Mattress encasements can be an essential tool in monitoring bed bugs in your home. These specially designed covers completely encase mattresses and box springs. By sealing off these prime hiding spots, mattress encasements help protect your bed and make it easier to identify and eliminate existing infestations.

Not all bed bug mattress covers are created equal, though. To help you find the best option, we'll explore the benefits of using mattress encasements, how they work, and other ways to help prevent bed bugs.

bed bug near zipper

Will a mattress cover prevent bed bugs?

Bed bug mattress covers and box spring covers are usually clear or light-white protectors that fit tightly over your bed. These covers can serve two purposes. They can help keep bed bugs from infesting your bed by shutting them out, and they can also help trap bed bugs that have taken shelter within your mattress by sealing them inside.

Bed bug mattress encasements are designed with tight, durable fabrics that bed bugs cannot penetrate, which can help contain existing infestations. While mattress covers can help trap bed bugs already inside the mattress and prevent new ones from infesting it, they do not stop bed bugs from crawling onto the bed or biting you.

How to pick mattress covers for bed bugs

Mattress covers can help contain bed bugs by sealing them within and preventing them from escaping the mattress. When shopping for a mattress cover, consider the following questions:

Is it a full mattress encasement?

A bed bug mattress cover should cover the entire mattress. Some covers market themselves as "bed bug proof" but only target certain areas of a mattress. Look for covers made with durable, tightly woven fabrics that fully encase your mattress and the box spring separately.

Full encasement is crucial because bed bugs can hide in any part of the mattress or box spring, not just the top or sides. By completely enclosing these items, you help reduce potential hiding spots and prevent bed bugs from escaping or entering.

Is it properly sealed?

A mattress cover can help kill existing bed bugs by sealing them within and keeping them from feeding on you at night. However, bed bugs are very small and, with their flat shapes, can easily sneak through crevices. Purchase a bed bug mattress encasement with a high-quality zipper and reinforced seams. Higher-quality covers often contain strip seals that protect the zipper and ensure a tight seal.

mattress cover zipper

Has it been tested?

Bed bug mattress covers sold by trusted pest control experts often undergo additional testing to ensure they work. Look for covers that have been lab-certified or tested by qualified entomologists. This certification verifies that the cover has been rigorously tested for its ability to help prevent bed bugs from entering or escaping. It assures that the cover meets industry standards for effectiveness, durability, and reliability in bed bug prevention.

Is it toxin-free?

Some bed bug mattress covers contain pesticides that can help kill existing bed bugs. However, some chemicals can pose health risks to users, especially those with sensitivities or allergies. Consider a chemical-free encasement if you are sensitive to pesticides.

bed bug on cloth

More ways to help prevent bed bugs

In addition to using mattress encasements, there are several other ways to help prevent bed bugs in your home:

  1. Routinely inspect your mattress, bed frame, and furniture for signs of bed bugs, such as dark spots (fecal or blood stains), shed skins, or live bugs.
  2. Steam clean and vacuum upholstered furniture thoroughly, paying attention to seams, tufts, and folds where bed bugs may hide. This is especially important if you're buying secondhand items.
  3. Place bedding, linens, and clothing in the dryer for at least 30 minutes before you wash them. Bed bugs can survive in washers, so the dryer helps kill bed bugs before washing. Wash items in hot water (at least 120°F) and dry them on high heat to kill any remaining bed bugs and their eggs.
  4. When traveling, inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs and keep luggage elevated and away from the bed and furniture.

If you suspect you have bed bugs in your home, contact Terminix for professional bed bug control services. Our technicians will inspect your home and create a customized treatment plan to eliminate bed bugs in all life stages. Schedule your inspection today!

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