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Can they live inside pillows?

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bugbasher

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Posted 5 years ago
Sun Dec 23 2007 20:32:47
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Hi, I've had 2 sightings on my pillow,just wondering if they can come and go at will from a pillow?I bought an allergen pillow protector with 240 thread count,zippered closure,and an allergen barrier? The ones I saw were not nymphs,they were I'm guessing juvenile stage or adults.I'm not an expert yet,lol,so not sure and I didn't ask their ages.It just freaked me out thinking they were living in the pillow,even though I can't see how they could get in and out.This pillow is brand new,bought about 2-4 weeks ago,so no holes or anything.What do you think?If they can get into a brand new pillow,does the pillow protector offer any protection? Not sre of the thread count of the pillow itself,but filled with foam and doesn't squash much.I bought it since my poodle likes to hump pillows.This one is unhumpable he's tried,lol.Please help...
paulaw0919

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Posted 5 years ago
Sun Dec 23 2007 20:49:08
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Do you have the zipper end of the pillow cover duct taped? If not, yes they can go in and out of the pillow. Personally I would buy a cheap $5-7 pillow from Target or Walmart and buy a National Allergy pillow case cover for it before use. I would (and still have) duct tape on the zipper ends of the cases.
I made the mistake during my infestation of just putting my pillows in the dryer for an hour and it didn't kill the buggers inside, for after treatments I was still getting bit on my face and neck.
The NA pillow covers are nice and seem pretty good and not too expensive. I hope this helps, best.
bugbasher

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Posted 5 years ago
Sun Dec 23 2007 21:36:05
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Hi Paula, I had no idea they could get ih and out.I just got the pillow protector.Can I put it on the old pillow for the time being? If there are bugs in there it'll keep them in ,right?Should I wash said pillow to remove them first? Let me know...
nyjammin

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Posted 5 years ago
Sun Dec 23 2007 22:09:54
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BugBasher: Best to chuck the pillow, get a cheap pillow from kmart, target, etc., encase the pillow w/NA pillow protector that used to keep dust allergins out and duct tape the zipper. You do not wanna sleep on a pillow that has bbs, believe me.
paulaw0919

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Posted 5 years ago
Sun Dec 23 2007 23:14:16
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Basher..I wouldn't chance it. I would replace the pillow and put a NA cover on it and duct tape the end zipper part. It's too risky. If a nymph can get in and out of the pillow/zipper etcc then they will never cross pesticide and die, but just congregate in your pillow to grow a new infestation and eventually spread. If you cannot get a new pillow and case in the next day or so, I would put the pillow in the dryer on HOT HOT for as long as possible (1-2hrs) then encase it with a cheap cover from Walmart/Target and Duct tape the entire zipper on it from one end to the other until the new cover from NA comes in and you can get a new pillow. I would buy the new pillow and case as soon as you can though.
I remember seeing on Coopers site a while back how nymphs can actually go through the zipper teeth themselves on some zippers. That's why I recommend the NA ones. I haven't had a problem with those. I understand it's probably not what you want to hear at this time with Holidays and all, but it's what I would do based on my experience. I hope this helps.
Nobugsonme

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Posted 5 years ago
Mon Dec 24 2007 0:47:36
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National Allergy has a new pillow which does not need a cover--it is designed to keep everything out --no seams. I have not seen one, this is a new thing. But it seems like a good idea. The pillow itself is made with the same material as used for some of the bed bug proof encasements (BedCare Elegance line).

I have not added them to the useful stuff page yet since they have not added the bed bug labeling, but I did confirm they were of the same material. You can see them via this link (and purchase at a discount offered to our readers if you are interested). I have not seen any other pillows that did not need encasing to keep out bed bugs.