Are your nights becoming sleepless due to the infestation of bugs in your mattress? We understand how terrifying and bothersome it can be. You may think that it is hard to get rid of these little insects, but with the proper techniques, it’s possible to annihilate all of them. So to know how to get rid of bed bugs in mattress, keep reading this blog.
Here, we will share a step-by-step method to kill the bed bugs in your mattress and also a few prevention tips.
What Are Bed Bugs?
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Bed bugs are known to be the insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. An adult bed bug is generally the size of an apple seed, probably around 2 to 3 mm in width and 5 to 6.5 mm in length. They are usually oval in shape and reddish-brown in color, consisting of an antenna and six legs.
On the other hand, young bed bugs are smaller in size and have a yellowish color. Sometimes, if they are not fed lately, you may find it difficult to spot them.
Bed bugs are generally attracted to human body heat, the carbon dioxide we exhale, and other bodily signatures like smells.
Bed bugs can’t fly but have the ability to crawl quickly. And, a fun fact: these insects are mostly found under the mattress or other areas of the bed; that’s why they are called bed bugs.
What Are The Signs That Indicate The Bed Bugs Infesting Your Mattress?
There are a few common signs that tell you that bed bugs have made their way to your mattress. The most obvious sign is that you actually see a bed bug around your bed.
However, some other signs confirm that your mattress has bed bugs in it are the following:
- You notice the blood stains on your mattress, bed sheets, or pillowcases.
- A musty smell coming out of your bed
- Small pale yellowish bed bugs eggs or egg shells
- Some areas of the body feel itchy, which were not there before you went to bed
- You may also notice the black dots on your mattress, usually considered the bed bug’s excrement
How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs In Mattress?
Here are a few steps that you need to take to eliminate the bed bugs in your mattress.
Step 1: Know The Areas Infested By The Bed Bugs
Firstly, determine the areas you think have been infested by the bed bugs. Simply remove the bed sheets and look for the signs that we just mentioned above to know the areas where bed bugs are residing.
Step 2: Wash All The Bedding
Remove all the bedding and put them in a plastic bag. Ensure that there’s no way out left for the bed bugs. Then, take them to the washing machine, wash them in hot water, and dry them for at least 90 minutes in the dryer at the high heat setting.
Step 3: Vacuum Your Bedroom
Once you have removed and washed the bedding, it’s time to vacuum your mattress. Vacuum it carefully, especially around areas like crevices where the bugs might be hiding.
Also, avoid using the brush when vacuuming, as bed bugs may get stuck in the brush’s bristles. Instead, use a hose to make the process effective. Throw the garbage outside and make sure to clean the container properly so that no bed bugs have a chance to make their way into your house again.
Step 4: Clean The Bed Frame Properly
If possible, remove the bed frame and clean every part of it. Because bed bugs can be hidden in the smallest places possible, if your bed frame has crevices or cracks, seal them as soon as possible so the bed bugs cannot hide in them.
Step 5: Use an Insecticides
Now, it’s time to treat and eradicate the bed bugs from your mattress forever. There are many insecticides available in the market that you can choose from. Do proper research and only use the insecticides made explicitly for the beds. Also, ensure you have good ventilation in your room before using it.
Spray it around the areas affected by bed bugs. You can also use it on any of your furniture if you notice bed bugs’ movement there.
Step 6: Encase Your Mattress
When you have successfully sprayed the insecticide, you are required to put a strong cover on your mattress so that the bugs cannot enter or escape the mattress. You can use a special mattress cover and box spring cover.
Know that bed bugs can easily live for months without feeding. Hence, it is recommended to leave your mattress covered for at least one year to ensure the bed bugs inside are dead and not producing more of their kind.
What To Do If Bed Bugs Don’t Go Away?
If you have tried the steps given above, but still are bothered by the bed bugs, chances are the condition is severe and requires professionals to resolve the issue.
In that case, you need to call a pest control company to help you get rid of the bed bugs in the mattress. There are so many companies available that you can opt for. However, whichever company you choose, do proper research and look for their online reviews on social media platforms if available.
What Are Some Misconceptions About Bed Bugs?
Many people have various misconceptions regarding the bed bugs. You might also believe some of them, which can make it difficult for you to deal with the bed bugs. However, know the truth here:
1. Foam Mattress Doesn’t Get Infected By The Bed Bugs
There’s no denying that it is hard for bed bugs to sit in the foam mattress, but still, there are some chances that bed bugs may manage to enter your mattress due to the small crevices and cracks around your foam mattress and bed’s headboard and frame.
2. You Have To Throw Away The Affected Items To Eliminate The Bed Bugs
No. Numerous methods can be used to kill bed bugs, including the one we mentioned above. However, please keep in mind that you still have to be extra cautious as there is a possibility of bed bugs coming back. If they do, treat them again to get rid of them completely.
3. Bed Bugs Do Not Infest The Clean Home
This is another one of the biggest misconceptions that many people believe!
Bed bugs can live in any condition. They just need something that helps them survive, which is blood. They have a highly adaptable nature and can effortlessly live in places like cushions, sofas, or bed mattresses if they have access to the blood.
How To Prevent Bed Bugs?
Now, you know how to get rid of bed bugs in mattress, learning how to prevent bed bugs is also crucial so they do not affect your mattress again. Here are some prevention tips to follow to avoid bed bugs.
- When staying in any hotel, guest room, or hostel, check for any signs of bed bugs because there is a high chance that bed bugs can enter your suitcase and travel with you to your home.
- Always keep your suitcase in the suitcase stand in the hotel. And, when you come back home, wash the clothes properly and hot dry them. If any bed bug has mistakenly entered your clothes, it will kill them before they begin affecting your home.
- Avoid buying second-hand furniture or bedding, as they might be affected by bed bugs. However, if there’s no other option, inspect the furniture properly before bringing them to the home.
- If you find your home cluttered, clear it as soon as possible because a messy place is known to be the ideal place for bed bugs to hide, making it harder to treat them.
- If you are someone living in a multi-unit building, seal any cracks around the baseboard and also try installing the barrier under your doors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Smells Keep Bed Bugs Away?
The smells of natural oils like tea tree, lavender cinnamon, and peppermint are effective in keeping the bed bugs away.
2. Is It Possible To Get Rid Of Bugs Using Baking Soda?
Many people claim that baking soda can be helpful to get rid of baking soda by dehydrating them. However, it is not scientifically proven whether baking soda is effective in killing bed bugs or not.
Conclusion
So, that was a complete guide on how to get rid of bed bugs in mattress. Bed bugs in the mattress are known to be a common problem and can be worrying for homeowners. However, if identified at the right time, bed bugs can be eradicated entirely by using the solutions we provided in this article.
Lastly, be sure to follow the prevention tips we mentioned so that bed bugs do not affect your mattress or other parts of the home again in the future.
Ansh Sharma is a content writer who possesses the skill of describing different topics in a simple and creative manner. He has a vast interest in crypto and finances, but is also well-versed with many other niches like pets, health, technology, gaming, etc. Apart from writing, he loves to read non-fiction books to continually learn and grow.
