Bed bugs are thigmotactic and prefer to hide in cracks and crevices, and along edges and folds. Also, textured surfaces (e.g. wood, fabric) are preferred to smooth metal, plastic or tiled surfaces. Replacing wooden bed frames with plastic or metal frames, encasing mattresses and box springs, sealing holes and cracks on walls and the floor, removing items from around beds and sofas, replacing carpets with solid flooring and removing skirting are useful measures for reducing the number of harbourages. Specially designed encasements are available that are bite proof, escape proof and entry proof. Encasing mattresses and box springs with bed bug-proof encasements will trap existing bed bugs inside where they will starve and die. In addition, encasements prevent additional bed bugs from getting inside mattresses and box springs. Also, the smooth exterior of the encasement makes bed bug inspection much easier. In the event that infested beds are discarded, encasements can be used to protect replacement beds from becoming infested by bed bugs still present in other parts of the dwelling.
Environmentally Sound Bed Bug Management Solutions
by Changlu Wang and Richard Cooper
http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~insects/WangCooper2011BedbugbookChapter4.pdf
Bed bugs have become a serious pest in urban communities throughout the world. They are proving to be one of the most challenging urban pests facing pest management professionals, largely owing to the lack of effective pesticides and a lack of public awareness that has enabled bed bugs to spread at alarming rates. Non-chemical techniques and tools, and integrated pest management strategies are gaining popularity as they impose less environmental impact than pesticide driven programmes. This chapter discusses the use of ‘lowimpact’ tools and methods. Also, a community-wide programme for effective bed bug management in society is explained.