Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Tools/ideas for fighting bed bugs
Mattress Encasements
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devil_youknow
newbite
Joined: Apr '10
Posts: 21offline
Posted 3 years ago
Fri May 7 2010 16:53:38
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Do you specifically have to buy one from a pest control place? I just got off the phone with a pest control person (I'm not paying him but my apt building is) who said that the ones from Target, Meijers etc don't work.
Not sure if that is correct or not?
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Do any mattress encasements work?
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cilecto
oldtimer
Joined: Aug '08
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Posted 3 years ago
Sat May 8 2010 13:19:48
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As I understand it, certain makes have been tested by entomologists to make sure that no bugs can get in or out of even the tiniest gap. The others "could" be "not as good". *Some* pros are not fans of encasements overall...while they can keep bugs from harboring in your mattress/box spring (or can keep bugs inside from coming out, they do not keep bugs from harboring and infesting other places in your home...places which may be harder to treat than mattresses. One of the entos (Potter? Miller? Sorkin?) who is an encasement fan spoke at a recent conference and said that if funds are tight, encase the box spring rather than the mattress.
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your host
Joined: Mar '07
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Posted 3 years ago
Sat May 8 2010 17:16:08
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PCOs selling encasements may or may not be marketing the quality encasements which are tested by entomologists.
Some PCOs sell Mattress Safe or Protect-a-Bed AllerZip, which are entomologist-tested.
But I have heard of some PCOs selling cheap Target-style encasements, which I would personally not rely on, and yes -- I speak from experience. I did use them, before AllerZip and MattressSafe were available. Massive gaps at the zipper end stop.
In answer to your question, keep in mind you don't have to buy them from a PCO. We do advertise Protect-a-Bed encasements here, and you can compare the prices with those the PCO is offering.
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devil_youknow
newbite
Joined: Apr '10
Posts: 21offline
Posted 3 years ago
Tue May 11 2010 11:54:14
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Thanks everyone. I found out I had bedbugs 2 days after owning the mattress. They had been there before though (black spots on the walls were the warning.)
How's that for timing! I don't want to buy a new mattress, I just bought this one!
Your responses have helped and a huge shout out to whoever started this board. It's a great resource!
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oldtimer
Joined: Mar '08
Posts: 2,545offline
Posted 3 years ago
Wed May 12 2010 0:02:40
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Protect-A-Bed ... has never let me down. Just be sure to use a mattress encasement and never a box spring encasement .. yes even on the box spring.
Be sure to pull off the 4 plastic/metal bumper pieces at the corners & hammer all the staples down flush around the entire box spring. I'm talking about the staples that hold the batting on underneath.
Then be sure to use some felt tape or layer some duct tape on any sharp edges/friction points you find on the frame.
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old timer
Joined: May '07
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Posted 3 years ago
Wed May 12 2010 14:57:23
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The use of quality bed bug proof mattress encasements has saved folks a lot of heart ache and expense.
And while sometimes extra material may provide harborage the benefits totally outweigh any negatives.
At this point if you can afford them they are a good proactive tool. -
cilecto
oldtimer
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Posted 3 years ago
Wed May 12 2010 15:57:00
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KillerQueen - 15 hours ago »
Protect-A-Bed ... has never let me down.I thought you were anti-encasement? Was that only for prevention, or did "they" threaten your supply of Milanos?
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kears
newbite
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Posted 3 years ago
Wed May 12 2010 18:04:56
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I have been using the very cheap vinyl encasements...but I did reinforce the corners and put DE inside. When inspecting the WHITE mattress for evidence of bb activity...I have found NONE. Could it still be possible to harbor the buggers, but that they're being sneaky?
My problem has been the bed frames themselves. The bb's in my house seem to prefer the pine frame of my sons' bunk beds over all else.
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cilecto
oldtimer
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Posted 3 years ago
Wed May 12 2010 23:03:58
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BB don't just harbor in mattresses, yes, they love wood, cracks, crevices, baseboards and anywhere they can hide near a food source (you). If your kid's bed frame is infested, it will need to be treated. Some people have also discussed ways to make wood furniture less inviting to BB, i.e., sealing, painting, caulking. Please review the FAQs and a guide from the resource page to understand these things better.
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oldtimer
Joined: Mar '08
Posts: 2,545offline
Posted 3 years ago
Wed May 12 2010 23:55:29
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cilecto - 7 hours ago »
KillerQueen - 15 hours ago »
Protect-A-Bed ... has never let me down.I thought you were anti-encasement? Was that only for prevention, or did "they" threaten your supply of Milanos?
lol ... NO. I have always recommended and do use mattress encasements for an infestations.
I don't recommend encasing a box spring if you don't have an infestation.
I only recommend using a mattress encasement for easier inspection if you suspect you have a bed bug problem. But again it's not completely necessary, just easier.
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seriously phobic
junior member
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 48offline
Posted 3 years ago
Sun May 16 2010 16:46:28
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Killer Queen -- Why do you recommend using a box spring encasement only with an infestation? I just bought one thinking it a good preventive tool, but haven't put it on yet. I'd be interested to hear your advice. Thanks!
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oldtimer
Joined: Mar '08
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Posted 3 years ago
Mon May 17 2010 16:29:28
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Not what I’m saying.
If you have an infestation I recommend using both mattress and box spring encasements.If you don’t have a problem - don’t encase the box spring.
If you want to encase a mattress with the correct fitting encasement - it will help to provide you with an easier inspection that is if you’re looking month to month.
I figure 70% of a bed bug problem is the bed. The other 30% is the hardest part about bed bugs - as they can hide anywhere at that point. I feel not enough attention is given to the 30% of the structure when fighting infestations.
Allow them to invade the bed and keep the 70% where it should be.If you flip flop these numbers without an infestation .. I think you’re in for a bigger challenge trying to eradicate them.
I walk into infestations and treat them everyday and I don’t have encasements on my beds. And I have never had bed bugs either.
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seriously phobic
junior member
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 48offline
Posted 3 years ago
Mon May 17 2010 19:38:55
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Ah, okay, that makes good sense. Thanks!
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