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.What is a platform bed? A platform bed is an alternative bedframe that features a supportive surface in the form of a solid, raised platform or slats that the mattress directly rests upon. It negates the need for a box spring like that of a traditional frame. The slats are usually built into the frame, but some beds come with a removable slatted rack. Platform beds are often sold without headboards and footboards, making it easy to customize any bed that accommodates attachment hardware. If you are always searching for more space, look for storage beds with drawers built into the platform or headboard shelving that can be attached to the platform. Do I need a box spring with a platform bed? You do not need a box spring or a special mattress for a platform bed. Due to its supportive design, any mattress can be placed directly on a platform bedframe without the need for a box spring or foundation.
Memory foam mattresses are also able to be used on a platform bedframe. If the frame has slats, however, it is recommended that they be no more than 6 inches apart if you’re using a memory foam mattress. What are the benefits of a platform bed? Because foundations and box springs are no longer necessary, platform beds are a cost-efficient alternative and require fewer accessories to make an attractive, comfortable sleep setup. Any type of mattress is compatible with a platform bed, although solid platforms are often required to satisfy the warranty criteria for memory foam mattresses. If you struggle with restless nights or squeaky springs, switching to the flatter profile of a platform may offer relaxing firmness. Slatted styles ventilate your mattress, reducing the buildup of allergens and mildew. Many platform bed frames also sit low to the ground, making a bed-skirt unnecessary and allowing children to climb up with ease. What platform bed sizes are available? Platform beds come in standard sizes: twin, which is 39- by 75-inches;
full, which is 54- by 75- inches; queen, which measures 60- by 80- inches; and king, which is generously wide at 76- by 80- inches. Platform beds even come in the luxurious 72- by 84-inch California king, which offers extra space when your kids or pets want to share your bed. What styles are most common? The platform bed's design affects the amount of space around your bed, so make sure you choose styles that leave plenty of legroom. One common style is a legless, box-shaped frame with a slightly recessed interior surface that prevents your mattress from sliding around. The surface can also be completely flat, or in the case of Japanese platform beds, extra-wide to create a sleek border around the mattress. Don't fret if the legless look isn't for you. Platform beds are as varied as personalities, so you can find everything from tapered and hairpin legs to arches and carved claw feet. What material should I choose? A well-constructed platform bed can give you years of peaceful sleep and reduce wear on your mattress, whether you are buying a slatted or a solid model.
Wood platform beds are durable and firm, offering a high weight capacity and damage resistance. Metal bed frames are also strong and sturdy; steel and iron are the most popular materials, and despite their tough construction, metal bed frames often have a thinner, lighter build. Particle board and medium-density fiberboard, or MDF, are the most common engineered materials, which are made from small fibers that are bonded together. As the least expensive option, engineered boards offer less durability and longevity, but they are sturdy and often finished with laminate or wood veneer for a polished appearance. What style is best for my decor? A legless wood platform bed with clean lines can add a chic, minimalist look to a contemporary bedroom, while beds with tapered or hairpin legs complement retro, modern, and industrial decor. Create a zen-like retreat in contemporary or urban environments with a low Japanese platform bed, or for a regal feel, pick thick, decorative wood or wrought iron in elegant styles.