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Can Futons Get Bed Bugs? (ANSWERED)

Our skins crawl as soon as we hear about bed bugs. It’s a tiring process getting rid of these tiny invaders and can take days. Plus, the itchy skin, rashes, and all the frustration related to bed bugs is a terrifying thought!

Futons are like cushions and can’t be washed like bedsheets and covers. They are supposed to be safe from bed bugs, too. But how resistant are they?

We look into whether futons get bed bugs at all!

Can futons get bed bugs?

Unlike traditional mattresses, futons are more resistant to getting bed bugs. This is mainly because they are enclosed by zippered covers, with metal framings. However, futons can still get bed bugs if there is an undone zip, or opening on the cover, from where bugs can crawl into the mattress.

Can bed bugs get into your futon mattress?

Bed bugs can only get into your futon mattress if there is some sort of opening in your mattress. One way bed bugs can get inside is by crawling through an open zip. Oftentimes, futons that were infested by bugs were due to an opening through the zip.

It is also crucial to remember, that the only place bed bugs make a home in a futon are folded parts of the zips.

Moreover, bed bugs crawl through any openings they get. Although futons have double layers on them, it can be possible that a tear or split on the cover created an opening. That could invite bed bugs to get into the futon.

If there are no such openings, futons are quite safe from harboring bed bugs, as they don’t have many warm crevices.

4 reasons why futon doesn’t get bed bugs:

Covered inner stuffing:

Unlike many traditional mattresses and furniture, one of the main reasons that futons are resistant to bed bug infestation cover on the inner stuffing.

The inner stuffing on futon mattresses is filled with cotton, and sometimes there is foam layering for more comfort. The foam material of a futon can be between polyester or latex.

The cotton filling, including the foaming layer, is tightly sealed and enveloped in a covering. Mostly they are zippered, so that if you want you can open the first layer of cotton covering to wash it clean.

As we know, bed bugs infest an area by crawling through holes and tiny spacing. In a futon mattress, this tight covering acts as a first layer of defense against bed bugs.

However, it’s imperative to remember that any opening, including a loosely zipped-up cover, can be a breach and a gate to letting those invaders in!

Outer cover protection:

The first protective cover just outside the inner cotton and foam stuffing is great. But what makes futons so resistant to bed bugs in the second covering. A double shield indeed!

Moreover, it is quite significant that this outer cover is made of high-quality materials. The cover can be made of cotton or microfiber.

That is why the more expensive futon mattresses never get bed bugs, as opposed to cheaper ones, which may get infested sometimes if the fabric is too thin and tears apart in some parts.

This is also because the expensive futon mattresses have covers that are resilient and durable, with sturdy zippers as well. Likewise, premium quality fabric covering can be washed as well.

Bug-resistant futon frames:

Frames in futon mattresses are mostly made of either polished wood or metals. It is a known fact that bed bugs are fond of materials that give them warmth.

They tend to hide and infest in crevices that are warmer, which is not true for metals or polished wooden surfaces. Although natural wood can expand due to humidity, creating spacing for bed bugs to hide, a shiny coating keeps the wood much cooler.

Less airy insides:

Bed bugs reproduce more in places that are warm and airy. Unlike other traditional furniture or mattresses, futons are filled to the brim with cotton. Add to that a foam layer, overprotective and zippered covers.

Traditional futon mattresses don’t have springs. The insides of a futon mattress are thus, both confined, and stuffy. There is no air for bed bugs to fester further. In contrast, traditional mattresses with springs do not have this benefit, and the spring is bound to create spacing for bed bugs to live.

What are the signs of bed bugs on a futon mattress?

Although futons are not prone to getting bed bugs, there is always a chance of these little, pesky bugs to crawl into the futon. Look out for the following signs.  

Reddish-brown or black spots:

One visible sign is spots and stains on your futon cover, especially around the folds of the zips. If you notice reddish-brown or dark spots, it is likely that bed bugs are living on your mattress.

To be guaranteed, check in closely to see if they look like blood spots. To further check, use a damp cloth and rub on one of these spots. If the spot is smeared, you can be sure that your futon needs to be taken care of.

Moreover, you can also check to see if there are reddish-brown, oval-shaped, and 5 mm long insects on your futon if you doubt something. For all this, use gloves, a flashlight, and a magnifying glass to make it easier for yourself.

Eggshells or skin shredding:

Bed bus often lay eggs and shred skin where they live. Nymphs are yellow shredded skin that bed bugs leave behind. Also, look for whitish egg shell around your futon.

However, egg shells are just 1 mm in size and can be a little difficult to notice than shredded skin. If you keep a clean, clutter free room, you’d still be able to detect the deposits.

Itchy skin, or lined bumps:

If your eyesight isn’t very blessed, it’s nearly impossible to detect tiny spots and deposits. In that case, another sight of bed bug infestation in your futon mattress is itchy skin.

Bed bugs bite and feed on us humans. That results in itchy, bumpy skin. If you notice usually red bumps, mainly lined symmetrically, you can assume that bed bugs are habited around your futon.

How do I make sure my futon bed doesn’t have bed bugs?

To make sure your futon is miles from getting bed bugs, make sure to remove the out covers once in a while, and giving them a good wash in hot water. You can also toss it in the washer with mild detergent and later dry it completely.

For the mattress itself that can’t be washed, thoroughly vacuum every nook and corner of the mattress. Go through the folded parts and frames carefully. Another great way is to wrap the futon in a large piece of plastic and place it under direct sunlight.

A good amount of heat will certainly get rid of the bed bugs, as well as any egg they have laid.

Chemical sprays are also available which can be used if you doubt there are bedbugs around but you cannot seem to detect them.

Do futon mattress cover work against bed bugs?

One of the reasons why bed bugs cannot get into futons is the sealed mattress covers.

This cover can be a decorative one since it’s on the outside, but it does a great job of protecting the inner cover from wear and tear. That way, the inner cover is not torn or split and does not create any openings for bed bugs to enter

What kind of futon mattress cover is best for bed bugs?

Hypoallergic mattresses with micro zippers are specially designed to be bed bug resistant. These mattresses are soft but durable as well. Other than that, mattresses with cotton terry exterior are made to be both waterproof and hypoallergic as well.

Moreover, futons that are plastic or vinyl-free with a solid encasement cover are also highly efficient for preventing bed bugs.

What removes bed bugs instantly?

The following removes bed bugs instantly:

  • Professional pest control
  • Pyrethrins, carbamate, or silicate pesticide treatments
  • Heat treatment with hot air or water
  • Too much cold temperature, below -18 degrees
  • Thorough vacuuming
  • Store-bought, chemicals sprays

No matter how covered and protected futons are, we must admit that even futons are not completely immune to bed bugs.

If there are openings and holes, bed bugs can crawl in and make a settlement for themselves.

But the good news is, the suffocating interiors, layers of covers on the futon, and metal framings make a futon quite shielded against these pesky little foes.