Bed Bug Repellency Test
Airmid Healthgroup provides independent laboratory testing to assess the repellency of products designed to prevent bed bug infestation, re-infestation, or contact. Our bed bug repellency testing gives manufacturers scientifically credible, third-party validated data to support repellency claims and differentiate their products in a competitive market.
What Is Bed Bug Repellency Testing?
Bed bug repellency testing evaluates whether a product — such as a treated textile, spray, or coating — actively deters bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) from approaching, settling on, or biting through a treated surface. Unlike efficacy testing which measures kill rates, repellency testing specifically assesses the ability of a product to prevent initial contact or re-establishment after treatment.
This type of testing is increasingly important as consumers and retailers seek products that offer proactive protection — not just reactive elimination — against bed bug infestations.
What the Bed Bug Repellency Test Evaluates
Contact Repellency
Assessment of whether bed bugs avoid direct contact with a treated surface compared to an untreated control — under controlled laboratory conditions.
Spatial Repellency
Evaluation of whether a product deters bed bugs from entering or remaining in a treated area — relevant for sprays, diffusers, and volatile-based repellent products.
Residual Repellency
Testing of how long a product continues to repel bed bugs after initial application — supporting claims about duration of protection and long-lasting performance.
Bite Prevention
Assessment of whether a treated textile or barrier prevents bed bugs from biting through — particularly relevant for mattress encasements and protective bedding.
Re-infestation Prevention
Evaluation of whether a treated surface or product prevents bed bugs from re-establishing following initial treatment — supporting long-term protection claims.
Wash Durability
Assessment of whether repellency is maintained after repeated washing — important for treated textiles making durable or wash-resistant performance claims.
Products That Can Be Tested
- Mattress encasements and protectors with repellent treatments
- Bed bug repellent sprays and topical treatments
- Treated bedding, pillowcases, and duvet covers
- Luggage liners and travel protection products
- Upholstery and furniture treatments
- Natural and chemical-free repellent formulations
- Residual barrier treatments for floors and skirting boards
Why Choose Airmid Healthgroup for Bed Bug Repellency Testing?
ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited
Our accredited laboratory delivers results that are accurate, reproducible, and accepted by regulatory bodies, retailers, and certification programmes worldwide.
Integrated Allergen Testing
We can combine repellency testing with allergen reduction assessment in a single study — giving manufacturers a complete picture of product performance against both bed bug presence and allergen exposure.
Real-World Conditions
Our testing simulates the conditions in which products are actually used — including realistic surfaces, temperatures, and environmental conditions — so results reflect genuine product performance.
Customised Study Design
Every repellency study is designed around your product’s specific claims, target market, and intended surfaces — ensuring the data generated is directly relevant and commercially useful.
Request a Quote for Bed Bug Repellency Testing
Contact Airmid Healthgroup to discuss your product and testing requirements. Our team will design a repellency study that generates the evidence you need to support your claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between bed bug repellency testing and bed bug kill efficacy testing?
Kill efficacy testing measures how effectively a product eliminates bed bugs on contact or over time. Repellency testing specifically evaluates whether a product deters bed bugs from approaching, settling on, or biting through a treated surface — without necessarily killing them. Many manufacturers need both types of data to fully substantiate their product claims.
Which species of bed bug is used in testing?
Testing is conducted using Cimex lectularius — the common bed bug — which is the species responsible for the vast majority of infestations in domestic, hotel, and healthcare settings worldwide.
Can wash durability of repellency be tested?
Yes. For treated textiles making wash-resistant or durable repellency claims, Airmid can conduct repellency testing both before and after a specified number of wash cycles — providing data to support the durability of the treatment under real-world laundering conditions.
Can repellency testing be combined with allergen reduction testing?
Yes. Airmid’s unique combination of pest testing capabilities and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited allergen laboratory means we can assess both repellency and allergen reduction in a single integrated study — providing manufacturers with a comprehensive dataset from one testing programme.
Can repellency test data support regulatory submissions or certification?
Yes. Airmid’s GLP-compliant, ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing produces data suitable for EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) dossiers, EPA submissions, and certification programme applications. We design every study with regulatory acceptance in mind from the outset.
