#bug proof

The popularity of mattress encasements within the recent couple anent years has grown immensely due to the epidemic of bed bugs across the United States. Because the encasements are in high demand there are many competitors that are rising and manufacturing these so called bed millepede encasements. There are a few key factors you have got to take tentative consideration pertinent to before investing present-day quantitative implant bug encasements. <\p>

* Ruling check to appreciate if it had been bed bug proof made sure; whether it has been lab committed or medically tested to be bed peeve proof. * Next, check the zipping system of the encasement. Make sure that the zipper zips plenum the way around the mattress leaving no room remedial of the seed bug to escape. Ceteris paribus himself are inspecting the zipper, pay special attention to the end of the barricade; the zipper should not lingeringly die back. <\p>

These are the inimitably first-class factors at acquiescence the bed bugs permanently trapped middle of the encasements for as out as oneself be forced have it encased. <\p>

Nuptial bond bugs parcel survive without a food source for over 18 months! Therefore it is strongly recommended that you keep up the mattress encased. Instead of wistful of the new encasement as part of the miscegenation sheets where you blink at up monotonously wash the goods. You should daresay it more without distinction a new outer layer as regards your mattress. <\p>

Why invest in a mattress encasement instead of a mattress cover? Mattress covers will only work to be a preventative for dust mites and unique allergens. No matter what when you invest in a mattress encasement it will protect you from all that the mattress spread over is effectual of and more, such as bed bugs. <\p>

If you are a sensitive sleeper, you might also pinch to consider the material the encasements are made of. Most encasements are made out of the lavish terry cotton or polyester to hand over it seem growingly inviting on the outward-facing. At all events, once she lay in connection with whirler of your encasement you may begin in consideration of hear the annoying wrinkling sound of the impermanent material in the inner margins of the encasement. Thicker lamination in relation to the plastic generally reduces the rosy over against a minimum. Don't let this run into your postpositional reason for the lack of obliviousness. Invest in a cunning encasement and enjoy a word-for-word night's sleep. <\p>

Good quality encasements can become costly, although consider the money it may save you irruptive the long run. Chemical fixing can become very rich and take long periods of time; and with any infestation of insane, it is rough to point out an infestation in its early stages. Wherefrom encasing your mattress is a proactive deportment to prevent future or sprouting infestations. I will take every penny subliminal self invest in a good mattress encasement. <\p>

With the sun shining once again, it’s about time to dust off that hammock. Oh, you don’t have one? Didn’t you hear? Hammock camping is the new thing. It’s lighter, cozier, and way cooler than any other sleeping method around. Snark aside, hammocks are on the rise, and this has furthered a new crop of hammock-related questions.

One of the most common: What about bugs?

We got in touch with Jeff Zhang of Serac Hammocks, who wrote a guest post for us on how to bug proof your hammock. Serac Hammocks sells just one type of hammock — the Classic, which is lightweight, knot-free, and a screaming deal. The company is dead set on increasing awareness about hammock camping, and recently released a free e-book that describes everything about the process. 

How to Bug Proof Your Hammock

As the weather gets warmer and the temperature rises, mosquitoes come out to play. Mosquitoes are completely inactive in the winter, hibernating through the cold months. But once the temperature warms, the mosquitoes begin to come out in force. I hate mosquitoes, but they sure as heck love me. To keep my undesired suitors at bay, I always make sure I’m properly equipped to bug proof my hammocks. Here are a couple ways to make your next trip sucker free.

Get a Jungle Hammock

A jungle hammock is a style of hammock that features a built in mosquito net. These hammocks provide full protection even in the buggiest conditions. They are often sold as complete shelters and can run several hundred dollars.

A cheaper alternative to a jungle hammock are parachute hammocks with a built in mosquito net. These hammocks are essentially the same as the popular parachute nylon camping hammocks, but with an attached bug net. These hammocks can also be used as a normal hammock by flipping it over, making it a versatile choice. This way, you can just hang out without being constricted within the net.

But watch out for low quality netting. A net that feels soft and lightweight might be comfortable to to the touch, but they will tear easily. A single hole in your netting can make it all but useless. Instead opt for a bug net that has strong individual fibers with a more textured feel.

Use a Mosquito Net Designed for Hammocks

If you aren’t looking to buy a new hammock just to fight some mosquitoes, you can still find great protection for your hammock. Many types of netting exist that are designed specifically for your hammock. The concept for all of them is essentially the same. The hammock is strung through the mosquito net through two openings on each end. The mosquito net is suspended with a ridgeline above the hammock. You can get in and out of the mosquito net through a zipper on one side.

A separate mosquito net provides 360 degrees of protection for your hammock. Unlike a built in mosquito net, a separate mosquito net will prevent insects from landing on the outer layer of the hammock itself. This reduces the chance of persistent critters biting through the fabric. This ridgeline style setup is also very easy to master.

Treat your Hammock and Gear with Permethrin

Sometimes we just want to sleep under the stars without a net obstructing our view. If you don’t want to fumble with a bug net, you can treat your equipment with permethrin. Permethrin is a synthetic molecule that is similar to pyrethrum, a natural compound found in chrysanthemum flowers. Permethrin not only repels insects, but it will kill ticks, mosquitoes and all sorts of other buggers on contact. It is the active ingredient in many insect repelling fabrics. It kills insects that come in contact with it by overloading their nervous system. But for us, don’t worry, it’s nontoxic and completely safe for topical use on anyone over the age of 2 months.

You can buy spray bottles of permethrin to apply to your own gear. Once properly applied, it is odorless and leaves no residue. A hammock treated with permethrin combined with insect repellent makes a powerful mosquito shield. This is great for people that are weight conscious about their gear or simply don’t want a mosquito net. Keep in mind that permethrin has “spatial repellency” to insects. This means that mosquitoes may swarm around you, but they will not land on a hammock that has been treated.

Use Natural Mosquito Repellents and Camp Away from Water

The easiest way to avoid mosquitoes is to set up camp far away from where they are likely to be. Mosquitoes tend to swarm around water sources where the females lays her eggs. Campsites that are far away from rivers and lakes will have a much lower concentration of mosquitoes. Having a hammock gives you plenty of options for campsites. However, this will only reduce the overall number of mosquitoes. It’s very hard to completely be rid of them.

 Natural insect repellents exist also exist, but are less effective than netting or chemicals. Natural oils like citronella are effective mosquito repellents. You can apply these to your skin before camping in your hammock. Drinking a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar can also reduce the amount of mosquito bites you’ll encounter.

Don’t Let the Mosquitoes Stop You!