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Creepy crawlies are bad enough on their own, but it’s even worse when they’re nestled inside your mattress! Luckily, the myth about dumping your bed bug-infested mattress has been effectively debunked. Many people ask, “Does replacing your mattress get rid of bed bugs?” Today, we’ll be covering some reliable, effective treatments for cleaning and protecting your bed.Is your bed bug infestation causing an emergency? Call up Heat Solution today for a free inspection and the professional help you need.
How to Tell if Your Mattress Has Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs will leave certain signs of their presence, even if you don’t see the actual creatures crawling about. They usually hide away in the smallest areas and lay eggs very quickly, so you may not see any bugs until the infestation reaches dire levels. It’s important to be aware of the early signs so you can start taking elimination measures before things get worse.
The most common signs of bed bugs include:
- Dark spots of fecal matter
- Tiny bloodstains from crushed bugs (on your bedsheets or mattress seams)
- Unexplained bites on your skin
- A musty smell that comes from the bugs’ glands
- Tiny eggs, shed skins and sometimes live bugs themselves
To be safe, you can inspect the mattress at regular intervals and ensure that no bed bugs are harboring there. Start at the seams, then check the piping, stitching, under the tags, around each edge, and the area between the box spring and mattress. You might see or smell the telltale signs and be able to take action right away.
A Step-by-Step Process to Rid Your Mattress of Bed Bugs!
To do away with the bed bugs in your mattress, there are several DIY methods you can try at home. Vacuuming and steaming can make a world of difference, sucking up the bugs and exposing the rest to high heat. Mattress encasements also help to prevent any more bugs from getting in. It’s also essential to treat the bedding using hot water, detergent, and high heat.
Ready to start? Here’s a closer look at each step:
1. Remove the Mattress
Remove all the bedding from the infested mattress and place it on any clean and hard surface where bed bugs can’t burrow inside. Don’t put it in any other room until the treatment is complete.
2. Vacuum Everywhere
This is where you utilize the crevice device that comes with most vacuum cleaners. Attach it and vacuum all the tufts, folds, seams, and other crevices of your invested mattress. Once you’re sure the vacuum has sucked up as many bugs as it can, carefully tie up the vacuum bag and dispose of it outdoors.
3. Steam Clean
Turn up the steamer’s temperature to above 120°F and use it on the mattress. Again, pay special attention to the seams, cracks, stitches, and any place where a bug or egg might be. The Steam Clean method is safe for both foam and fabric mattresses.
4. Use Bed Bug Sprays or Powders
Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic and natural powder that can kill bed bugs over time. You may also use EPA-approved bed bug sprays, but be sure not to soak the mattress with them. The spray should dry before you put the bedding on again.
5. Use Bug-Proof Cover or Encasements
After the treatments above, you may put a certified zippered mattress cover/encasement on the mattress. This should stay on for a year at least, as it keeps any remaining bugs trapped inside. Even if they lay eggs, the new bugs won’t last a year without anything to feed on.
6. Remember the Bed Frame and Room
If your mattress was infected, the bed frame may also have bed bugs and eggs. Make sure to conduct the same treatments on the baseboards, bed frames, furniture joints, and every small place in the room.
When To Replace An Infested Mattress?
While treatment is the first step, you may have to end up replacing an infested mattress in certain cases:
- If The Infestation Lasts For 2-3 Months Or Longer: If the bed bugs persist after professional treatments, it’s a sign that the bed bugs are entrenched in the mattress and pose a risk to the surrounding space as well. They’ll keep reappearing unless the mattress is removed and replaced after the room is professionally treated again.
- Extremely Damaged Structure: Bed bugs hide in the smallest places they can find. Old, sagging mattresses have foam cracks, lots of deep crevices, broken stitches, and lots more hiding places where pests can linger. With a replacement, you’d be sure that absolutely no bugs remain.
- Recurrent Staining and Musty Odors: If the mattress has very stubborn stains from the blood and feces of bed bugs, it’s likely time for a replacement. The stains might have penetrated the foam and fabric layers, so a new mattress is the only hygienic option.
- Damage From Heat Treatment: If your infested mattress is too old or of poor quality, the high temperatures may cause warping or a complete foam breakdown. It’s a clear sign that a new mattress is in order.
- Psychological Discomfort: Some people may experience phantom itching, general discomfort, or sleep anxiety even if the mattress is completely clean. If the mental toll is too much, replacing the mattress can be the best step for your peace of mind.
How To Prevent Bed Bugs From Coming Back?
When you’re sure the current bed bugs are gone, it’s time to prevent any future infestations from setting in. Here are a few preventative measures to put into place:
- Put interceptors under your bed’s legs; they can trap bed bugs if they leave or try to enter the bed. They also act as a monitoring tool for detecting bed bugs the moment they invade your home.
- Regularly inspect your mattress and other soft furniture every three months or so
- Avoid secondhand furniture, especially mattresses, without getting them properly treated and certified first (secondhand stuffed toys, cushions, quilts, and similar items fall in the same category).
- When traveling and staying in hotels, use the luggage racks instead of putting your bags on the beds. Inspect the mattresses, bedding, and bed frames for any signs of bed bugs. Store your clothing in sealed containers or bags, and wash them thoroughly in hot water once you’re home.
Your Home Deserves a Bed Bug-Free Future!
Every home should be a comfortable space, so make sure you deal with bed bug infestations right away! Not sure about whether there are bed bugs in your mattress or not? Call Heat Solution for a free inspection today; your next step should be clear then.
While the treatments we’ve discussed here are great, heat treatment is what you need for quick, effective, and lasting bed bug removal. At Heat Solution, we can help you get a comfortable home and peace of mind with just a day’s treatment. Get your free inspection now and let’s discuss heat treatment for bed bug right away!
Final Thoughts
Bed bugs in mattresses cause discomfort, but they’re definitely treatable. No need to dump that mattress or the bedding; there are several ways to eliminate bed bugs and keep them away for good! Along with vacuuming, steaming, and natural methods, we recommend heat treatment as a fast and effective bed bug removal technique. With regular inspections and preventative measures, you can finally look forward to sleeping in a mattress absolutely free of bed bugs!
FAQ’s
Bed bug stains can be treated using strong detergent and hot water. For stubborn stains, try applying an enzymatic cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. If that still doesn’t work, try oxygen bleach.
Yes, washing bedding in hot water and then drying it on a high heat setting can kill bed bugs, nymphs, and eggs.
Yes, but you’ll be at risk of bites, allergic reactions, and general discomfort. The bed bugs may also get into your clothes, further spreading the infestation.
With a host to feed on, bed bugs may last for more than a year living in a mattress. Even when deprived of sustenance, they can stay alive for some months.
No, the mattress can usually be treated and made safe for use again. However, it might be necessary if the case is extremely severe.
Yes, as long as the spray is labelled safe for use on mattresses. After spraying, make sure to let it dry before the mattress is used again.
If you don’t notice any telling signs of bugs (bites, bloodstains, dark spots, etc) for some weeks, they’re probably gone. You may also use bed bug interceptors or other monitoring tools to ensure that the bed bug population has been eliminated.
If they are of high quality, encasements can be effective for trapping bugs and preventing the entry of new ones.
Bed bugs can come back if the treatment wasn’t rigorous enough. They can also be reintroduced through clothes, luggage, or other items from infested areas.
Yes, an infested mattress can spread bed bugs in your home as well. Don’t get secondhand mattresses unless they have been treated and certified by a professional team. Using mattresses in other people’s homes and hotels also increases the risk of bed bugs.
Diatomaceous earth, steaming, and vacuuming are all natural ways to decrease the bed bug population in your mattress. They can’t completely eliminate an infestation, though, so use them in conjunction with professional treatments and as preventative measures.