How to Protect Mattress from Crabs – 6 Solutions To Get Rid of Body Lice

Are you worried about crabs (pubic lice) infesting your mattress? It’s a genuine concern for many people. Questions like how they spread, whether they can live in your bed, and how to protect your sleeping space are common.

Don’t stress—I’ve got you covered.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to protect mattress from crabs and ensure your home stays completely lice-free.

What Are Crabs (Pubic Lice) and How Do They Spread?

Crabs In Armpit

Crabs are tiny parasites that live on human hair, mainly in the pubic area, but they can also cling to other coarse hair, like chest or armpit hair.

Here’s what you need to know about how they spread:

• Crabs don’t jump or fly—they crawl.
• They usually spread through close physical contact, especially sexual contact.
• They can cling to fabrics like bedding, towels, or clothing, but they don’t survive long away from the human body.

If you’re dealing with crabs or worried about them, protecting your mattress is key. Let’s dive deeper.

Can Crabs Live in Mattresses and Bedding?

Short answer? Yes, but only for a limited time.

Crabs can’t survive for long without a host. They need blood to stay alive, and most die within 24-48 hours if they’re not on a human.

However, during that short window, they can cling to:

• Bed sheets
• Pillows
• Mattress surfaces

If you sleep in an infested bed, there’s a chance crabs could transfer to you. This is why protecting your mattress is crucial.

Steps to Protect Your Mattress from Crabs

How to Protect Mattress from Crabs

Hypoallergenic Bedding

Here’s how you can protect your mattress from crabs effectively:

1. Use a Mattress Protector
   • Invest in a high-quality mattress cover designed to block lice and other pests.
   • Bed Bug Barrier sells crabs-proof mattress covers that offer guaranteed protection.
2. Wash Bedding Frequently
   • Use hot water (at least 60°C) to kill any lice or eggs.
   • Dry bedding on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
3. Vacuum Your Mattress
   • Use a vacuum with a crevice tool to clean all seams and edges of your mattress.
   • Dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister immediately after.
4. Use a Handheld Steamer
   • Run a handheld steamer over your mattress to kill lice and eggs with heat.
   • Focus on seams, edges, and areas where pests may hide.
5. Avoid Sharing Bedding
   • Don’t share your bed, blankets, or pillows with others if you’re worried about lice.
   • Educate others about the risk of transmission.
6. Keep Your Mattress Covered
   • A mattress cover not only protects against crabs but also makes cleaning easier.
   • With our Bed Bug Barrier system, you can sleep soundly knowing your mattress is safe.

How to Treat a Mattress or Bedding for Crabs

Already dealing with crabs? Don’t panic—here’s what to do:

• Wash Everything: Strip your bed and wash all bedding, clothes, and towels in hot water.
• High Heat is Key: Dry everything on high heat for at least 30 minutes to kill lice and their eggs.
• Vacuum Thoroughly: Pay attention to your mattress, carpets, and nearby furniture.
• Use a Lice Spray: Some sprays are safe for use on mattresses and can kill lice on contact.
• Replace What You Can: If possible, replace pillows or any items that can’t be washed or treated.

Pro tip: After treatment, keep your mattress covered with a protector to prevent reinfestation.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Crabs in Your Mattress

Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are some simple steps you can take:

• Personal Hygiene: Keep yourself clean and check for any signs of lice regularly.
• Don’t Share Bedding: Avoid sharing beds, especially in places like hotels or hostels.
• Use a Mattress Protector: A good cover creates a barrier between your mattress and any potential lice.
• Educate Others: Spread the word about how crabs spread and how to avoid them.

By following these steps, you can make your mattress a no-go zone for crabs.

Why Our Mattress Covers Are the Best Protection

How To Protect Mattress From Crabs

At Bed Bug Barrier, we offer mattress covers specifically designed to protect against pests like crabs.

Here’s why they’re the best:

• Guaranteed Protection: Our covers block crabs and other pests completely.
• Easy to Use: Just zip it on and forget about it.
• Long-Lasting: One application is all you need for years of protection.
• Safe for Your Family: Non-toxic, eco-friendly, and pet-friendly.

Our covers are an investment in your peace of mind. Whether you’re dealing with crabs now or want to prevent them, our solution ensures your mattress stays safe and clean.

Common Misconceptions About Crabs and Mattresses

How to Protect Mattress from Crabs

Let’s clear up some confusion. Here are a few myths and facts about crabs:

• Myth: Crabs can live in mattresses for weeks.
  • Fact: Crabs typically die within 24-48 hours without a host.
• Myth: Regular vacuuming is enough to prevent crabs.
  • Fact: Vacuuming helps, but using a mattress cover is far more effective.
• Myth: Crabs only spread through sexual contact.
  • Fact: While sexual contact is the most common way, sharing bedding or towels can also spread crabs.

Understanding the truth helps you take the right steps to protect your mattress and yourself.

Real Stories from Our Customers

Here’s what some of our customers have to say about using our mattress covers:

• “I was worried about crabs spreading to my bed after a close contact incident. The Bed Bug Barrier cover gave me instant peace of mind.”
  • Sarah, Sydney
• “Super easy to use and effective. I’ve had the cover on for months now, and it’s made me feel so much safer.”
  • James, Melbourne

Join thousands of satisfied customers who trust Bed Bug Barrier for their pest protection.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to how to protect mattress from crabs, prevention is everything. Using a mattress cover, keeping your bedding clean, and following the steps above can save you a lot of stress.

Crabs don’t stand a chance when you’re prepared.

Protect your mattress, protect yourself, and sleep easy. It’s that simple.

Shop Our Mattress Covers Now and say goodbye to worries about crabs!

We Also Sell Crab Proof Covers For Couch Seats And Dog Beds

If you have enjoyed our blog, How to protect mattress from crabs, then you might like to read, Insects that bite at night. 

Frequently Asked Questions: How To Protect Mattress From Crabs

1. Is body lice/crabs dangerous?
   Body lice and crabs (pubic lice) are not typically life-threatening, but they can cause significant discomfort and lead to complications. Intense itching and red bite marks can result in scratching, increasing the risk of skin infections. Scratching can also introduce bacteria, leading to sores or impetigo. While body lice can spread diseases like trench fever or relapsing fever, crabs do not carry diseases but remain an unpleasant nuisance.
2. Can you smell body lice/crabs?
   You cannot smell body lice or crabs directly. However, in severe infestations, there may be a musty odour caused by poor hygiene or unclean bedding. This smell doesn’t come from the lice themselves but from accumulated sweat, bacteria, or skin debris in the affected area.
3. Are crabs contagious?
   Yes, crabs are highly contagious. They primarily spread through close physical contact, especially sexual contact. While less common, they can also spread by sharing bedding, towels, or clothing. Crabs do not jump or fly but crawl from one host to another, making personal hygiene and avoiding shared items essential for prevention.

Sources

NHS Inform

Wiki How

Tony Abrahams

Tony pioneered a non-toxic, eco-friendly solution for bedbug infestations. His innovation won the ABC TV show “The New Inventors” in 2009. In 2012, he successfully registered Diatomaceous Earth for bedbug control in Australia.