Does a vinyl mattress zipper protector keep out bed bugs?

Question by Diana G:
Does a vinyl mattress zipper protector keep out bed bugs?

I just found out that we have a small infestation of bed bugs. We threw out our ol mattress and got new ones. I searched online for anti-bed bug covers and they were about $ 140 for mattress and box spring. I found a vinyl zipper cover in target for only 11.99. Will the vinyl keep the bed bugs out? Also, what can I use to kill them?

Best answer:

Answer by Nutty Nut
Encasements should always be used for non-vinyl mattresses and box springs in bed
bug prevention and management. Special bed bug-proof encasements are made of high
quality cloth material, so they do not tear easily, and they have no folds around the zipper for
bed bugs to find shelter. Cheaper vinyl encasements are available but need to be installed
carefully to avoid tears in the vinyl. If a small hole appears, duct tape can be used to repair it.
Holes MUST be repaired to prevent bed bugs from either gaining protection on the inside of
the cover, or to prevent bed bugs from escaping from the infested bedding. Encasing both
mattress and box spring eliminates the need to discard bedding by trapping bed bugs inside
and providing a smooth simple outer surface that can be inspected, vacuumed and cleaned
easily. It is highly recommended that mattresses and box springs be encased, to
preserve the sleeping area and to make bed bug inspections quick and easy.

Add your own answer below.

Tagged as: bed, bed bug, bed bugs, bugs, keep, mattress, protector, vinyl, zipper

More posts like this one in Bedbug Questions.