. I have not seen any research establishing whether this behavior modification occurs.

15. If I use bedding encasements, do I have to treat my mattress with an insecticide?

  • No, you do not HAVE TO treat the mattress.
  • If the encasement is being used as a preventative measure, prior to any known infestation, there is no reason to treat the mattress or bed with an insecticide.
  • If you have an infestation your PMP may treat the mattress and box spring with an insecticide labeled for this use. They will then encase these items to ensure any insects or eggs in/on the mattress and box spring surviving the treatment are sufficiently isolated in order to prevent them from feeding further.

16. Can I exterminate bed bugs in my home simply by using bedding encasements?

  • If bed bugs are infesting your mattress and box spring, you can “exterminate” them by simply encasing your items in laboratory tested bed bug encasements. (see answer 7 above).
  • Encasements will not exterminate insects in other areas of the room or if not inside a laboratory.

17. Will this product help me “know” if I have bed bugs?

  • Encasements will eliminate one common area of an infestation and as such, inspection of a premises is restricted to the exterior of the encasement, where it is easier to deal with.
  • If you have encased your mattress and box spring after you suspect an infestation and in preparation of your PMP inspecting the room, it may be possible for any trapped insects to be viewed and collected by your PMP for identification.

18. Wouldn’t it be hot or noisy if I cover my bed with this product?

  • Some products are hot and noisy. The fabric or material may lend itself to this experience. However, a high quality, laboratory tested bed bug product can in fact be soft, quiet and luxurious.

Cited Literature
Mallis, A. 2004. Ectoparasites, Part Three: Bed Bugs & Kissing Bugs, Chapter 8. In: Handbook of Pest Control. 9th addition. Pg: 495-530.
Smith, E.H. and R.C. Whitman. 1992. Blood Feeders, Chapter 3. In: NPCA Field Guide to Structural Pests. Pg: 3.1.1-3.1.2.
Pinto, L.J., R. Cooper, and S.K. Kraft. 2007. Bed Bug Handbook: The Complete Guide to Bed Bugs and Their Control.
Getty, G.M., V.R. Lewis, Ph.D., and R.T. Taylor. 2008. Hot House: Control of Bed Bugs using Heat. PCT Magazine, February 2008.
Ishaaya, I., D. Degheele 1998. Insecticides with novel modes of action: mechanisms and application. 289 pages. Springer Publishing.