The invention relates to a method for decontaminating a mattress (14) or other effect of bed bugs comprising the steps of: o Placing the mattress or other effect in a hermetically sealable container (10) of a size and shape commensurate with that of the mattress or other effect o Inserting an appropriate quantity of an oxygen scavenger (16) into the container o Hermetically sealing the container so as to prevent ingress of oxygen and o Leaving it for a time sufficient for the oxygen levels to be depleted to less than 0.2% and the bed bugs and their eggs and larvae to be destroyed. It also relates to a kit of parts for implementing the method. Fig 1
