,

HARBOURAGE SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a harbourage means system for regulating or preventing the migration of insects, and more particularly to a harbourage means for regulating or preventing the migration of bed bugs.

Background to the Invention

Although once thought to have been eradicated, bed bug populations have risen in recent times. Bed bugs are wingless small insects, around four to five millimetres in length, and feed mainly during the night on sleeping humans.

Those bitten by bed bugs usually have a skin reaction which is inflamed and itchy. The bites can appear as raised lumps or welts around one to two centimetres In diameter. Persistent biting can lead to sleepless nights and a great deal of discomfort. Anaphylaxis can occur in some people who suffer from severe allergic reactions.

Insects such as bed bugs have strong exoskeletons which make them difficult to eliminate by the current techniques employed by the prior art. Infestations of bed bugs can be treated by chemical spraying, in more recent times pest infestation has been treated using gei-based baits in preference to harmful chemicals. While baits are effective In controlling other insects, such as cockroaches, they have very limited effect on bed bugs because bed bugs are not attracted to the bait. The use of pesticides and insecticides in the domestic environment is not recommended given that such insecticides and pesticides, which are often harmful to humans and pets. Once the insect is infected with the insecticide, it can take a few seconds to minutes before the insect is eliminated. During this time, the Insect Is able to roam around the house spreading the harmful insecticide. In particular, use of such insecticides can prove to be harmful to humans and cause allergies and even death if consumed by unattended children.

The prior art also provides for sprays or mechanisms to generally deflect bed bugs around the room but given the instinctive behaviour to travel towards heat or carbon dioxide, such mechanisms are often seen as redundant. .

Good housekeeping habits such as vacuuming regularly can be used to limited effect to control bed bug infestation, but because of the flat shape of the bugs, they are able to hide in narrow cracks and crevices which make detection of them difficult. As the bugs often go for five to ten days without feeding, bed bugs seldom travel on humans, but prefer to be nestled away in clothing and bed sheets. Therefore, bed bug infestations are readily transferred through luggage or clothing (eft on the floor or for example, between hotel rooms. Bed Bug infestations have therefore become a primary issue for hotel owners and backpack and hostel owners who have significant difficulty in eliminating or preventing the migration of bed bugs. Backpackers spread the bed bug infestation without knowledge to different hostels or back to their home

The inventor has determined that a prime aspect in control and regulation of bed bugs is to control their migration and nesting. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a harbourage system which safely regulates, prevents or reduces the migration of insects such as the bed bug.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with one form of the invention, a harbourage system is provided having a harbourage means comprising a structure for harbouring, regulating, directing or influencing the migration of crawling Insects, the structure including a repository for receiving a pesticide against crawling insects.

The structure can include a nesting portion to direct and localise the insects in the harbouring means and attract insects to nest

The repository can Include a lethal harbourage means and use dlatomaceous earth ("DE"). In one form, the nesting portion can be cocoon like. In another form, the nesting portion can be formed of cotton pocket.

In a further embodiment, the nesting portion is formed in a cavity between two components. .

The repository can cover a surface of the nesting portion.

The structure can also include a progress inhibitor for regulating the migration of the insects. The progress inhibitor can be a tacky substance or a slippery surface.

The progress inhibiter can be a pesticide and wor in cooperation with the repository.

The structure, in one form, afso includes a defined pathway to influence and direct the crawling insects to a location. The defined pathway can be a member having two ends, allowing an insect to crawl between the two ends. An area of the member is coated with an attractant to influence the direction of the insect. In such an embodiment, the repository can be located along at least one portion of the pathway which contacts the insect.

The invention also provides a harbourage system according to any one of the preceding claims for preventing the migration of insects, comprising:

(a) providing a plurality of means including a harborage means for

regulating, directing or Influencing the migration of crawling Insects, the harborage means having a structure for harboring and a repository for receiving a pesticide against crawling insects;

(b) assessing a room for susceptible areas vulnerable to bed bug

Infestation;

(c) positioning the harbourage means relative to one another in the

susceptible areas to create a protective bed bug barrier in the room. in accordance with one form of the invention there is provided at least one insect harbourage means for regulating the migration of crawling insects on or from a bed mattress, a first of the at least one harbourage means being co-operable with the bed mattress or base such that an insect encounters the harbourage means to reach the bed occupant

At least a first harbourage area is an attracting area for attracting the bed bugs to nest at this location. Preferably the harbourage area is an attracting area such as formed of cotton and cocoon-like to attract the bed bugs to nest therein. ₁

The shape of the harbourage area can form an attracting area such as formed of cotton and cocoon-like to attract the bed bugs to nest therein.

The mattress mountable cover can Include a means that attaches to the mattress to provide a circumferential harbourage area. The circumferential harbourage area can be a continuous harbourage area and by extending around the circumference of the bed base or mattress ensures the progress of the bed bug to encounter the harbourage area.

Preferably the at least first harbourage area is integral with a launderabie cover of the bed base or mattress so that the at least first harbourage area and the cover can be suitably laundered to rid the bed bugs.

The first harbourage area can be distinct from a cover but be cooperative therewith and can be strip-like.

The cover can cover whole of side of mattress. The cover can also cover hoie of top of mattress. The strip-like first harbourage area can be a flexible resilient means for resiliently circumferencing and engaging a bed base or mattress.

The strip-like first harbourage area can include cocoon sections formed by spaced parallel stitching and including a continuous opening flange form by a top edge of the strip above the stitching so as to provide an opening while still providing nesting location.

The harbourage means in location on a bed mattress or base is substantially in the path of a bed bug heading towards the bed base or mattress.

It can be seen that the invention in this way has the bed bugs being regulated in their migration as they are attracted to the first harbourage means and therefore it is readily available for the bed to be reviewed to see if bed bugs are present. Suitable laundering can then apply to eradicate the bed bugs.

One or more of the other Insect harbourage means forms a path prevention area, an entrapment area or a lethal area. Such lethal area is located in cooperation with the bed base. j

In one form of the invention there is provided a plurality of circumferential harbourage areas, a first of the harbourage areas circumvents the mattress and provides an attracting harbourage area for attracting the bed bugs to nest and thereby allow ready viewing and laundering as required, a second of the harbourage areas circumvents the base and provides an lethal harbourage area for killing the bed bugs nesting therein.

Preferably the lethal harbourage area uses diatomaceous earth ("DE").

The second of the harbourage areas can be covered from the bed user by a valance or the like. The second of the harbourage areas can include a means for leading the bed bugs to the second of the harbourage areas such as by ground engaging pathways.

In one form the bed base includes a harbourage means having an entrapment area and a lethal area, the bed mattress includes a harbourage means having the harbourage means including a mattress mountable cover having at least one harbourage area having a shape and/or material to prevent insects migrating further, the harbourage means acting as a path prevention area can provide a predefined tortuous path for insects to migrate from a floor up the bed mattress to the bed wherein the predefined tortuous path can include slippery, lethal or tacky materials. The at least one harbourage area of the predefined tortuous path of the trapping portion can include a slippery material to prevent insects migrating further. The slippery material to prevent insects migrating further is a material of low frictional coefficient such as known as Tellon™.

The harbourage means in location on a bed mattress can form an entrapment area by including a trapping portion such as comprising of at least one harbourage area having a coating to prevent insects migrating further. This can include slippery or tacky materials

Preferably the harbourage area Is a lethal harbourage area such as formed to eradicate or trap the bed bugs nested therein. This can Include slippery, lethal or tacky materials to entrap and prevent escape and thereby eradicate.

Instead of or as well the at least one lethal harbourage area of the predefined tortuous path of the trapping portion can include a tacky substance to impede insects .

upon contact. Still further the trapping portion can include a coating of a pesticide to eliminate insects upon contact

The harbourage means can include a support member for engaging a portion of (he bed mattress and wherein the lethal harbourage area extends from the support member. The support member can be the cover or engageable with the cover.

The lethal harbourage area can have a generally concave U-shaped profile or a generaliy convex outer U-shaped profile. The lethal harbourage area can be a generally concave U-shaped profile of a ring means.

The support member can include an upstanding perimeter wall for defining a seat for a bed mattress and the lethal harbourage area comprises at least part of the perimeter wall, an outwardly extending flange and a terminal lip

Preferably in one form the invention provides an insect harbourage means as a mattress cover having one or more harbourage means for regulating migration of crawling insects on or from a bed mattress or base, the harbourage means being co- operable with the bed mattress cover such that an insect must encounter the harbourage means to reach the bed and wherein the harbourage means includes a mattress mountable cover having at least one harbourage area to prevent insects migrating further.

Preferably the harbourage area is an attracting area such as formed of cotton and cocoon-like to attract the bed bugs to nest therein.

The harbourage area can be circumferential and formed by an overlying panel to the mattress cover so as to form a nesting area

Preferably the harbourage area is a lethal harbourage area such as formed to eradicate or trap the bed bugs nested therein. The mattress mountable cover can include a means that attaches to the mattress to provide a circumferential

The cover can be strip-like.

The cover can cover whole of side of mattress.

The cover can cover whole of top of mattress. The harbourage means in location on a bed mattress

The harbourage means in location on a bed mattress can include a trapping portion comprising ol a predefined tortuous path for insects to migrate from a floor up the bed mattress to the bed wherein the predefined tortuous path includes at least one lethal harbourage area having a coating to prevent insects migrating further.

The at least one lethal harbourage area of the predefined tortuous path of the trapping portion can include a slippery material to prevent insects migrating further. The slippery material to prevent Insects migrating further is a material of low Wctional coefficient such as Known as Teflon™. Instead of or as well the at least one lethal harbourage area of the predefined tortuous path of the trapping portion can include a tacky substance to impede insects upon contact. Still further the trapping portion can include a coating of a pesticide to eliminate insects upon contac

The harbourage means can Include a support member for engaging a portion of the bed mattress and wherein the lethal harbourage area extends from the support member.

The lethal harbourage area can have a generally concave U-shaped profile. The lethal harbourage area can be a generally concave U-shaped profile of a ring means.

The support member can include an upstanding perimeter wall for defining a seat for a bed mattress and the lethal harbourage area comprises at least part of the perimeter wall of the bed base or bed mattress but could include a layer of material forming a cover thereto. Preferably the inner portion of the generally concave U- shaped profile has a polyester outer with a cotton inner, thereby forming a preferred nesting area therein and providing a no stop area on the outside.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides an insect harbourage means for regulating migration of crawling insects to a bed via a bed mattress, the harbourage means being co-operable with a bed mattress cover such that an Insect must cross the harbourage means to reach the bed mattress and wherein the harbourage means includes in combination with a lethal harbourage means comprising one or more of:

• a shaped nesting portion for attracting nesting so as to localise the insects; .

• an entrapment means such as having a coating of a tacky substance to impede Insects upon contact;

• a progress inhibitor such as a slippery surface such as a Teflon surface in cooperation with a trapping portion; · a lethal means such as diatomaceous earth ("DE").

The present invention can reduce the migration of insects, such as bed bugs, from any dothing or luggage left on the floor by trapping the insects before they can reach the bed sheets. The harbourage means can also reduce the infestation of bed bugs as once the bugs are impeded by the coating they are unable to mate and reproduce. As time passes, the trapped bugs die of starvation.

In an alternative embodiment, the support member can include an aperture for enabling a fastener to pass therethrough for securing the bed mattress cover to the bed and wherein the trapping portion comprises at least part of the support member, a downwardly depending skirt and a termination Hp.

The invention also provides a method of providing a harbourage means to insects such as bed bugs migrating from a floor to a bed is a bed mattress including the steps of:

a. defining a tortuous path around each bed mattress of a bed which must be followed by an insect to migrate from the floor to the bed;

b. defining an lethal harbourage area of that tortuous path; and

c. providing a coating to prevent insects migrating further along the tortuous path.

The coating to prevent insects migrating further along the tortuous path can be a slippery surface formed by a slippery material. This material is of low frlctionai coefficient such as known as Teflon™.

The lethal harbourage area can Include a plurality of hindrances Including the tortuous path including a slippery surface as a hindrance and one or more of a tacky surface or a pesticide as a hindrance. The one or more hindrances can be of a tacky surface or a pesticide as a hindrance Is retained in a concave portion of the lethal harbourage area to be effective in stopping migration of insects while preventing accidental access by children. In one example of the invention, water may be added to DE to make a paste or a paint; wherein the paste or paint is painted onto a piece of furniture in a relevant room.

In another example of the invention, DE may be introduced under a carpet of the room. The DE may be spread over a screed of the room before the carpet is laid, or may be injected into a lining of the carpet which is positioned in between the upper, operative surface of the carpet and the screed.

In a further embodiment of the invention, steam may be used to kill bed bugs including the eggs on harbourage areas on a mattress protector. The invention can further provides a harbourage system for preventing the migration of insects, comprising:

a. Providing a first plurality of harbourage means for providing a first level of

protection around the extremities of a room.

b. Providing a second plurality of harbourage means for providing a second level of protection around the mid-extremities of a room .

c. Providing a third plurality of harbourage means for providing a third level of

protection around a bed

d. Wherein the harbourage means regulates the bed bug population by altering the effective movement of the bed bugs by a combination of harbourage means which (a) alter the movement of bed bugs by dispersing them away and (b) attracting them to particular areas.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides a harbourage system for preventing the migration of insects, comprising:

a. Determining an Insect Infestation susceptibility along a perimeter of an enclosure b. Providing a plurality of harbourage means for regulating the migration of crawling insects;

c. Positioning the plurality of harbourage means relative to one another to create an enclosure with an artificial shield against insect migration.

The invention also provides a system of regulation the migration of bed bugs according to the natural instincts of the bed bug by providing a combination of 1 or more of:

a. Providing attraction mechanism by attracting to a harbourage means r

b. Providing a lethal mechanism by attracting to harbourage means

c. Providing a deterrent mechanism in other locations which deter nesting In other locations of a room

d. Providing a pathway defining means including positive pathway such a trailing material encouraging insects to climb in a protected dark location or negative pathway means such as Teflon or other slippery or sticky material

e. Providing entrapment means In the pathway of the regulated system, wherein a whole regulation system is provided to control and regulate bed bugs that can cause infestations.

The invention can also provide a method of providing a harbourage means to insects such as bed bugs migrating from a floor to a bed is a bed mattress including the steps of:

a. defining a tortuous path around each bed mattress of a bed which must be followed by an insect to migrate from the floor to the bed;

b. defining an lethal harbourage area of that tortuous path; and

c. providing a coating to prevent insects migrating further along the tortuous path. Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1a and 1b is a perspective comparative view of a bed room implementing the harbourage system;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a harbourage means in the form of a mattress protector, In accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a harbourage means in the form of a mattress protector, in accordance with the embodiment of the Invention presented in Figure 2;

Figures 4b is a diagrammatic view focusing on the area marked A in Figure

4a;

Figure 5 is a longitudinal diagrammatic views of the mattress protector in accordance with the embodiment presented in Figures 2 to 4;

Figure 6 Is a lateral diagrammatic view of the mattress protector in accordance with the embodiment presented In Figures 2 to 5;

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view focusing on the area marked B in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the mattress protector in the strip form that can be used in cooperation with a known mattress cover in accordance with a second embodiment of the Invention;

Figure 9 is a lateral diagrammatic view of the mattress protector in accordance with the embodiment in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view focusing on the area marked B in Figure 9;

Figure 11 1s a front diagrammatic view of a harbourage means in the form of a predefined tortuous pathway In accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 is a front diagrammatic view of a predefined tortuous pathway in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 13 is a front perspective view of a harbourage means in the form of a luring device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 14 is a top view of a first component of the luring device in accordance with the embodiment presented In Figure 13;

Figure 15 is an exploded view of the first component and second component uninstalled in accordance with the embodiment presented in Figure 13;

Figure 16 is a top view of a second component of the luring device in accordance with the embodiment of the invention presented in Figures 13 to 15;

Figure 17 is a side perspective view of the luring device having an attachment portion, in accordance with the embodiment of the invention presented in Figures 13 to 16;

Figure 18 is a front view of the luring device attached to a wall, in accordance with the embodiment of the Invention presented in Figures 13 to 17;

Figure 19a is a side perspective view of the bed bug barrier in accordance with one embodiment of the invention illustrating the cross section of the barrier;

Figure 19b is a side view of the second harbouring means in accordance with the embodiment of the invention presented in Figure 10;

Figure 20a is a front view of a wardrobe and Figure 20b is a rear view of the wardrobe having the bed bug barrier installed along the width of the wardrobe;

Figure 21a is a front view of a mirror and Figure 21b is a rear view of the mirror having the bed bug barrier installed along the width of the mirror;

Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

The invention relates to a harbourage system. The harbourage system, as depicted in Figure 1 , provides a plurality of harbourage means. The harbourage means are located relative to one another and with different functions to prevent the migration and spread of bed bugs within an enclosed space such as a bedroom. j

The harbourage system therefore provides a plurality ot harbourage means strategically located around the room to synerglstically create an artificial state of affairs. In doing so, the system enhances the effect of each individual harbourage means.

The system comprises of one or a combination of harbourage means. The harbourage means can be in the form of a mattress protector 10, a predefined tortuous pathway 20, a luring device 30 or a bed bug barrier SO.

The mattress protector 10 will be described as two embodiments. The first embodiment is depicted in Figures 2 to 7 and the second strip like embodiment is depicted in Figures 8 to 10.

Referring to the drawings there is shown a first embodiment of the present invention, a harbourage means in the form of a mattress protector 10 tor regulating migration of crawling insects to a bed via a bed mattress 8.

The mattress protector 10 can be integral with a bed mattress cover 4 or a cover ot the bed base 2. In another embodiment, the mattress protector 10 can be distinct from a bed mattress cover 4 but cooperative therewith and can be strip like.

With regard to the first embodiment of the invention presented in Figures 2 to 7, the mattress protector 10 is integral with or In the form of a mattress cover. The mattress protector 10 can be circumferential, it can cover a segment of the surface of the mattress cover 4 and/or it can cover at least one whole side of the mattress cover 4.

The mattress protector 10 regulates the migration of crawling insects to or from a bed mattress 8 or base 2, When the mattress protector 10 is co-operable with the mattress cover 4 or bed base 2 the insect must encounter the mattress protector 10 to reach the bed.

The mattress protector 10 defines a plurality of harbouring areas 12. The harbouring area 1 comprises of a nesting location 15, an attracting area 17 and/or a lethaf area 19. r

The attracting area 17 attracts the bed bugs to the individual harbouring areas 12. To assist in attracting the bed bugs and creating the attracting area 17, the harbouring area 12 can be constructed from two layers: knitted polyester on the outside or a material that is the same as the mattress cover 4 and woven cotton on the inside. Alternatively, the attracting area 17 can be formed of or include such material as cotton and made cocoon-like to attract the bed bugs to nest therein. The mattress protector 10 can be circumferential and formed by an overlying panel to the mattress cover 4 so as to form the nesting location 15. In doing so, the harbourage area can be formed from two layers, knitted polyester on the outside as per the mattress cover and woven cotton on the inside.

Preferably, the inner portion of the generally concave u-shape profile of the harbourage area has a polyester outer with a cotton inner, thereby forming a preferred nesting area therein and providing a no stop area on the outside.

The mattress protector 10 can also include a lethal area 1Θ. The lethal area 19 is formed to eradicate or trap the bed bugs nested inside the nesting location 15. Preferably the lethal area 19 uses dlatomaceous earth ("DE"). which has physio- absorptive properties to absorb lipids away from the waxy layer of insect's exoskeletons. causing insects to dehydrate, though it is envisaged that other insecticides or pesticides can be utilised. The lethal area 19 can also include other slippery, lethal or tacky materials to entrap and prevent escape.

Figure 7 identifies one example of the arrangement of the harbouring area 12, the lethal area 9 and the attracting area 17.

The harbouring area 12 is defined by a boundary formed by vertical lines of parallel stitching 18. Preferably the parallel stitching 18 occurs every 100 mm and would cease 10 mm from the top edge of the width of the harbouring means to define an opening 13. The opening 13 allows the bed bugs to travel between the harbourage areas 12 and nest in the nesting location of each 15.

The top edge 16 of the harbouring area 12 is to remain open to allow the bed bugs to enter into the harbouring area 12. The height of the harbouring means 12 can be approximately 40 mm.

The top edge 16 allows a user to view each Individual harbourage area 12 to identify the presence of bed bugs. Once the presence is Identified, suitable laundering or steam can then apply to eradicate the bed bugs and reused. In the strip like embodiment, the mattress protector 10 can be eliminated and replaced with a new one. The second embodiment of the invention Is presented In Figures 7 to 10. In this embodiment the harbourage means 12 Is etrlp-Bke. The strip like harbourage area 12 can be a flexible resilient means for resillently circumferenclng and engaging a bed base 2 or bed mattress 8. The strip like harbouring means 12 can be a flexible resilient means. Where it is strip like or tape like, the harbouring means can be provided with a sticky substance 11 to allow the harbouring means to be attached to different areas such as walls and doors. The harbourage means In the form of a mattress protector encircles the perimeter of the mattress 8 and provides an attracting harbourage area for attracting the bed bugs to nest.

According to another aspect, the mattress protector 10 provides an insect harbourage means 12 for regulating migration of crawling insects to a bed via a bed mattress, the harbourage means being co-operable with a bed mattress cover such that an insect must cross the harbourage means to reach the bed mattress and wherein the mattress protector 10 includes in combination with a harbourage means one or more of:

• a shaped nesting portion for attracting nesting so as to localise the insects; · an entrapment means such as having a coating of a tacky substance to impede insects upon contact;

• a progress inhibitor such as a slippery surface such as a Teflon surface in cooperation with a trapping portion;

• a lethal means such as diatomaceous earth ("DE").

The mattress cover 4 with the integration of the first harbourage means is to be positioned around the bed mattress 8. A allergy control or waterproof protector can be provided over the top to protect the bed mattress 8 from spills and accidents and to allow easy monitoring of bed bugs. The harbourage means can also be a predefined tortuous pathway 20. The predefined tortuous pathway 20 is presented in Figure 11 and 12 and comprises of a harbourage area 22 and a ground engaging pathway 21 , The predefined tortuous pathway 20 can have a generally concave U-shaped profile. The ground engaging pathway 21 in Figures 11 and 12 is presented in the lorm of a ribbon however, it can be of other material such as tape, string or wood to assist in directing the bedbugs to the harbourage area 22.

The harbourage area 22 can comprise of a lethal area 23 to form a lethal harbourage area 22 and an attachment surface 25. The lethal area 23 can be a coating of DE or other insecticide or pesticide that provides imminent death to the bed bug. The attachment surface 25 allows for the attachment of the predefined tortuous pathway 20 to the underside of a bed in a location which to allow the ground engaging pathway 21 to make contact with the ground.

The harbourage area 22 can allow for an external or internal lethal area if the harbourage area 22 is hollow and boxlike. The harbourage area 22 can also define an internal harbourage area in which the ground engaging pathway 20 directs the bed bug into inside the harbourage area 22 where a further internal lethal harbourage area 23 can be provided.

The lethal harbourage area 22 of the predefined tortuous path 20 can include a slippery material to prevent insects migrating further to the bed mattress. The slippery material to prevent insects migrating further is a material of low frictional coefficient such as known as Teflon™ .

In another embodiment, the lethal harbourage area 22 of the predefined tortuous path 20 can include a tacky substance to impede insects upon contact.

The predefined tortuous pathway 20 can include an attachment surface 25 for engaging a portion of the bed mattress and wherein the lethal harbourage area extends from the bed mattress.

Under normal circumstances, bed bugs brought into the house on clothing or luggage. If the clothing or luggage is left on the floor, the bugs will naturally migrate towards the bed. When the mattress protector 10 is In place, the bugs must crawl up the ground engaging pathway 21 to reach the harbourage area 22. if the bed bug r

continues on its trail to the bed mattress then the mattress protector 10 assists in nesting of the bed bug and prevent it from travelling further. The predefined tortuous pathway 20 assists in slowing the crawl of the bug before trapping It In the mattress protector 10.

In this way the invention is in effect providing a double prevention means while maintaining any dangerous material in a protected location away from accidental access by children. The harbouring means in another form is a luring device 30 illustrated in Figures 13 to 8. The luring device 10 can be used to both lure and eliminate bed bugs.

The luring device 10 comprises of a first component 32 and a second component 34. The first component 32 as illustrated in Figure 14 comprises of a central protruding member 44. The second component 34 comprises of an aperture 46 which is complementary in size and shape to the protruding member 44 to allow for an interfitting mechanism to join the first component 32 and second component 34 as in Figure 13. Therefore, the aperture 46 is able to receive the protruding member 44 to a desired limit. The desired limit allows for the first component 32 to be installed at a predetermined distance from the second component in order to allow the bed bug to travel on the luring surfaces 32a, 34a.

The inner surface of the first component 32 and second component 34 can contain a luring surface 32a, 34a. The luring surface 32a, 34a is dependent on the insect to be lured. In the embodiment presented in the accompanying figures for bed bugs, the luring surface 32a, 34a can comprises of a ribbing feature. The ribbing feature can be further advantageous as the ribbing feature allows for pockets 39 to form between the ridges 38. Such pockets 39 are desirable to bed bugs who then nest within the pockets 39.

The outer surface of the crater 32b, 34b can be of such texture to lure and allow bed bugs to easily climb over. The outer surface or inner surface can contain an attractant or can further including a ribbing feature with ridges 38 and pockets 39.

The luring surface 32a, 34a can further comprise or be applied with an eliminating compound, such as diatomaceous earth ("DE"). r

Rgure 12 illustrates the luring device 30 with the first component 32 and second component 34 intertilled as a device ready to use. However, prior to use, the first component 32 and second component can be separated such that the luring surface 32a, 34a of the first component and second component is coated with DE as in Rgure 3 and Rgure 15

The first component 32 and/or the second component can contain an attachment area 37. The attachment area 37 can be sticky In order to allow the luring device 30 to be stuck onto a wall in a longitudinally as seen In Rgure 17. The sticky portion can be applied with a removable cover 35 which can be removed to access the attachment area 37. The luring device can then be attached to wails, furniture or areas around the bed. The luring device 30 therefore defines a nesting area for bed bugs looking for a harbourage nest area near the bed. When guests are asleep the bed bugs will be attracted to their heat and carbon dioxide breather out whilst sleeping. If bed bugs gets onto the bed they will need nesting areas after they feed. The luring device provides the optimum location for bed bugs.

A further harbourage means is the bed bug eradicating composition 60. in one embodiment the eradicating composition comprises of an immobilising agent and an eliminating agent. The eradicating composition can be in the form a spray. The immobilising agent provides a motion degenerator for Immobilising the bed bug. The motion degenerator can act by infiltrating and disabling the joint structure of the bed bug. This can be a compound or foam of high density. The eliminating agent can include DE or other pesticide.

The immobilising spray can be a quick drying foam or mud that freezes or demobilises the bed bugs. In an embodiment where the composition does not Include a killing agent, the user can apply a killing agent such as a heat gun which is sufficiently hot to kill the bed bug or other commercial spray. This stops the bed bug from being blown around or from carrying a pesticide to different areas which can be dangerous for young children and animals

In a second embodiment, the eradicating composition comprises of grazing element to scratch the exoskeleton shell of the bed bug. The eradicating composition does r

not require poisonousness substances but natural powders to scratch the shell of the bed bug causing them to die from dehydration. The grazing element can comprise of amorphous silica. This composition can be used underneath carpets, as well as in power points and wall sockets where current prior art devices having chemical and stream applications are not permitted.

However, the composition in this second embodiment can also include diatomaceous earth. In a third embodiment, the eradicating composition can comprise of an Immobilising agent comprising of DE and alcohol. Once the bed bug is immobilise a heat gun can be used which blows at a low speed to stop the bed bugs from being blown away. In such an embodiment, the DE can be left behind to prevent further infestations. A further harbourage means is the bed bug barrier 50 which has a planar surface 52 where the outer surface has an attachment surface 54 and the internal surface forms a base 56.

The attachment surface 54 allows the bed bug barrier 50 to be co-operable with skirting boards, walls and behind bed heads and behind different furniture items. For example, Figure 20 illustrates the attachment of the bed bug barrier 50 to a wardrobe and Figure 21 a allows attachment to the bed bug barrier 50 to a mirror such that it is not seen during use of the furniture item and impeding on the normal aesthetics of the room.

The attachment surface 54 can include a stick portion or can allow for a sticky substance to be coated or to be screwed into place.

The bed bug barrier 50 generally as a u-shaped trapping portion denoted generally by 57. The u-shaped Is formed by the base 56 and two upright support members 58 which end in an inwardly extending and curved flange 59 towards the based 56.

The curved feature of the flange 59 provides a darkened or unexposed area to light that is appealing to the bed bug.

The bed bug barrier can be coated or manufactured from different material. The outer surface of the support members 58a can be formed of polypropyoene or rubber mix r

to allow the bed bug to easily crawl and walk on. The flange 59 then directs the bed bug to enter the trapping portion 57. The inner surface 58b of the support members 58 can be formed of a slippery substance that will cause the bed bugs to fall onto and be captured with the base 62. The support members 58 and base 52 can also contain tacky substances or a lethal substance that prevents the bed bug from migrating further.

In the preferred embodiment, the bed bug barrier 50 is 15mm by 10mm and is an extrusion member available in desired lengths or formed of material cable of cutting by a consumer for desired size.

In this system, the following methodology would be utilised in order to provide a series of protection. Firstly, the user would provide a first degree of protection in the form of a deterrent along the extremities of a room. This can comprise of the bed bug barrier 50 along skirting boards in addition to the bed bug eradicating composition or DE that could be utilised in a discrete manner under carpets or along the side boards or In different cracks.

The second degree of protection can be protection between the extremities of the room and the central location being the bed. This allows the bed bug barrier 50 to be used along the backs of different furniture items. Alternatively, water can be added to DE to assist in utilising this lethal weapon as a paint to paint the backs of furniture, underneath furniture, on head boards etc. The luring device 30 can also be used at selected areas around the room.

Following from the deterrent along the extremities, the bed bugs are influenced by natural attractants such as carbon dioxide and heat that arise from a user sleeping in their bed. Therefore, the bed bugs are encouraged towards individuals and towards the bed. The third degree of protection is in respect of the bed itself. It comprises of one or a combination of the following harbourage means: the mattress protector 10, the predefined tortuous pathway 20 and the luring device 30 on the bed leg or headboard. The predefined tortuous pathway 20 assists in directing the bed bugs to the mattress protector for harbourage and elimination.

Such a methodology assists in eliminating the bed bugs and their larvae in a room to create a system of bed beg infestation harbourage, prevention and eradication. I

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that such modifications or changes to the particular embodiments exemplified can be made without departed from the scope of the invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

It is further noted that a person skilled in the art will be able to apply additional harbourage means to the harbourage system such as a bed leg banier 80 disclosed in PCT/AU2010000030.