Bed bug infestations are all over the news and social media these days. You normally hear about them in and around big cities like Toronto and the GTA, but bed bugs can find their way to any home or business. They typically travel around in people’s luggage, so anywhere humans go, you can likely find bed bugs.
Bed bugs feed on blood – whether from people or pets – and are attracted by the carbon dioxide we exhale in our breath. They normally hang out around bed areas because it’s easy for them to feed on us at night while we’re asleep.
That’s only the beginning of what makes them disturbing, however. Bed bugs can actually live for up to a year if conditions are right for their survival. And just one bed bug can produce almost 40,000 more!
All this means it’s absolutely crucial to address a bed bug infestation as soon as it’s detected. Your first line of defense is to call a professional right away. The longer you ignore the issue, the worse it can get.
Many people might think that just getting rid of their mattress will solve the problem. Not so! Bed bugs don’t only hide in the actual mattress. They seek out hiding places in the box spring, bed frame, headboard, and around the bed like in drawers and window coverings. They can even infest pet beds!
Buying a new mattress and calling it a day is a recipe for disaster when it comes to bed bugs. You’ll think the problem is solved, but what you’re really doing is prolonging the issue and allowing them to multiply. The problem will only get worse from there.
From the bedroom, the bed bugs can move into other rooms like the living room or kitchen. Soon enough your whole home will be infested.
Many safe insecticides can be used to get rid of bed bugs, but one good way to stem an infestation before it gets out of hand is to invest in a mattress cover. A bed bug cover will prevent a person from getting fed on by the bugs and play a key role in eliminating the infestation.
However, not all bed bug mattress covers are created equal. Not all mattress covers will be effective at eliminating a bed bug infestation.
What makes a good bed bug mattress cover?
- A tight, encased zipper with small teeth
- A seal that fits over the encased zipper
- No seams, pockets or folds
- Certified bedbug proof by an independent source
- Waterproof and flame-retardant
- Breathable and hypo-allergenic
How bed bug mattress covers help eliminate infestations
You can’t sell a mattress cover that’s coated in any kind of insecticide. It’s against the law and would pose a serious health risk. Instead, mattress covers work by starving the bed bugs of their food source. You are essentially encasing any bed bugs in the mattress and preventing them from crawling out or spreading. No bed bugs can crawl in and multiply either.
If your box spring and pillows are also properly encased, you’re cutting off even more bed bugs from their food source. Combine this tactic with professional insecticide treatments around the house and you’re on your way to successfully eliminating the bed bug infestation.
