5 Effective Tips for Getting Rid of Bed Bugs in Your Mattress
Bed bugs can be an unwelcome surprise for anyone who has experienced nightly disturbances. To free your mattress from these pesky intruders, you can use a combination of thorough cleaning, heat treatment, and encasements.
Keep reading to explore solutions that tackle these critters once and for all!
Key Takeaways
- A mattress encasement can trap bed bugs and should stay on for at least a year to kill them all.
- High heat from washing, drying, and steam cleaning can kill bed bugs and their eggs.
- A good vacuum can help remove bed bugs, but it’s important to focus on their hiding spots and throw the bag away outside.
- A pest control professional can provide stronger treatments for bed bug infestations.
1. Use a Mattress Encasement
Mattress encasements are effective in isolating live bed bugs. They seal off the mattress and box spring, preventing bed bugs from escaping or entering. The encasement should be tightly fitting and labeled specifically for bed bug protection.
When purchasing, look for encasements with reinforced seams and zippers. These features help trap any existing bugs, gradually leading to their death since they can’t feed.
It’s important to leave the encasement on for at least a year to ensure all bed bugs inside are dead.
2. Wash, Dry, and Steam Clean Bedding at High Temperatures
Heat is one of the most effective ways to kill these pests. Use a capable washing machine and wash bedding in hot water above 120°F (49°C), including pillowcases and comforters. Dry them after with high heat to remove these pesky insects.
Steam cleaning your mattress and surrounding areas provides an extra layer of protection. The high-temperature steam can penetrate deep into fabrics, killing hidden bed bug eggs and adults.
3. Vacuum the Mattress and Surrounding Areas
A good vacuum cleaner can remove bed bugs and their eggs from your mattress and surrounding areas. Focus on their hiding places like crevices, seams, bed frames, headboards, and box springs.
If using a vacuum with a bag, dispose of it in a sealed vacuum bag outside your home to prevent reinfestation. For bagless vacuums, empty the contents into a sealed plastic bag and wash the canister thoroughly.
4. Use Bed Bug Sprays or Powders Safely
Bed bug products can treat bed bugs but must be applied cautiously. Always follow the product instructions precisely to avoid health risks. Active ingredients like pyrethroids in bug bombs can harm humans.
Some sprays contain natural ingredients that are safer for humans and pets. It’s often best to apply them daily and ventilate the room well. Effective use of bed bug treatments can reduce infestations if done correctly.
5. Call a Pest Control Company
When dealing with a severe infestation as homeowners, calling in a professional exterminator can save time and stress. They use specialized tools like steam cleaners and various advanced products unavailable to the general public.
Professionals can assess the situation and design a treatment plan tailored to specific needs. They target adult bed bugs and eggs and focus on spots where bugs are likely to hide, such as crevices and under mattress tags. Regular follow-ups can prevent future infestations.
Is It Time to Call a Bed Bug Control Expert?
If you’ve tried everything—vacuuming, using DIY sprays, and washing bedding repeatedly—but those pesky bed bugs keep appearing, it might be a sign to bring in a professional. These pest control experts bring specialized equipment and treatments to remove stubborn infestations.
Besides bed bugs, do you need help with other critters, such as cockroaches, fleas, and termites? Visit our website today for a free estimate!
