SHIELD Bed Bug for Clothing

Yes, to keep them at bay. A bed bug repellent such as SHIELD forms a barrier on fabrics and luggage that bed bugs avoid, thanks to pyrethrum extract, geraniol and lavender. It’s the right protection when travelling. However, a bed bug repellent does not eliminate bed bugs that have already taken up residence in your home: in this case, you need an insecticide such as SOS Bedbugs XXL.

Both come in bed bug spray form, but they serve different purposes. The SOS insecticide kills bedbugs and their larvae: it is used when an infestation is present. The repellent (SHIELD) keeps them away from fabrics and luggage: it is used as a preventative measure. After treatment, the two complement each other: SOS to eliminate the bugs, SHIELD to protect yourself whilst travelling in particular.

Shake the bottle and spray from a distance of 10–15 cm onto the textiles you wish to protect:

• clothes;
• the inside and outside of your suitcase, paying particular attention to the seams and zips;

At home, you can also treat door thresholds, window frames and air vents, especially if a neighbour has an infestation.

The protection lasts up to 7 days, provided the fabrics are kept out of the light (in a suitcase, a cupboard, under a duvet) . Reapply:

• every 3 days for everyday use;
• every day in an area under infestation;
• whenever you change accommodation whilst travelling.

A 100 mL bottle contains approximately 160 sprays. For a suitcase, allow around fifteen sprays on departure, the same on arrival, then one application every 3 days whilst there. One bottle is more than enough to cover a one- to two-week stay for one person. For a long trip, a family or regular protection, the SHIELD XXL (500 mL) size is more suitable.

Its 100 mL size complies with the limit on liquids allowed in the cabin. However, each airline has its own rules regarding insecticide products: check with your airline before departure. If in doubt, pack it in your hold luggage.

Spray SHIELD onto your suitcase and clothes before you set off, then again upon arrival. Once you’re there:

• check the mattress, headboard and seams before settling in;
• keep your suitcase closed, on a luggage rack or on the floor – never on the bed.

On your return, empty your suitcase outside the room – ideally in a bath or garage – and wash your clothes at 60°C. Items that cannot be machine-washed can be placed in the freezer for a few days.

No, SHIELD is designed for fabrics, not for the skin. To protect yourself from bed bug bites at night, you can use our ANTI-BITE body repellent, which should be applied to exposed areas before going to sleep and provides protection for up to 8 hours. The two are used together: SHIELD on sheets and luggage, ANTI-BITE on the body.

The SHIELD does not stain, and its scent of lavender and essential oils is subtle. Not all fibres react in the same way: test on an inconspicuous area before treating light-coloured, delicate or silk fabrics. Allow to dry before wearing the clothes or making the bed.

SHIELD is formulated using plant extracts and contains no synthetic permethrin, no DEET and no endocrine disruptors. This spray is non-toxic to cats and other warm-blooded animals such as dogs.

As with any biocide, it should be used with a few precautions:

• Spray away from children and pets.
• Allow fabrics to dry before making them available to them again.
• Keep away from aquariums: pyrethrum is toxic to fish.
• Read the label before each use.