I'd imagine the mattress protector's just after the fact, isn't it? If the mattress is already infested, then I'd rather get rid of it than to try and keep them INSIDE the mattress *shiver*

I'm so paranoid now... I wonder if freezing the articles in the freezer would kill the eggs/bugs? I often do that with my wool items or shoes with wool because I had an infestation of wool eating moths a couple of years ago.

About once a year, I'll get a cluster of bites, sometimes up to about 8 tiny, angry red bumps. Itch like nothing else, but I know those are flea bites. I got another bite not long ago that was rather raised and painful/itchy at the same time. I suspect that was a spider, but whenver I have an itch somewhere I'm terrified to look and find the breakfast lunch and dinner.

Thankfully my new washing machine has a "sanitary" setting, which uses hot water and promises to kill 98% of all viruses and bacteria, so hopefully the bugs and eggs will meet their demise, too. Too bad I can't wash leather shoes in a hot cycle...

p.s. I wouldn't be surprised at all about the bed bugs at the aquarium, you'd think with all the exotic stuff they get shipped in there's bound to be unwanted visitors!