All About Bed Bug Mattress Covers
One method of treating a bed bug infestation is to use a bed bug mattress cover. As reported in a recent CNN article, according to the National Pest Management Association, bedbug infestations are increasing across the country. For homeowners, apartment dwellers, and travelers, bedbugs are making their presence known—and felt. When selecting the proper prevention measures to address bedbug infestations, many first-time victims fail to understand how to effectively stem the infestation and prevent reinfestation, thus making costly mistakes in terms of both time and finances. Veterans of bedbug encounters understand how simple solutions like bed bug mattress covers can quickly and effectively do two things: End the nightly discomfort due to itchy bites and pave the way for an end to the infestation.
Bed bug mattress covers, also called "encasements," are designed to keep bedbugs both in and out. The goal in addressing a bedbug infestation is to eliminate the potential for the bedbugs to find ever more places to hide, bite, and reproduce. A solitary female bedbug can reproduce 400 new bedbug babies from a single bite. Like tiny, ever-multiplying vampires, bedbugs get harder to control the longer the infestation remains unchecked. Many victims will simply assume that the bed itself is the source of the problem, and will choose to discard mattress, box spring, and even the frame, only to feel frustrated and mystified (not to mention cash poor) when the bedbugs promptly infest their newly purchased bedset in turn.
Eliminating the Bed Bugs
This is why the use of a mattress cover, or encasement, is so essential. Bed bug mattress covers are constructed of a thick, impenetrable type of tough plastic-like material that keeps existing, live, bedbugs contained within the mattress and keeps bedbugs living in other hiding locations from re-infesting the bed. When installing a mattress cover to treat a bedbug infestation, it is important to invest in a cover for the mattress and also one for the box spring, in order to thoroughly eliminate hiding places and reinfestation. Bedbugs trapped within the mattress will instantly lose their feeding source (you!) and eventually die.
Purchasing Your Mattress Cover
It is also important to keep in mind that since bedbugs can survive for up to 12 months without a feeding source, the use of a bedbug mattress cover is a long term solution that is best employed in concert with other infestation control and treatment methods. The good news is that bed bug mattress covers are much less expensive than replacing the bed, box spring, and frame - and they are much more effective too. An entire encasement set—pillow cover, mattress cover, and box spring cover—can retail for less than $100, and will last for years and years. Bed bug mattress cover sets are available through common major retailers as well as online, and are simple and quick to install. If you can put a pillow case on your pillow, you can put a bed bug mattress cover on your bed.
By promptly addressing a bedbug infestation through the use of mattress encasements as well as professional treatment, discomfort can be minimized and peaceful sleep restored!
