Bed bugs have a reputation for being one of the most difficult pests to get rid of. If you’ve ever dealt with a bed bug infestation, you probably understand the panic and frustration they can cause. It’s important to protect yourself from bed bugs by knowing the signs of an infestation and taking preventive measures if you’re at risk.
Article at a Glance:
Bed bug mattress covers are a great way to prevent the pests from making a home out of your bed or to get an existing infestation under control. There are a wide variety of different covers, though, so you should do your research before buying one. For the cover to do its job properly, you have to buy the right cover for your bed and take care of it by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
How Do You Get Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are found in homes, hotels, dorm rooms, and other residences. They’re very small, so it’s easy for them to hide in furniture, luggage, or backpacks. Once they find their way into a room, they may multiply and start spreading to other rooms of the home.
In most cases, infestations spread after a person stays in an infested hotel or another residence. The bugs may crawl into the person’s clothing or luggage and be brought back home. If you’ve stayed away from home recently, that might be the explanation for bed bugs. They can also infest furniture, so your infestation may be caused by a used couch or mattress you’ve brought into your home.
A female bed bug lays two to five eggs every day. One single bed bug in your home can quickly turn into an infestation if another bed bug comes along. This is especially common in apartments or other multi-family dwellings because so many people could potentially bring home a bed bug.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Should I Be Worried About Infestations?
Bed bugs are known for being difficult to get rid of, so it’s normal to be slightly worried about an infestation. No one wants to deal with the itchy bites or the expensive pest control services.
You shouldn’t be overcome with worry over the possibility of getting an infestation, but there are some situations where you should pay closer attention to the signs of bed bugs. If you’ve recently stayed at a hotel that may have had an infestation, you might have brought the bugs home with you. The vast majority of hotels have no problems with bed bugs, but because so many people come and go, there’s always a possibility of a pest problem.
You may also want to be careful of bed bugs if you’ve recently brought home used furniture. Before bringing used furniture into your home, you should always check it for signs of bed bugs and thoroughly vacuum and wash it.
If you’re worried about getting a bed bug infestation, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk. One option is to buy a bed bug mattress cover, which prevents the pests from hiding in your mattress and multiplying.
What to Consider When Buying a Good Bed Bug Mattress Cover
Not all bed bug mattress covers are designed in the same way. Some have better features than others, so you should do your research before purchasing one. Here are some important considerations:
Encasement vs Cover
There’s an important difference between a mattress encasement and a chemically-impregnated mattress cover. An encasement completely surrounds the mattress and box spring, so bed bugs can’t get inside. Any bugs that are already in your mattress won’t be able to escape and feed, so they’ll eventually die.
Mattress covers usually only cover the top of the mattress. They contain chemicals that will kill off bed bugs, but they probably won’t be effective enough to completely defend your bed from the pests. They also only kill bed bugs that make contact with the cover, so the bugs could still reach the inside of your mattress or box spring. Overall, a mattress encasement is a better option than a chemically-impregnated mattress cover.
Quality and Materials
The mattress encasement should cover the entire mattress and box spring with sturdy and high-quality materials. If it’s not properly sealed, it won’t prevent an infestation. Look for encasements that have reinforced seams and a strip seal around the zipper. Check the label to see whether the cover has been lab-tested or has other certifications to prove that it works well.
The encasement should be strong enough to keep out bed bugs, but it also should be comfortable to sleep on. It shouldn’t make noise whenever you shift positions, or you may find yourself waking up many times throughout the night. You may also want an odorless and waterproof mattress encasement.
Installation
The mattress encasement you choose should be easy to install. If it has a complicated installation process and you accidentally set it up improperly, it won’t be effective. It should come with detailed instructions for setting it up and taking care of it. Before installing the cover, inspect it for tears or other issues.
Price
An expensive mattress encasement won’t necessarily be the best option. If you’re trying to prevent an infestation that hasn’t even happened yet, you don’t have to break the bank to get an effective mattress encasement. However, the cheapest ones might not work well, or they might be uncomfortable to sleep on. Your best option is probably to find an encasement in the middle of the price range.
Quick FAQ
Top 3 Bed Bug Covers You Can Get in Canada
Sleep Defense System
The Sleep Defense System is made of a polyester knit fabric that is comfortable to sleep on. The cover is cool and breathable, so it won’t trap any heat while you sleep. Lab tests found the cover to be 100 percent bed bug proof, and it can also protect you against dust mites and other allergens.
The zipper lock prevents bugs from getting in or out through the teeth of the zipper. The encasement is made of a stretchy material, so you can use it on any mattress with a height of 12 to 18 inches.
Pros:
- 100 percent bed bug proof
- Hypoallergenic; repels dust mites
- Comfortable polyester fabric
Cons:
- Large liquid spills will damage the cover
- Traps pet hair
Utopia Zippered Mattress Encasement
The Utopia encasement uses a knit polyester material, so it’s very comfortable to sleep on. It’s machine washable and easy to install.
The velcro zip guard will keep bugs from entering or exiting the mattress through the zipper, and the waterproof barrier will protect your mattress from liquids.
The cover is 15 inches deep, but it’s stretchy and should cover mattresses that are slightly taller.
Pros:
- Velcro zip guard keeps bed bugs in or out
- Waterproof
Cons:
- May be baggy on smaller or shorter mattresses
Lucid Encasement Mattress Protector
Lucid sells several mattress protectors that cover the top of your bed, but their encasement is the best option for protecting yourself from bed bugs because it encloses your entire mattress.
The Lucid encasement protects against bed bugs as well as dust mites and other allergens. It’s completely waterproof and has a breathable design, so you won’t overheat while you sleep. The elastic on the bottom of the encasement will pull in extra fabric, so the cover will fit snugly over any mattress size.
Pros:
- 15 year warranty
- Waterproof and breathable
Cons:
- More expensive than other options
If you have had any experience with bed bugs or mattress covers and think that could provide a tip or two, please leave a comment below, we’d be happy to hear from you.
Updated 30.11.2018
References
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/top-10-myths-about-bed-bugs/
