The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) is a small, nocturnal insect – feeding on blood and causing itchy bites on humans. The pests are reddish or brown in color, with a flat, oval shape body and an adult may grow to be the size of 4-7mm (about the size of Abraham Lincoln’s head on a penny). Young bed bugs are smaller and lighter in color. Bed bugs are primarily active at night and will feed on humans when they are sleeping. Adult bed bug after feeding. Bed bugs can come from a variety of locations. Most commonly, they are transported to people’s homes via clothing and/or luggage from hotels, motels and resorts, as well as many other high traffic sources including movie theaters, apartments, dormitories, parks and cabins. Bed bugs are very successful hitchhikers, moving from an infested site to bedding, baggage, boxes, and clothing with ease. Although they typically feed on blood every five to ten days, bed bugs are very resilient and are capable of surviving over a year without feeding.
Bites from bed bugs can be painless, but may become itchy later and can look like small reddish welts. They do not have nests, but tend to live in hiding places that provide them easier access to people that they can feed from. Common hiding places in the home can be in mattresses, box springs, headboards, nightstands, baseboards and even in cracks in walls. Baby bed bug feeding on a human. While bed bugs are visible to the naked eye, they generally only appear in dark conditions. You may have been bitten by bed bugs if you wake up with itchy areas on your skin that you didn't have before falling asleep. You can spot a possible bed bug infestation by looking for the following indicators: Bed bugs on a mattress. Although they are a nuisance, bed bugs have not been found to transmit any human diseases. Consider encasing both the mattress and box spring in a protective cover like those used for allergy relief to eliminate access to your mattress by bed bugs.
Mattress encasements will seal the mattress and box spring, keeping bugs in the mattress trapped (where they will eventually die) while also keeping new bugs out. While an encasement will not keep bed bugs from crawling onto a bed and biting a sleeping person, it will be easier to spot and destroy any bugs residing on the outer surface during examination. Without an encasement, once a mattress becomes infested, you should consider replacing it since treating your bed and pillows with pesticides can be harmful. Encasements for both mattresses and pillows specifically designed to help protect against bed bugs are available for purchase at any Sleep Train location. New mattresses are placed in a tightly sealed mattress bag immediately after being manufactured, creating an inhospitable environment for any living organism. New mattresses are not removed from this bag until they have reached the customer's home. Here are a few simple precautions that can help prevent bed bug infestation in your home:
Consult a professional pest control company. For more information on bed bugs please consult the following Websites.Purchasing a heated mattress pad may sound like something that doesn’t take much thought, yet there are a number of things you should take into consideration. These coverings come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and features. Others offer dual controls and timers. And, some are more comfortable than others. A heated mattress pad may be beneficial if you suffer from stiffness and aching muscles. The heated pad just feels good, too, if you like a warm bed. Many people use a mattress pad to warm the bed initially and then turn it off when they are snuggled in the covers. Some pads come with an automatic timer that you may schedule for this purpose.The pads are designed to cover the entire mattress and are placed beneath the bottom sheet. It is unnoticeable except when changing the linen.Heated covers have some advantages over an electric blanket. For one, the newer waterproof versions are terrific if you have spills or accidents, including problems from pets sleeping on the bed with you.
Heated mattress coverings also keep the warmth around your body better than a blanket. The pad will be more energy efficient than a blanket because the blanket allows much of the heat to flow towards the ceiling, while the pad sends that energy up into your body.Decor may be another reason to choose one of these pads over a blanket. With a pad, you can use any kind of blanket, bedspread, or other covering that you want. Also, some people do not like the weight of a blanket. This is not an issue with a heated mattress covering. To be sure you are making the best purchase for your money, consider these criteria prior to purchase:Safety. This should be your number one concern. Your electric mattress covering should specifically state on the label or packaging that it conforms to UL964 standards, which are safety regulations for electric bedding in the United States.Some manufacturers are offering non-hazardous DC voltage on this bedding, so be sure to read the labels carefully. Heated bedding is not safe for everyone and may not be appropriate for older adults, children or those with health concerns.
Check with your doctor if you have questions.The warranty information will help you determine if your mattress pad is well made. A good heated mattress covering should have a reasonable care warranty of at least 5 years. You should check the type of material in the pad. The covering fabric should not shed, pick or pill easily.You may wish to opt for a higher thread count for greater quality. The pad should not be stiff, and the wiring should be flexible and comfortable. Preferably the wiring will not be noticeable when resting.For some folks, especially those with disability concerns such as arthritis, the controllers may be difficult to adjust. Some mattress pad models come with knobs or push controls that may be easier to use than others. Other models may have small numbers that folks with poor vision may have trouble seeing.Some models come with features such as automatic shut-off, timers, personal settings, and multiple heat levels. Most are machine washable, though check the label because you will find models that are dry clean only.