<p>There has been alot of discussion about bed bug prevention in dorms. Does anyone know if the specialized mattress/pillow covers are effective?
[Amazon.com:</a> AllerZip Waterproof Bed Bug Proof Zippered Bedding Encasement, Twin XL Size (Fits 7 - 12 in. H): Bedding & Bath](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/AllerZip-Waterproof-Zippered-Bedding-Encasement/dp/B000VNLHG2/ref=sr_1_3?s=bedbath&ie=UTF8&qid=1284901258&sr=1-3]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/AllerZip-Waterproof-Zippered-Bedding-Encasement/dp/B000VNLHG2/ref=sr_1_3?s=bedbath&ie=UTF8&qid=1284901258&sr=1-3)</p>
<p>They do not work for what you want. They protect the mattress from needing to be treated or disposed if they discover bed bugs in the room, they do not really protect the occupants unless there are already bed bugs on/in the mattress, and even then who would want to sleep on live bed bugs… Most colleges have mattresses that are much more easily treatable than home mattresses anyhow… So in my opinion, in this case they don’t really provide needed protection for the occupants or the mattresses…</p>
<p>We’ve used these mattress (and pillow) allergy covers for years, due to family allergies and asthma. If anyone here does decide to use them for whatever purpose (and it seems that a lot of the companies that have been in business for allergies are now adding bed-bug protection due to all the media articles on this), just want to caution that for maximum effectiveness for allergies, it is good to put tape over the zippers: dust mites can get out through the zipper.</p>
<p>As for bed bugs, it is true that bed bugs cannot get in through these covers, and they also can’t get out…</p>
<p>Just FYI - Bed Bugs like to live near sleeping areas but that is by no means limited to beds. Every tiny crack is a potential hiding and living space. </p>
<p>Trained dogs are very good at detecting them and may be very practical for sleeping areas as complicated as dorms. </p>
<p>Heat over 120 for about 30 min (or a little higher / a little longer) seams to kill them easily, thats why washing belongings in hot water works, but it’s very hard to get every crack and crevice in an entire room (never-mine hallway or apartment) to be that hot, that long.</p>
<p>Don’t spray yourself - conventional insect repellents do not appear to be effective against bed bugs.</p>
<p>I have heard that some places have the students out by 9am and back by 5pm, time will tell but I’m really don’t understand how a treatment on that time schedule can be effective.</p>
<p>Last but not least - remember that many of the major concerns about Bed Bugs are psychological… No one wants to be bitten by a bug while they sleep and they are a “nocturnal human parasite” but so is a mosquito, and to date a mosquito is much more dangerous because they have the potential to carry many diseases, and for now bed bugs do not appear to be a vector for any diseases… But I do hate them…</p>
<p>For those of you who may want more info - I always recommend Michael F. Potter, Extension Entomologist at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. He is always able to communicate the most practical up to date information available…
[Bed</a> Bugs | University of Kentucky Entomology](<a href=“Entomology”>Entomology)</p>
<p>PS: When I travel I always inspect the mattress and behind the headboard of every hotel room I intend to sleep in.</p>
<p>I’ve read complaints about those AllerZip mattress protectors ripping easily. I decided to go with Allergy Luxe, from Bed Bath & Beyond, and am installing them today. I was planning on taping over the zipper, too, as bed bugs have been known to get through zippers. Yes, I know I may be trapping some bugs inside, but after a year or so, they should finally die. I don’t want to sleep on a “treated mattress”, plus I’ll sleep better knowing they can no longer get into my mattress or boxspring. Any area within a few feet of the bed is suspect. My D actually found them in the hem of window curtain, at the foot of her bed. Sneaky little critters!</p>
<p>My son’s dorm had them. They moved 10 rooms to temporary housing. They treated those rooms and the surrounding rooms. They sprayed two or three times, when kids were on breaks (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.) I <em>think</em> they got rid of them.</p>
<p>“Any area within a few feet of the bed is suspect.” - thats true if you consider a few feet to be the same as the next room over… :)</p>