What does isolating your bed mean?

Applying bed bug proof mattress and box spring covers.

Washing and drying on extended high heat all bedding and pillows. (The Packtite is perfect for heating your pillows and/or blankets to 130 for 4-6 hours and killing all bugs and eggs)

Moving the bed 6 inches from the wall and any furniture.

Do not allow any blankets to touch the ground or wall.

Placing the bed legs in Climb-Up monitors to prevent bed bugs from getting up the bed legs but not allowing them to climb out so you can monitor activity without reinfesting your bed.

In order to not reinfest your bed you must be meticulous about getting into bed freshly showered/bathed including hair every time and clean your feet thoroughly before letting them touch the bed.

If you are going to wear pajamas to bed they must be freshly laundered and come from a clean sealed bag.

Do not start sleeping on the couch or sofa if you have bed bugs in your bed. You will either bring them to the sofa or they will follow you there.

Whether and when to isolate your bed is a big decision and somewhat controversial. Here are the reasons you may or may not want to isolate your bed.

• Chemical treatment relies on the bugs biting you. (typically in bed)

• After feeding they can be four times heavier and makes them full and drag their bellies on the ground. This is how they get the residual pesticide on them, as they do not "groom" or lick their legs.

• If you don't allow this to happen the entire process takes even longer. ...continued below

If you are having chemical (Pesticide) treatment to kill bedbugs you should talk to your Pest Control Company to discuss the best time to isolate your bed.

Benefits of isolating your bed:

You can sleep! This is a big one and hard to resist if you've had bed bugs for some time and are suffering from sleep deprivation.

Drawbacks of isolating your bed:

The bugs will still be hungry and WILL seek you out in other locations around your home.

Mattress Encasements

These mattress encasements are specially designed and university tested to prevent bed bugs from getting in or out of your mattress and boxspring.

Bed Bugs don't typically live "inside" a mattress but live on the seams, piping and inside the box spring casing, wood frame, screw holes, and inside your pillow case.

These encasements are the only brand to have passed every test by university entomology departments to keep bed bugs trapped. They are surprisingly light and comfortable, and nothing remotely like a plastic cover. The fabric is breathable yet very durable if handled reasonably. Once on and zipped, it's for life.

You do not need to throw away your mattress and boxspring if you use encasements. You should always check or have a professional inspect every inch of your bed frame and headboard. Use a flashlight and a magnifying glass if you attempt to inspect yourself.

Additionally any furniture, pictures, books, fabric near your bed should be carefully inspected as bed bugs will spread away from the bed as their population grows.