Before homeowners become aware of a problem, bed bugs have moved into a number of rooms in almost every infestation and most people look for quick solutions. Mattress encasements are frequently tried as a first line of defense against bed bugs. The reasoning is straightforward. A thick, impermeable layer of sturdy outer fabric over your mattresses should keep the bed bugs out, right?
As it turns out, there is no simple solution. Bed bug biology, infestations, and why protective encasements are useful but never sufficient.
Will Bed Bug Mattress Encasements Prevent Bed Bugs From Biting Me?
Bug bites can occur anywhere on the body and are one of the most distressing aspects of an infestation. The good news is that an insect prevention mattress encasement will prevent bed bugs from biting you in your bed mattress. However, you must install it correctly, ensure that the zip is completely closed, and double-check on a regular basis to ensure that no tiny tears or perforations form. Of course, those lurking elsewhere in your home could still bite you.
Do Mattress Encasements Keep Bed Bugs Out?
The answer is a disappointing no in this case. Keep in mind that beds aren’t the only place you can find these resilient little survivors. These tiny insects, which are about the thickness of a fingernail, can successfully conceal themselves everywhere in your house, including crevices in wooden furniture, clothing, and carpets.
The pest’s pestilent reproduction cycle is another factor. A mature female can lay as many as twelve eggs in a single day. A female bed bug that is about to deposit eggs will avoid areas where there are already pests. As a result, epidemics develop at a startling rate and infestations spread quite quickly.
Can Bed Bugs Be Prevented by Using a Regular Mattress Protector?
The price of a customized bed mattress encasement is higher than that of a typical household mattress encasement. The fact that some individuals worry if a standard mattress protector will work is not all that surprising.
However, ordinary mattress protectors offer no protection at all from bed bugs. Most mattress covers are not intended to cover the entire surface of a mattress, and they offer little defense against insects entering your mattress and settling there.
How About Bed Bug Interceptors? Are They Useful?
Interceptors are small dishes that can be installed beneath standard furniture legs, including some beds. They’re a low-tech way to keep crawling insects out of your furniture.
When used in conjunction with mattress encasements, an interceptor reduces the likelihood of unwanted visitors to your bed, and they are a low-cost component of any solution. They do, however, only prevent intrusion into specific pieces of furniture. They will not completely prevent or eliminate a household infestation.
How Do I Know Which Mattress Encasement to Buy for Bed Bugs?
First and foremost, always prioritize quality above quantity. A mattress protector is completely useless if even the tiniest hole or tear appears in it. Check to see if it completely encases your mattress, has been tested for and proven to be bed insect proof, and has received mostly positive feedback from customers online.
There are several brands of protective covers that are known for their effectiveness in preventing bed bugs. Some of the most popular brands include SafeRest, SureGuard, and Hospitology Products. These covers are made of high-quality materials and are designed to fit snugly around your mattress or box spring, effectively trapping any bed bugs inside. It’s important to choose a cover that is specifically designed for bed bug protection, as not all covers will be effective at preventing infestations.
What’s the difference between a mattress cover and a mattress encasement?
To reiterate again mattress encasements zip all the way around the mattress while mattress covers are placed on top of a mattress like a fitted sheet. Mattress covers do not stop bed bugs from crawling to the mattress because they are simply put on the top of the bed. Many mattress protectors are water-resistant and simple to take off for washing. For those who are primarily concerned with spill and bodily fluid safety, mattress coverings might be a good fit. Choose a mattress encasement if you’re worried about bed bugs and other pests. Encasements provide a seal around the entire mattress, including the bottom, to offer security at all bed angles.
