Bed bugs are small wingless nocturnal insects that, in most cases, go unnoticed by people due to their size, color, and the methods used to move from one place to another. The tone of their skin varies from copper to a dark reddish brown. Adult bugs do not have wings and have a flattened body, their dimensions go from about 3/16 of an inch in length and are about the size of an apple seed. When they feed on blood, their skin turns to a reddish brown tone.
Whether you have a box spring mattress, a futon waterproof cover, or couch covers everywhere, you could wake up one morning with an incredibly itchy bed bug bite. Through their habits, it is possible to find the explanation of why they are such a big threat to daily life. First of all, they can be found in cracks and crevices, as well as inside mattresses, sheets, furniture, behind the skirting boards, electrical connections, and picture frames. They are particularly troublesome in hotels as they move from one room to another inside visitors’ luggage.
Regarding their dietary habits, they usually feed on human blood and other warm-blooded hosts such as rats and pets.
However, probably the single most worrying thing about bed bugs is that females can lay one to five eggs a day. During their lifetime, a single female can lay between 200 and 500 eggs. In areas with a constant temperature and adequate food supplements, bed bugs can live up to 300 days.
They are not easily detectable although they tend to stay together and emit a sweet smell, which, of course, is very unpleasant. Blood stains on the mattresses and furniture are also signs of an infestation of these insects. Bed bugs have lived among humans since ancient times and are found all around the world in both cool and warm environments. There are different types of bed bugs, but the most common ones are those scientifically called Cimelectularius, which are adaptable to different human environments.
Bed bugs can even survive in bird nests. For this reason, it is common to find them in houses and buildings, particularly in ceilings. These insects are known to feed on bats, rats, and pets, although their primary source of nutrition is human blood.
Bed bugs are scattered around the world mostly because travelers carry them in their luggage and in their clothes, but particularly in mattresses, furniture, and sheets. For this reason, it is important to choose mattress covers that can protect mattresses from these horrible insects.
This article will focus on giving the reader general advice on which aspects should be taken into account when buying a bed bug proof mattress cover, reviews on the best options for this year and also some tips on how to avoid a bed bug infestation in the first place.
Certainly, there is not much advice to give regarding the purchase of a bed bug mattress encasement. Even though it is not a reason to overspend on it, a good bed bug proof mattress cover can save a lot of money in the future. However, when buying one, the following are some aspects people should have in mind:
Having this in mind, we can take a look at the best reviews for bed bug proof mattress covers in 2017:
The AllerZip Smooth Protect-a-bed cover fits mattresses perfectly, leaving no cracks or crevices. Furthermore, the bright white color of this bed bug mattress encasement allows the early detection of bed bugs.
This cover is designed using a three-sided micro-zipper for a comfortable use. Sturdy and effective, made with soft polyester fiber and reinforced stitching.
These are some of the most remarkable benefits:
An award-winning cover made with microfilament technology. It is a complete physical barrier against allergens. It is an environmentally-friendly solution against bedbugs, dust mites, pet dander and allergens.
This a high-quality German-engineered mattress cover that provides superior protection against bugs and irritating dust mites. Among its benefits it is possible to mention that:
Hypoallergenic cotton that does not produce any kind of noise. This cover protects any mattress from bed bugs. The most relevant feature about this cover is that it is easy to wash and has a lasting waterproof protection. Even though the price can be a little high, it is totally repaid by its 15-year warranty. This is a great quality solution.
The best thing about these covers is that they are extremely comfortable and cosy and they also protect you from dust and allergens.
This is a premium cotton cover with exclusive micro-zipper technology that prevents all stages of bed bugs. This premium quality mattress cover has a number of benefits that we can highlight:
The mattress encasement is probably the most cost-effective solution on this list. It is very easy to put on your mattress and provides comfortable protection and helps keep the mattress clean.
The only disadvantage is that it is not completely waterproof, even though it helps repels most water. Other than that, you are going to purchase a premium quality mattress cover that enhances sleep due to its soft, thin, and breathable fabric and that embraces your mattress perfectly. In addition, it comes with a very handy 10-year warranty.
Although buying a top quality mattress is a very important part of keeping bed bugs away from your house, there are some measures that can help you assure you will not bring any bed bugs home from a work trip or from anywhere outside your house. We understand that, regardless of bed bugs not being a serious threat to health, they are not supposed to be anywhere inside the house. Bed bugs do not carry or transmit diseases but their bites cause irritation and even infection. They can also cause itchiness and leave lumps or red papules.
Bed bugs are not social insects so bites are the result of a single specimen that continually feeds on its victim. Some bites form large papules, but these marks are not a typical indication of a serious problem and they fade or are minimized in a few days.
Once inside, they are difficult to eradicate without the help of a professional in the pest control. An infestation of bed bugs has no relation to hygiene. They can be found even in the cleanest of homes or in the most luxurious of hotels. However, preventing bed bugs from entering your home or business will save you money for future eradication treatment.
For this reason, we will give you some extra advice on how to ensure your house keeps being free from bed bugs:
Follow these tips to avoid the presence of bed bugs in your home:
Bed bugs reproduce quickly and timely prevention is of great importance in preventing an infestation.