What is the primary reason for using encasement in bed bug control?

The use of encasement in bed bug control primarily serves to restrict bed bugs' movement and access to their hosts. Encasements are specially designed covers that are placed over mattresses and box springs to create a barrier. This barrier prevents bed bugs from entering or exiting the encased area, thereby limiting their ability to feed on humans, which is necessary for their survival and reproduction.

Encasements do not kill bed bugs instantly; they are intended for long-term management rather than an immediate elimination method. While encasements can help in reducing new infestations by making it more difficult for bed bugs to spread and inhabit new areas, their primary function is to impede the movement of any existing bed bugs and prevent them from accessing a food source. This strategic limitation can contribute significantly to controlling a bed bug population and aiding in the overall management of an infestation by preventing them from feeding and breeding successfully within the encasement.