Post-Treatment Protection
They are small, oval-shaped insects (about the size of an apple seed), typically reddish-brown. Look for dark spots (droppings) on bedding, shed skins, or tiny white eggs. If unsure, compare with photos like this one.

Adult Bed Bug
Yes, especially if the infestation was heavy. Steaming will force a lot of bed bugs to move around to avoid the heat.
Not all bugs will encounter the powder instantly. Over time, as they move around, they will cross treated surfaces.
The best way to know the bed bugs are completely gone is if you stop getting bites. Bed bugs feed every few days, so if you go two to three weeks without any new bites, it’s a strong sign the infestation is gone.
For added peace of mind, keep using your mattress cover and ensure your bed remains isolated from walls and furniture. Since our Diatomaceous Earth (DE) powder and bed leg traps provide continuous protection, any remaining bed bugs will be eliminated before they can reach you.
If no bites occur over time, you can be confident that your home is bed bug-free.
Fresh bite marks, new droppings, or live bugs mean some are still present. You might just need to re-check and possibly re-treat any areas where the product may have been removed or where bed bugs could have been missed.
After applying our DIY bed bug treatment, you should check for bed bugs once a week to ensure it is working effectively. Look for any signs of bed bug activity, such as live bugs, shed skins, fecal spots, or new bites.
Other than normal housekeeping, not really. Avoid cleaning the treated surfaces. Keep an eye out for signs of bed bugs, and if you move furniture or redecorate, you might want to re-treat any newly exposed cracks.
No. Regular cleaning is fine. Just remember that vacuuming or mopping the exact spots you treated can remove some product. If you do a deep clean, consider reapplying in critical areas to maintain protection.
No. Its designed to be low-odour and non-staining. If you are concerned, test a small, hidden patch of fabric or carpet first. Most users report no visible or smelly residue at all.
Sarah says
Hi I have underbed storage bed with a pull up frame. Do I just put the powder on the floor as the frame has no legs, just planks along all sides? Also, how much do I need to do one room with a queen size bed? Thanks
Tony Abrahams says
Hi Sarah. If you dont have bed legs then you can dust the powder at the base of the bed. That will kill bed bugs in the room that try to get onto your bed. But it does take 7 days to kill them so you will still be bitten for a few weeks. I bottle is enough for a queen bed. Dont use the powder on your sleeping mattress because its a silica dust. You need a mattress cover. Regards BBB
JANICE MATHERS says
Can you tell me the crystalline content of diatomaceous earth used in Bed Bug Barrier?
Regards Jan Mathers
Tony Abrahams says
Hi Jan. The crystalline conent of our Diatomaceous Earth is under 4%. Remember to wear a mask. Regards Tony
Kristina says
What is the difference between the mattress cover for dust mites and the one for bed bugs? Do you need both if have allergies?
Tony Abrahams says
Hi Kristina,
Dust mite covers work for both dust mites and bed bugs because they are tightly woven to block tiny particles and pests. However, bed bug covers are specifically designed to trap and prevent bed bugs, so they don’t block allergens. If you have allergies, a dust mite cover is the better choice.
Regards,
BBB
Donald Z says
Hi how do I clean up the diatomaceous earth afterwards? I have carpet and have read that DE can damage vacuum cleaners.
Tony Abrahams says
Hi Donald. I have never heard that DE can damage vacuum cleaners. You only need a very light dusting of powder so that won’t affect a vacuum. Regards Tony
Su says
Can you put the bed bug killer powder inside the full mattress encasement? And if so, how long do I need to leave the fully encased mattress cover on for when it needs to be washed?
Bed Bug Barrier says
Hi Su. No you shouldn’t put powder inside the mattress cover. Keep the cover on for at least a year before removing it.
Laura says
How often should you wash the dust mite mattress encasement and the quilt and pillow dust mite covers?
Do you need to put a material mattress protector on top of mattress encasement or is it better to just use the mattress encasement?
Bed Bug Barrier says
Hi Laura. You should wash the covers every two weeks to stop the dust mite life cycle. You can use a mattress protector on top of the encasement but it’s not necessary. Regards Tony
Arthur Clark English says
Can electric blankets be used over the top of bed bug barrier mattress protectors?
Bed Bug Barrier says
Hi Arthur.
Yes you can use an electric blanket on top of our mattress covers.
Regards Bed Bug Barrier
Tony Abrahams says
Hi Arthur. Yes. Our mattress covers can be used over an electric blanket. Regards Tony
Natasha says
Hi, just wondering is your bed bug killer safe enough to be used on a baby’s cot?
Bed Bug Barrier says
Hi Natasha.
The Bed Bug Killer powder is safe to use on cots but it’s important to only place the dust in cracks and crevices where the bed bugs live.
Regards
Bed Bug Barrier Team
Zoe says
Hi there, do your bed bug mattress protectors work against fleas? Thanks, Zoe
Bed Bug Barrier says
Hi Zoe.
Our Bed Bug covers do not work against fleas. If you like a mattress cover that protects against fleas then you can buy our Dust Mite covers here https://www.bedbugbarrier.com.au/product/dust-mite-mattress-covers/
Regards
Bed Bug Barrier
Adrian says
Do the dust mite mattress covers protect against bed bugs?
Bed Bug Barrier says
Hi Adrian. Yes our Dust Mite covers protect against Bed Bugs, Dust Mites, Scabies, Carpet Beetles, Incontinence and Fleas