advice

Bed bugs: two words no one wants to hear in any sentence associated with their home, furniture they’ve used, or a bed they’ve slept in. Bed bugs are tiny pests that live on the blood of animals or humans, and although they are not thought to transmit diseases, they are a nuisance that are tough to get rid of and can leave you covered in bites leaving you with itchy welts. They crawl rather than fly, but are able to move quickly and may enter your home undetected catching a ride on luggage, clothing, used beds and couches, and other items. Treating a bed bug infestation is complex and can take weeks or even months. So what can you do to prevent getting them, or if you suspect you already have them?

Prevention

Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to prevent the possibility of ever getting bed bugs due to how they travel, but you can take steps to reduce the chances of bringing them into and allowing an infestation of your home. Some of these steps include:

• Bed bugs are not like roaches that are drawn to and thrive in a “dirty” environment. Reducing clutter however can help reduce the number of hiding spots.
• Use a protective cover that encases mattresses and box springs to eliminate many hiding spots.
• Vacuum frequently to remove any successful hitchhikers.
• Be vigilant when using shared laundry facilities. Transport items to be washed in plastic bags (if you have an active infestation, use a new bag for the journey home). Remove from the dryer directly into the bag and fold your laundry at home. A dryer on high heat can kill bed bugs.
• Do your research before staying in places like hotels. Sites like Bedbug Reports and TripAdvisor allow guests to share warnings to fellow travelers of any potential bed bug sightings, letting you steer clear of the problem areas.
• Keep your belongings stored separately from those of other people. If there is a known problem with bed bugs in the office or school, consider storing your belongings in a plastic bin.
• If you find bed bugs, do not move from your bed to the couch or stay in someone else’s home. Do not move your furniture from room to room; you’ll only allow the bed bugs more opportunities and places to spread.

Resources

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) preparing for control is very important whether you are considering hiring a professional or planning to do it yourself. The EPA’s website includes important information such as identifying bed bugs, treatment, prevention, and general information. Controlling bed bugs using integrated pest management means using a variety of methods, including both chemical and non-chemical techniques. If you would like to use a do-it-yourself approach, be sure to come up with a plan to execute to ensure eradication and safety. All do-it-yourself products, especially foggers, should be researched and employed properly. In addition, you should be careful to only use legal control methods, as others may cause serious harm. Local companies like ABC Home & Commercial and Fox Pest Control can assist in treating your home for bed bugs.

Precautions

It is not recommended to immediately throw infested items away. As items are carried through the home to be discarded, bed bugs can fall off of the item and be spread throughout the home to uninfested areas. In the event the furniture is in poor condition or highly infested and discarding the item is the best option, it is best left to a professional so that the item can be discarded properly without spreading the problem. Mattresses and furniture should not simply be discarded on the curb or in a dumpster as they may be picked up by an unsuspecting party, spreading the problem to a new location. It’s important to realize that some people reuse items from transfer stations, dumpsters or city curbs. Before you discard bedding, use a sharp implement to destroy the fabric. Write “bed bugs” and “infested” on it with a marker or spray paint. Seal the item in plastic shrink wrap and/or bags. These steps help protect everyone from this tenacious pest.

That Mattress Place Corpus Christi offers protective covers as well as some of the most affordable mattresses in Corpus Christi in the event you find yourself needing a new mattress.  Call us at 361-244-6993 to set up a consultation with our supportive staff or visit us during regular business hours in-store located at 3413 S Staples St.ive, Corpus Christi, Texas.

With the holidays just around the corner, many of us will be expecting guests and playing the perfect host can make anyone feel anxious. Between friends, distant relatives you (thankfully) only see a few times a year, your favorite tía, it seems everyone and your mother is planning to spend the holidays at your house. How do you make everyone as comfortable as possible? With some careful planning in advance, you can have the perfect space for any visitors – invited or not.

The Best Bed

Don’t give your guests the oldest, most saggy and sad mattress you have. Buying a cheap mattress doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on quality; That Mattress Place Corpus Christi provides some of the best mattresses at affordable prices. Innerspring mattresses like the Opal Plush and Beautyrest Plush are great options for a guest room starting at $240 and up; any bed with a medium or plush comfort is a good choice to fit a variety of guests.

Fresh Linens

Comfortable bedding in addition to a cozy mattress can make your guest room a sweet refuge away from home. Bed, Bath & Beyond and Gatherings provide highly rated choices from customers. Always have an extra set of clean bed and bath linens available for your guests, accidents happen!

Welcoming Spaces

Beautiful decor and comfortable, practical furniture can help create a retreat similar to a grand hotel your guests will appreciate being able to retreat to at the end of the day. Provide privacy with nice curtains or blinds. A small lamp near the bed in addition to good lighting will allow your guest to read in bed if they choose, as well as get up at night without stumbling around in the dark. A bench can provide a space for luggage or an extra seat. Local shops such as Wildflowers and Rustic and Refined provide a variety of lovely items to enhance your space.

Local Tourist Info

If your guests will be exploring the town without you, they’ll appreciate area maps, brochures on area hot spots, and good eats. Mark special locations on your list of suggestions and place all the items in a basket that you keep in the guest room for easy access. Visit Corpus Christi provides numerous trip and restaurant ideas to include attractions like the Texas State Aquarium, our many beaches, and the USS Lexington. The local Art Walk happens on the first Friday of every month and includes music, vendors, and food trucks.

Fundamentals

Finally, make sure to have all the bases covered. Water and snacks are always appreciated so guests can have a quick bite without having to sneak down to the kitchen. Paper, pens or pencils, scissors, tissue, and a hairdryer will come in handy. Write down the WiFi password and any instructions for the TV remote. A phone in the room or charging cables in case your guest happens to forget theirs will be a much-appreciated bonus item. If you don’t have an extra iron and ironing board to offer, be sure to tell your guests where they can find yours.

That Mattress Place Corpus Christi inventory includes items such as adjustable bases, platforms, box springs, headboards, pillows, and protectors for all of your shopping needs. Call us at 361-244-6993 to set up a consultation with our knowledgeable staff in-store located at 3413 S Staples St.ive, Corpus Christi, Texas.

Growing up in South Texas, it was no big deal to see a mattress set on the floor. In many cultures, sleeping on a simple mattress or sleeping mat on the floor is standard practice. After all, it IS a flat, stable foundation for your mattress. After spending money on a mattress it may also seem like an unnecessary expense to purchase a bed frame and box spring as well. However, there is also a reason why beds, box springs, and foundations are part of the sleeping experience. Whether or not putting your mattress on the floor is a good idea depends on a few different things, including the type of mattress, type of flooring, and the climate you live in.

Climate

Living in Corpus Christi by the beach, anyone who has lived here is familiar with the crazy humidity and heat in our area. At night, sweat and heat released from your body can get trapped in the mattress. It’s also worth keeping in mind that foam and even coil mattresses need to breathe which is why your foundation choice is equally important. When your mattress is on the floor, moisture is retained; combined with the lack of light, it creates the perfect breeding ground for mold. Older hardwood or carpeted floors may also contain mold spores that can spread to your mattress.

Mobility

Another thing to consider: getting out of bed is more difficult when your mattress rests on the floor. People with mobility issues or that suffer from back pain may strain their muscles and joints by pulling themselves to their feet each morning. Plus, sleeping on the floor increases the chance that you’ll lose your balance, or possibly even fall getting up.

Cleanliness

Sleeping on the floor also puts you closer to dust or dirt that naturally accumulates on the floor. Even if you are meticulous with your cleaning, you may find you end up breathing in more dirt and dust. Insects such as scorpions, fleas, and roaches are also more likely to be on the ground and can more easily make their way into your bed. Snakes are also a possibility for the area and may look for a place to hide (such as between a mattress and the wall). By keeping your area clean and clutter-free along with raising your bed, you can better avoid cuddling with a creepy-crawly you’d rather not get close to.

Depending on the manufacturer, in some instances without proper base support, some of these mattresses may have their warranty voided. The staff at That Mattress Place Corpus Christi can advise you on the proper maintenance of your mattress and more. Call us at 361-244-6993 to schedule a consultation; Tuesdays are by appointment only, or stop in for a visit during regular business hours Monday, Wednesday – Sunday at see us at 3413 S Staples St.ive, Corpus Christi, Texas.