In the Battle Against Bed Bugs, This Australian DIY System Might Be the Smartest Defense Yet

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – When Louise, a mother from Lutwyche, discovered itchy welts covering her arms, she assumed it was stress. It wasn’t. It was bed bugs, dozens of them hiding inside her new padded bedhead, under her mattress, even inside the built-in bedside lights.

“They were everywhere,” she recalled. “Adults, babies. I spent 24 hours Googling home remedies just to get some control.”

Her first attempts were textbook trial-and-error. Clove oil gave some relief, but it wasn’t enough. A local pest control service charged double what she ended up paying, only to send “a young boy with a Hovax backpack”, the same product she could buy at a hardware store. “And no idea if it was safe for our pets,” she added.

That’s when she found Bed Bug Barrier, a small Australian company offering a DIY solution that doesn’t rely on chemicals, doesn’t require leaving your home, and doesn’t break the bank.

An Ancient Pest, a Modern Problem

Bed bugs have been making a global comeback in recent years, with infestations reported everywhere from hotels and hospitals to family homes and student dorms. In Australia, pest controllers now rank bed bugs among the most difficult insects to fully eradicate.

Part of the problem? Traditional pest control is costly, disruptive, and not always effective.

In addition to innovative DIY solutions, professional services remain a crucial component in the fight against bed bugs. For those seeking expert assistance, pest control Lehi offers comprehensive strategies tailored to effectively manage and eliminate infestations. By combining cutting-edge technology with proven techniques, these services ensure a thorough approach to pest management. This dual strategy by https://rest.com/ of utilizing both DIY methods and professional expertise provides a robust defense against the persistent threat of bed bugs, ensuring peace of mind and a healthier living environment.

“In many cases, the customer does most of the work,” says Tony Abrahams, founder of Bed Bug Barrier. “They’re told to wash every piece of clothing, vacate the house, strip furniture, and they still might need two or three visits. We thought: there has to be a better way.”

The Isolation Method: Simple, Safe, and Proven

The method Abrahams developed is called the Bed Bug Isolation System, and at first glance, it’s deceptively simple. But its effectiveness has now been independently verified in a Rutgers University study, which found that the system’s screw-in barriers and smooth tape options prevented 100% of bed bugs from reaching the sleeping surface in controlled tests.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Cover the Bed with mattress and ensemble covers that trap bugs inside and prevent nesting.
Step 2: Steam Visible Bugs to kill them instantly on slats, seams, and timber frames.
Step 3: Apply Diatomaceous Earth Powder, a natural substance that dehydrates bed bugs on contact.
Step 4: Install Bed Leg Traps, forcing any climbing bugs through the lethal powder layer.
Step 5: Isolate the Bed, moving it at least 30 cm from the wall to eliminate other access points.

“You can sleep in your bed that night,” says Abrahams. “No plastic tenting. No chemicals. No fear.”

Cost vs. Control: Why It’s Catching On

While professional bed bug treatments in Australia can cost upwards of $1,000 per room, the full DIY system, including steamer, powder, traps, and covers, starts from $159 for a single bed. Families treating multiple rooms can expect to pay around $500 total, a fraction of what pest services charge for repeat visits.

“We’re seeing a growing number of customers who tried pest control first, and came to us after it failed,” Abrahams says. “Our system works because it turns the bed into a trap, the bugs come to you, and die trying.”

Not Just for Homeowners

The system has also caught the attention of local councils, housing organisations, and property managers, many of whom now purchase Bed Bug Barrier products for use in multi-residential properties and social housing.

“Affordability matters,” Abrahams adds. “But so does control. If you can empower people to solve the problem themselves, safely and effectively, that’s a game changer.”

The Real Cost of Ignoring the Problem

Bed bugs don’t go away on their own. Left untreated, they multiply rapidly, spreading from one room to another, and even into walls, carpets, and electronics.

And while over-the-counter sprays may feel like a quick fix, studies show they’re only effective with direct contact. Miss one bug, and the cycle continues.

“It’s not just the bites,” Louise says. “It’s the anxiety, the sleeplessness, the cost of replacing furniture. After going through it once, I’d never want to again.”

Today, her home is bed bug–free. She still steams occasionally “just in case,” but mostly, she sleeps soundly, thanks to a system that cost her less than quarter of what the pest controller quoted.

What Consumers Should Know

If you’re dealing with bed bugs now, here are three key takeaways:

Start Early: The sooner you act, the easier it is to contain the problem.
Treat Every Bedroom: Bed bugs spread fast. Don’t wait until they do.
Pick a Long-Term Solution: Temporary fixes often lead to recurring infestations and higher costs.

More Information

For advice, pricing, or product recommendations, contact:

Bed Bug Barrier Pty Ltd

30 Dalgety St, St Kilda VIC 3181, Australia

Ph: 1300 760 646