What To Look For In A Mattress Cover
Mattress covers are utilized for many purposes – cushioning, stain and water barriers, aesthetics, and preference. There are many applications that experts believe mattress covers could be integrated easily. One such application is bed bug deterrence, a substance or thing that keeps bed bugs at bay. If you are familiar with bed bug infestations, you know the initial obvious signs are almost always detected on a mattress. Why is this the case? First and foremost, bed bugs feed on human blood at night when their hosts are asleep.
90% of residential bed bug sightings are in a bedroom, involving mattresses. As mentioned previously, bed bugs tend to stay in close proximity to their hosts to ensure easy access to feedings. Witnesses reportedly detected live bed bugs, dead exoskeletons, dried blood spots, and fecal matter buried deep in mattress fibers. While a mattress cover will not prevent a bed bug infestation, it will eliminate the need to replace a mattress, in the event your bedroom is infested.
What Are Mattress Protectors (Covers)
The mattress cover or protector is just as its name entails. It creates a barrier between the elements, dust mites, bed bugs, liquids, dead skin, and the mattress. Mattress covers are designed from various materials to add waterproof protection, more durability, cushioning, more or less coverage, and a bed bug barrier. Bed bugs utilize their feeding tube to pierce their hosts’ skin, drawing blood until full. To achieve the maximum results from your new mattress cover, we recommend a zippered-design, which will provide full protection against bed bug infestations. Researchers at the University of Minnesota conducted a study to determine how long it would take for bed bugs trapped inside a mattress cover to expire. The study revealed the bed bugs would not survive past the two weeks of the initial installation.
What Are The Key Features Of A Bed Bug Mattress Cover?
Consumers need to know their options before setting out on their mattress cover shopping expedition. Know what to look for and get it right the first go-round.
What Is A Full Encasement Mattress Pad?
A full encasement covers the entirety of the mattress pads. It covers the top, bottom, all four corners, and sides. In order to be a full encasement mattress pad, the design must have some type of closure, such as a sipper or Velcro strip.
Are They Properly Sealed?
Bedbugs are killed by mattress covers because they seal them inside and stop them from feeding. However, bedbugs are small so they can slip through the smallest traps. When purchasing a mattress cover, pick one that has reinforced steams and a high-quality zipper. Make sure it will fully seal your mattress so bedbugs will not be able to escape. If the cover develops any rips or tears, it will no longer be effective.
Have They Been Tested?
In all likelihood, these products have been tested by the manufacturer. If you’re buying a mattress encasement from a qualified pest control firm, the cover has likely gone through extensive testing to guarantee results. It is a good idea to buy an encasement that has been lab-tested and certified.
A Toxin-Free Solution?
Although some mattress encasement products are free of toxins, others are not. They may contain chemical treatments that can help eliminate bedbugs. These harsh chemicals could be dangerous and harmful. If you’re going to buy one of these products, make sure it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
Are Bedbug Mattress Encasements Effective?
Bedbug mattress encasements can make a big difference, but they might not help. If they’re not properly placed on your bed, they’re not going to work. Furthermore, you have to worry about small gaps, holes, and tears. If there are any, bedbugs will be able to use them to escape the encasement. Also, bedbugs might be living away from the mattress and the encasement won’t stop those bedbugs. It is not going to deal with the entire infestation and will only help with bedbugs on the mattress.
Instead, contact a pest management professional and ask them about their bedbug removal services. Multiple treatments may be needed to eliminate the infestation. If you want to protect your loved ones against bedbugs, buying a bedbug mattress protector is a good idea. Just remember that a mattress protector isn’t going to eliminate the problem.