Bed bugs don't like silk?

[oldtimer]

A friend who has spent many nights in mountain huts, hostels and cheap hotels while walking in wilder parts of Europe tells me that she always uses a silk sleeping bag liner because it keeps bed bugs at bay. I had never heard of this before but it intrigued me because although I prefer to sleep out rather than under a roof, I got to wondering if a silk liner would also deter other creepy crawlies and flying insects.

I personally don't like liners but have sometimes used a cotton one on its own in hot weather as a protection against flies etc. I am also reluctant to splash out on a silk liner given their high price. However, I could be converted if a silk liner could double up as a bug deterrent. Does anyone else have a view on the merits of silk liners?

 

[British Red]

Silk underwear was popular historically because lice wouldn't live in it unlike cotton so there is some basis for this.

 

[mrcharly]

A bit of googling suggests that there is some truth to the idea, but mostly because silk is easy to air out (actually place out in the sun so UV can do its thing).

 

[Old Bones]

Bed bugs are horrible creatures, and I doubt that a silk liner will do much good, and since they like to hide in luggage, etc (hence the reason why you should always check your hotel room before you unpack your bags), even if they dont get you then, they might get you later.

My wife got given Lifeventure insecticide impregnated bag liners when she goes on overseas trips for work, and I suppose they might give you an edge. Perhaps something like this: http://www.cocoon.at/eng/show.php?doc=frameset&page=cocoon_ckat2&kat=11&prod=0

We've been hit 3 times by the horrible things (thanks to our neighbours!), and if you have a problem, then order from these guys: http://www.pestcontroldirect.co.uk/acatalog/Pest_Control_Direct_Bed_Bugs_28.html

I've bought a load of their stuff, and it works (if you are hit, get the biggest pack you can and then go nuclear). Possible worth buying some of the aerosol stuff, so you can treat any packs, etc, before you get home.

 

[spencermoseley]

Totally agree. "Bed bugs are horrible creatures".