Bed bug mattress covers - Why they are so important!

If you've been dealing with a bed bug problem lately and have contacted a reputable pest control company for advice and/or treatment, they have most likely advised you to install bed bug mattress covers on all of your mattresses and box-springs in your home. If you've received this advice - you should take it! Here are some reasons why bed bug mattress covers are so important to your bed bug extermination process.

What do bed bug mattress covers do?

Bed bug mattress covers serve a number of important functions. Depending on the type of bed bug treatment you choose; a 'traditional' bed bug treatment consisting of the use of pesticides, dust, steaming etc., or the method that is fast becoming the most popular treatment for bed bugs - the Bed Bug Heat Treatment, there is a prominent place at the table for the use of the bed bug mattress cover.

Bed bug mattress covers - also referred to as bed bug mattress encasements - are simply a material (either a paper-like version or poly-knit, more on this below) that completely surround the entire mattress or box-spring. All versions have the ability to completely zip up to prevent bed bugs (or bed bug eggs) from exiting the seal once established. This can be particularly helpful when someone has a mattress that is so infested with bed bugs that even a thorough steam treatment will simply not be enough to kill every single bed bug or egg that may be on or in it. Bed bugs are not burrowing insects but they can and will enter the mattress through grommet holes or tears that may exist in the mattress itself.

In addition, the bed bug mattress cover is always bright white and there is a good reason for this. When a bed bug feeds on its host (you) it deposits at least one dot of fecal matter shortly thereafter. This fecal matter is always black in colour. The bright white bed bug cover acts to create a start contrast between the cover and the fecal matter thus making it measurably easier for someone to spot that bed bug activity exists. In other words, the bed bug cover acts as a reasonably good bed bug monitoring aid as well. Your bed bug exterminator should be happy to explain all of the benefits of these covers to you.

It is very important to install bed bug mattress covers on all of the mattresses AND box-springs in your home.

Which kind of bed bug mattress cover is the best?

Choosing the best bed bug mattress cover can take time searching online or asking friends etc., suffice to say that there are essentially two basic materials that these covers are made of; A paper-like material and a 'Poly-knit' fabric. What are the basic differences between them?

The main differences between these two types of materials are that the paper-like material tends to tear easily whereas the poly-knit fabric type stretches and is manufactured to a higher tolerance for ripping and tearing.

Although the poly-knit bed bug cover can be significantly more expensive than the other, if you have small children in your home or even cats with claws, it is highly recommended that you purchase this type of cover.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of noticing a tear in your bed bug cover the rule of thumb is this; If the tear is less than four inches in length you can use simple duct tape to secure it shut. Ensure that you have done this thoroughly. If the tear is greater than four inches it is recommended that you purchase another cover and install it over the torn existing one.

How long should I leave my bed bug mattress cover on for?

This question comes up a lot! The rule of thumb is that you should leave the cover on forever... It has been shown that having a cover of this type on your bed may actually help give you a better sleep. It also reduces dust in your bedroom.

If you choose to remove the bed bug cover at some point make absolutely sure that you do not still have any bed bugs in your home before doing so. At the very least, you should wait eighteen months after seeing no signs of bed bugs in your home.

Where is the best place to buy a bed bug mattress cover in the Toronto area?

There are a number of good retailers that carry a variety of bed bug mattress covers in Toronto. Walmart carries a number of brands and quality levels that should provide a wide enough selection for most price-points. There are also a number of good online retailers for these covers as well.

When it comes to bed bug extermination, there are many tools that your extermination company will use to address the problem. Utilizing bed bug mattress and box-spring covers is part of the essential items that must be used as part of the overall strategy in eliminating bed bugs from your home.