Mattress encasement

Abstract

A fabric encasement for a mattress or box spring having an effective amount of a insecticidal diatomaceous earth applied to a bottom and sidewalls of the encasement.

That which is claimed: 
     
         1 . A fabric encasement for a mattress or box spring having an effective amount of diatomaceous earth to kill, insects present on exposed surfaces of an encasement bottom, and at least a portion of an encasement side joined to the bottom, the encasement having a top portion that is detachable from the side, the diatomaceous earth having a portion of the diatomaceous earth particles embedded within a thermoplastic component of the fabric of the encasement sides and bottom and an exposed portion of the particle being present above the thermoplastic surface. 
     
     
         2 . The encasement according to  claim 1  wherein the diatomaceous earth particle has substantially about at least 10% of the diatomaceous earth particle exposed, more preferably in a range of 10 to 35% of the diatomaceous earth particle exposed, and more preferably the range of between 35%-80% of the diatomaceous earth particle exposed. 
     
     
         3 . The article according to  claim 2  wherein the encasement has the diatomaceous earth present in an amount of about 0.1 to about 0.5 ounces per square yard. 
     
     
         4 . The household article according to  claim 2  wherein the encasement has the diatomaceous earth is present on a coated surface of the fabric and is present at a concentration of about 0.5 to about 1.0 ounce per square yard. 
     
     
         5 . An encasement for a bedding item comprising:
 a cover having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a side wall attached between the top and the bottom portions, the top portion being detachable from at least a portion of the side wall or bottom portion;   a zipper operatively disposed between the top portion and one of the side wall portion or bottom portion, wherein the top portion can be removed from the cover;   an effective amount of a diatomaceous earth for controlling insects that adhere to at least one surface of at least one of the side walls or bottom portion of the cover;   wherein the encasement is adapted for securing therein a mattress, a box spring, or a combined mattress and box spring set, the diatomaceous earth surface of the cover providing an insecticide property to the encasement.