We will answer the question: can bed bugs go through a plastic mattress cover? While bed bugs cannot chew, they are some of the most adaptable pests and can find their way through a plastic mattress cover if it isn’t sealed right or has a rip.
The best way to avoid bed bugs getting through is to ensure that any zippers or seams on the cover are tightly closed and to inspect it regularly for any signs of damage. You can also use Gorilla Tape to reinforce any potential holes or areas where the plastic may become weak.
Do Plastic Mattress Covers Prevent Bed Bugs?
Yes, as long as there are no tears or weaknesses in the cover and it is adequately sealed, plastic mattress covers can prevent bed bugs. Furthermore, if you have an infestation, a plastic mattress cover can help contain the problem and prevent the further spread of the bugs.
It’s important to remember that while a mattress cover can provide some protection from bed bugs, they are not a solution. If your bed is on a frame, then most likely, the bugs are in the frame, moldings, bedding, and other furniture.
The mattress cover can help eliminate many bugs, but it won’t completely solve the problem. You can still get bed bugs with a mattress cover.
Can Bed Bugs Go Through a Plastic Mattress Cover?
The bed bug can go through a cover if there is a hole or the zipper teeth don’t close completely. The best way to avoid bed bugs going through is to ensure that any zippers or seams on the cover are tightly closed and to inspect it regularly for any signs of damage.
You can also use Gorilla Tape to reinforce any potential holes or areas where the plastic may become weak. Some areas frequently rip where the mattress touches the bed frame rails. Placing the tape along these areas will mitigate any rips. For extra security, you can set the tape along the entire length of the zipper.
In addition to using a plastic mattress cover, you can take several other steps to protect yourself from bed bugs. These include regular cleaning and vacuuming your home.
All this, coupled with checking for signs of infestations in furniture and clothing, should help you catch an issue early. Lastly, sealing cracks or crevices in floors and walls can minimize hiding spots.
If you have an infestation, it is essential to contact a pest control professional as soon as possible.
Can Bed Bugs Eat Through Plastic?
No bed bugs do not have chewing and biting mouths like cockroaches. Read our in-depth look at what roaches eat to learn more.
Can Bed Bugs Bite Through Vinyl?
No, vinyl is not one of the things that bed bugs can bite through. In fact, we discussed this in our in-depth article “can bed bugs bite through clothes?”
Reasons Why You’ll Want to Use a Plastic Mattress Cover
- If you dispose of your mattress, you’ll want to wrap it in a plastic mattress cover first. Doing this will ensure you don’t spread bed bugs.
- A plastic mattress cover will do the trick if you can’t afford a proper mattress and box spring cover for bed bugs.
- Do you need to reduce the population of bed bugs on a mattress quickly? Then put a plastic mattress cover on it.
- If you are moving, it is a good idea to cover your mattress in plastic so that you don’t pick up any bed bugs from the moving truck.
- Finally, if you’re storing a mattress for an extended period, it’s best to wrap it in plastic before storing it. Covering it will help protect your mattress from dust and bug infestations.
What are the Best Plastic Mattress Covers for Bed Bugs?
The U Line mattress cover or the Amazon Commercial Moving and Storage Mattress Bag are all you’ll need. The U Line is less expensive, but the plastic is thinner, so it may rip. We suggest getting the commercial mattress bag since it has thicker plastic.
Can Bed Bugs Live on Plastic Mattress Covers?
Yes, bed bugs can live on the outside of the mattress cover. So if you have an active bed bug infestation, then just covering the mattress in plastic is not a solution. It would be best if you successfully treated the entire home to solve a bed bug issue.
Can Bed Bugs Climb Plastic Wrap?
Yes, most plastic has enough texture for a bed bug to grip and climb on.
Plastic Mattress Cover vs Encasement
There is a big difference between a plastic mattress cover and an encasement. A plastic mattress cover is a thin sheet you put over your mattress and usually have to tape shut.
It does not have zippers or seals, so bed bugs could still get through openings or rips. On the other hand, an encasement is a zipper closure case that surrounds your mattress. This means that bed bugs cannot get in or out of it, making it the best option to prevent them from infesting your mattress.
So, f you have an expensive memory foam mattress, you’ll want to protect it from bed bugs. Learn more about memory foam and bed bugs here.
Do Plastic Mattress Covers Kill Bed Bugs?
The bugs will starve if you keep the mattress cover on for at least a year. Learn more about how long bed bugs live without food to understand why.
Most of the bugs inside a mattress cover will die within six months, but there is always a chance that a few survive longer. So a plastic mattress cover is not a treatment solution. Instead, you can use it alongside a comprehensive treatment plan.
How Long Do Bed Bugs Live Inside a Plastic Mattress Cover?
As mentioned above, bed bugs can live for up to a year inside a plastic mattress cover. However, the longer you keep it on the mattress, the less likely it is that any remaining bugs will survive.
You should also be aware that if there are any openings or rips in your mattress cover, the bed bugs could escape and infest your bed again. So make sure you inspect your mattress cover regularly for any signs of damage.
In conclusion, a plastic mattress cover can protect your mattress from bed bugs. However, it is not a treatment solution and should only be used as an overall approach to eliminating the problem.
How to Dispose and Wrap a Mattress in Plastic for Bed Bugs
You can buy a mattress cover that is certified for bed bugs, slip it over your mattress (remember your box spring and bed frame), then tape it shut.
Another option is to take large trash bags, cut them open, wrap them around your mattress and tape them. It’s essential to cover and tape the box spring and bed frame to ensure the bugs don’t escape.
Once you wrap your mattress in plastic, you must dispose of it safely. Make sure you seal the bed tightly, and nobody can open it. You may even want to make a sign and tape it onto the plastic, warning people not to open it.
You can throw your mattress in the landfill or take advantage of special mattress disposal services available in most areas. Be sure to contact your local government for information on how and where to dispose of a mattress infested with bed bugs properly.
Finally, remember that while wrapping your mattress in plastic is a great way to contain the bed bug infestation, it will not get rid of them. You will still need to contact a professional exterminator for an effective treatment plan.
Good luck!
Final Thoughts for Can Bed Bugs Go Through A Plastic Mattress Cover?
We hope you’ve enjoyed this exploration of whether or not bed bugs can get through a plastic mattress cover. While much of our answer depends on whether there are holes in the plastic, we hope we’ve given you some food for thought and things to consider if you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation. If you have any questions or want more information, feel free to call us. We’re always happy to help however we can! (212) 851 – 3990.
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