Do Plastic Mattress Covers Prevent Bed Bugs?
WouterWhile many people think that a plastic mattress cover will prevent bed bugs from breeding, this is not entirely true. In fact, a plastic mattress encasement will starve the bugs, not kill them. Although bedbugs feed every few days, they can survive without food for several days. In fact, some bedbugs can go more than a week without feeding.
A plastic mattress cover will not prevent bed bugs from breeding in your bed, but it can help kill their eggs and larvae. To do so, you should wash the plastic mattress cover with hot water. It should be odorless and thin enough to be comfortable for you to sleep on. In addition, you should dry the mattress cover thoroughly after you wash it.
If you are concerned that your plastic mattress cover isn’t effective, you should buy a product with a zipper. A zippered encasement can help prevent the bugs from entering the mattress. But it is best to choose a mattress encasement that doesn’t tear easily. If you are concerned about the plastic’s ability to repel bedbugs, you can purchase an independent test.
A bedbug infestation is an epidemic in the U.S., and is becoming more common across the globe. Once inside the mattress, these insects can be difficult to get rid of. But the good news is that there are now specialty mattress covers available that can prevent them from entering your bed. While a new mattress may not need a special cover, older mattresses may require one.
