How gross is it when you wake up and realize those pesky bugs decided to visit your place overnight? It’s just ugh!
We often try to deal with them by throwing plastic covers on our mattresses. But the question still lingers, can bed bugs live on plastic mattresses? Let’s see what the article has to say!
Are Plastic Covers The Ultimate Bed Bug Shield?
A plastic cover is the most effective protection for bed bugs in your mattress. The cover traps them inside, leaving them no place to hide.
The cover can prevent bed bugs from getting to you since it has no minor gaps. Consequently, they can only survive by reaching their source of food.
Do Plastic Mattress Covers Suffocate Bed Bugs?
Trapping them in plastic can restrict their access to oxygen and their food source, ultimately leading to suffocation.
Remember, this method will not immediately kill bed bugs and might take several months to eradicate them.
5 Tips To Prevent Bed Bugs Infestation
Keeping you matter on plastic cover may slow the spread of these insects, but it is not a permanent solution for keeping them at bay.
You can follow these tips to deter nasty critters from infesting.
1. Look Out For Warning Signs
Bed bugs are small and they shed their skin, so discovering a cluster of old exoskeletons could indicate bed bugs in your house.
Aside from this you may also find bed bug bites, red blood stains, brown feces stains, a musty odor.
2. Close Cracks And Gaps
It is important to use plastic covers properly and make sure they are sealed without any tears or gaps.
Bed bugs are attracted to small, tight crevices that they can hide in. Make sure to seal all tiny spaces and holes so they cannot hide there.
3. Clean Clothes After Traveling
Numerous hotel beds and your friend’s home may be harboring insects, and a brief stay could unknowingly transport them to our homes as well.
It is important to wash all bedding and clothes immediately in hot water upon returning home. This approach will eradicate any present bed bugs or eggs.
4. Check Secondhand Furniture
Remember to thoroughly examine any secondhand furniture you buy from a store for signs of bed bugs.
Use a magnifying glass and put on latex gloves for a detailed examination.
Get Bed Bug Pest Control Treatment
If you are dealing with a severe bed bug problem, you may need to contact professional exterminators.
In most cases, bed bug exterminators will employ an organic method for pest control, such as heat treatment, to quickly eliminate all bed bugs.
Is It Worth Investing In Mattress Encasement?
Some mattress covers, especially cotton ones, are partially airtight. Therefore, the most effective option for bed bug prevention is to use a plastic mattress cover.
It will keep your sheet stain-free in case of spills or accidents. You can simply wipe the plastic, which is easy to clean.
Consideration That Might Help You Deter Bed Bugs
Plastic covers can help prevent bed bugs but may not completely eradicate an infestation. It is advisable to explore other methods of eliminating them from your residence.
- Raise your mattress by placing it on a bed frame instead of the floor to reduce the chance of bed bugs getting onto it.
- Getting rid of bed bugs can take several days, so it is crucial to remain patient and watchful.
- Inspect the cover regularly for any signs of damage and replace it if you discover any holes.
- Bed bugs feed every 3 or 4 days in regular temperatures and can starve to death without food within a specific time.
- Vacuuming and laundering at high temperatures provide short-term relief.