How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs In Mattress – The Complete Guide

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs In Mattress – The Complete Guide

Bed bugs are a common problem in many homes and can be difficult to eradicate. They are tiny, wingless insects that feed on human blood and hide in mattresses, bedding, furniture, and other fabrics. While bed bugs don’t carry any serious diseases, they can cause a great deal of discomfort and inconvenience. No one wants bed bugs in their home, so it’s important to take steps to get rid of them quickly and effectively. In this article, we will look at the various methods to get rid of bed bugs in mattress. In addition, we will discuss various tips for preventing future infestations.

What Are Bed Bugs?

If you’re dealing with bed bugs in your mattress, it’s important to understand the basics of identifying and eradicating a bed bug infestation.

Bed bugs are small parasitic insects. When a bed bug feeds, its body swells and turns from brown to more reddish color, similar to an apple seed. Bed bugs tend to congregate in clusters around mattresses and other furniture where humans sleep or sit, as they’re attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide released during breathing.

Bed bug bites may not be immediately noticeable, but can become itchy or painful over time. Additionally, these bites could leave behind red welts or rashes once the bug saliva has had time to take effect. If you notice any of these signs around your mattress or on your body after sleeping, it’s important to take preventive steps against the spread of an infestation.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Bed bugs typically range between 1-7mm in length and are dark brown. They look like little apple seeds and can be difficult to find unless you know what to look for.

Adult bed bugs can be easily seen with the naked eye, but their eggs are nearly impossible to spot. Have you ever noticed small, dark spots on your mattress or bedsheets? Those could be bed bug droppings!

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?

If you want to effectively get rid of bed bugs in the mattress, it’s important to know exactly where they’re hiding. Bed bugs can hide in seams and folds of the mattress and box spring, as well as in any fabric or clothing near the bed. They may also be found between chairs and couches, behind baseboards, and underneath carpets.

Here are some common places you should look for bed bugs:

• Mattress seams and folds
• Any fabric or clothing near the bed
• Between chairs and couches
• Behind baseboards
• Underneath carpets
• Wall cracks
• Behind headboards
• Behind electric outlets and switches

If you take the time to thoroughly inspect your mattress, box spring, and any nearby furniture, carpets along with the walls, headboard, outlets, and switches – you should be able to spot any signs of bed bug activity.

How To Spot Bed Bugs in a Mattress

Spotting bed bugs in your mattress requires some detective work. The best way to identify these pesky pests is to look for physical signs of their presence:

Droppings

Bed bugs leave behind droppings, which resemble dark spots, streaks, or trails on your mattress. These spots are usually found around the seams or tufts of the fabric.

Blood Stains

You may find some bloodstains on your mattress if bed bugs have been feeding on you in your sleep. It is important to note that these stains could also be caused by other insects.

Eggs

The eggs of the bed bug are usually found in clusters near the edges of the fabric and are very difficult to see with the naked eye. With some keen observation and a flashlight, you should be able to spot them easily.

Foul Order

A sweet yet musty smell can indicate a bed bug infestation.

Shed Skins & Exoskeletons

As bedbugs grow, they shed their skin and exoskeleton. These items are often found near the bedbug’s nesting sites and can give you an indication that you have an infestation.

If you see any of these signs it’s time to take action!

Evaluate the Situation

Step 1: Identify Infested Areas

The first step in evaluating whether you have bed bugs in your mattress is to identify all infested areas. Check all areas of the mattress for small, reddish-brown insects or their shed skins. You may also find small blood spots or fecal stains on the mattress, which are signs of bed bug activity. As noted earlier, be sure to also check the bed frame, headboard, and nearby furniture for signs of infestation. Identifying all infested areas is crucial for effective treatment.

Step 2: Contain the Infestation

Once you’ve identified the infested areas, it’s important to contain the bed bugs to prevent them from spreading to other areas of the home. Use mattress encasements and bed bug interceptors to isolate the bed and prevent bed bugs from traveling to or from the mattress. Avoid moving infested items to other rooms or areas of the home, as this can spread the infestation. Additionally, avoid bringing in used furniture or other items that may contain bed bugs.

Step 3: Prep for Bed Bug Treatment

Preparing for bed bug treatment is an essential step in getting rid of bed bugs in your mattress. This includes removing all clutter and excess items from the room, washing and drying all linens and clothing on high heat, and vacuuming all surfaces, including the mattress and surrounding areas. You may also need to move furniture and other items away from walls and baseboards to allow for effective treatment.

Step 4: Kill the Bed Bugs

The final step in evaluating whether you have bed bugs in your mattress is to select one method or multiple methods to effectively kill the bed bugs. This includes chemical treatments, heat treatments, and/or the use of pesticides.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Mattress

If you think you’ve spotted a bed bug infestation, taking the right precautions can help you get rid of them quickly and safely. The following are a few do-it-yourself methods that may be effective.

Wash Your Bedding and Linens

One of the best ways to get rid of bed bugs in your mattress is to wash your bedding and linens. When applicable, use hot water and high heat settings in your dryer to kill the bed bugs and their eggs. Be sure to also wash any nearby curtains, stuffed animals, or other fabrics that may have come into contact with the bed bugs. Consider using a laundry additive designed to kill bed bugs to ensure that they are eliminated.

Vacuum the Mattress and Surrounding Areas

Vacuuming is a crucial step in eliminating bed bugs in your mattress. Use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to thoroughly clean the mattress, bed frame, and surrounding areas. Pay special attention to seams, crevices, and other areas where bed bugs may hide. Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag in an outdoor trash can to prevent bed bugs from spreading to other areas of your home.

Dismantle Your Bed Frame

When the situation requires it, disassembling your bed frame can help eliminate bed bugs in hard-to-reach areas. Use a screwdriver or wrench to take apart the bed frame and carefully inspect all joints, screws, and other crevices. If you find any bed bugs or signs of infestation, use a brush or scraper to remove them. Consider applying a residual bed bug spray to the bed frame and other infested areas to prevent future infestations.

Use Insecticides That are Safe for Your Mattress

Insecticides can be an effective way to eliminate bed bugs in your mattress, but it’s important to use products that are safe for your mattress and your health. Consider using a bed bug spray that is specifically designed for use on mattresses and other furniture. Be sure to follow all instructions on the label and avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals or that may damage your mattress.

Steam Your Mattress / Bed Bug Steamers

Using a bed bug steamer is an effective and chemical-free way to kill bed bugs in your mattress. The high-temperature steam penetrates deep into the mattress and kills bed bugs and their eggs on contact. Be sure to use a steamer that is designed for use on mattresses and follow all instructions carefully. Allow the mattress to dry completely before use.

Encase Your Mattress and Box Spring in a Cover

Encasing your mattress and box spring in a special cover can help prevent bed bugs from infesting your mattress in the first place. These covers are designed to be impenetrable by bed bugs and can be left on the mattress for up to two years. Be sure to choose a cover that is specifically designed for use with bed bugs and that is the right size for your mattress and box spring.

Call a Professional Exterminator

If the do-it-yourself methods above did not provide a satisfactory result, the safest and most effective approach is to call a professional exterminator. A professional pest control service will be well-versed in bed bug treatment, and their experience can make the process faster and more successful than DIY methods.

When hiring a professional exterminator, here are some factors you should consider:

1. Research Potential Companies: Before hiring an exterminator, research multiple companies to get a good understanding of their services and rates.
2. Get Written Estimates: Ask each company for a written estimate that includes how they plan to get rid of the bedbugs in your mattress, along with pricing information. This helps you compare services and find the best deal for your budget.
3. Inquire About Products Used: Make sure to ask the exterminator about any products they plan to use so you can research them before signing anything or giving permission for them to enter your home.
4. Follow Safety Guidelines: Your exterminator will provide safety instructions before and after treatment, so make sure you follow these guidelines carefully for optimal results.

Hiring an experienced exterminator can be expensive, but it is often well worth it when dealing with a serious problem like bed bugs infesting your mattress.

How to Prevent Bed Bug Infestations in the Future

Nobody wants to deal with bed bugs, and the best way to prevent them from getting into your mattress is by taking a few preventative measures.

Use an Encasement to Seal the Mattress

Using a mattress encasement is one of the best ways to keep bed bugs out of your mattress. These encasements create a sealed barrier that makes it harder for bed bugs to get in, and they can help to detect any infestation before it gets out of hand.

Change Bedding Regularly

Changing your sheets often can also help you keep bedbugs away. A good rule of thumb is to change your sheets every two weeks. This will help reduce the amount of dead skin and other debris in which bedbugs can hide and breed.

Caulk & Seal

Caulking any cracks or crevices in your walls or baseboards can also help prevent a bed bug infestation from happening. Make sure you pay close attention to areas near windows, door frames, and any other part of your home that may be vulnerable to pests like bed bugs.

Traps

Finally, setting up traps around your bed can give you an extra layer of defense against any potential infestations. Traps come in various sizes and types, so make sure you get one that fits your needs. These traps act as early-warning systems. They let you know if there are any signs of a possible infestation before it becomes too serious.

FAQs – How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Mattress

You may have some questions about getting rid of bed bugs in your mattress. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers to help you make sure that your bed is free from bed bugs.

Can bed bugs come back?

Bed bugs can return even after they’ve been treated, especially if they were able to hide in hard-to-reach areas and were not killed during the initial treatment. To prevent this from happening, make sure that you thoroughly clean and vacuum all areas around your bedroom, including carpets and furniture. You should also keep an eye out for other signs of an infestation such as white egg casings or spots of dried blood on your sheets.

Can I sleep in my bed after bed bug treatment?

Yes! After treating your mattress for bed bugs, you can go back to sleep in it as usual. Just make sure that you use a quality encasement cover that will prevent any further infestations from occurring.

When should I replace an infested mattress with a new one?

There are times when the do-it-yourself methods and/or professional exterminator did not improve the condition of the mattress. If so, replacing it with a new mattress is the best way to get rid of the problem.

Summary – How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs In Mattress

In summary, getting rid of bed bugs in your mattress can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the help of our complete guide, you’ll have the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle the problem head-on. From identifying the signs of an infestation to properly vacuuming and treating your mattress, arm yourself with knowledge and protect your home from these pesky critters. With diligent effort and conscientiousness, you can make sure your mattress remains a peaceful and comfortable place to sleep.

If you have allergy symptoms, our ‘Bedding Allergy‘, ‘Down Comforter Allergies‘, and ‘Pillow Allergy‘ articles may offer some insights.

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