Bed Bug Prevention: Mattress Checks and Removal Methods

30 Nov Bed Bug Prevention: Mattress Checks and Removal Methods

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basics on bed bugs and how to spot them, especially in your mattress or bed area. Bed bugs are invasive pests that may bite humans in many cases, and it’s important to notice signs of their infestation early if one is taking place, allowing you to remedy it without major issues arising.

At 2 Brothers Mattress, we’re here to not only offer a huge selection of quality mattresses and adjustable beds, but also to assist our clients with basic care and maintenance of these items through our years of expertise. We’ve learned plenty about bed bugs in our time in the mattress industry, and we’ll help you identify their possible presence plus provide tips on how to get rid of them. Today’s part two of our series will go over how to check your mattress area if you fear a bed bug infestation has originated there, plus how to get rid of bed bugs in any part of your home.

Checking Your Mattress/Bed Area for Bed Bugs

If you’ve seen some of the signs that bed bugs might be present in your bedroom area (we went over these in part one), there’s at least some chance they’re nesting in your mattress or bed frame area. Here are the basic steps for looking into this:

• Grab a flashlight and inspect your bed frame and mattress carefully for signs of dark spots, which tend to be a sign a bed bug infestation has taken place.
• If you see blood spots or other evidence in these areas, it’s likely that an infestation has occurred and needs to be addressed.
• In addition, if you see eggs and eggshells that are about 1mm in length and a pale color, these could also be signs of baby bed bugs.
• Inspect the seams on your mattress with a magnifying glass. You may want to enlist the help of a family member or friend for this, as it’ll need two pairs of hands.
• Check any crevasses where you find evidence that bed bugs are present. These places are ideal for them to hide if they’re nesting in your mattress area, which is why looking into these areas is especially important.

It should be noted that while the mattress and bed frame area is a common hiding spot for bed bugs, it’s not the only possible one. These pests may also nest in areas like floorboards, furniture upholstery or many other places where they can find basic shelter and privacy.

Removing Bed Bugs

If you locate bed bugs anywhere in your home, whether on the mattress or in some other location, here are some tips for removing them:

• Spraying: For minor bed bug infestations that don’t appear to have spread, you may be able to self-apply some basic pesticide sprays. However, you should check with your local hardware store for specific instructions on how to use the product safely and avoid making contact with surrounding areas or people in your household.
• Exterminator: If you have a major infestation that appears to be more widespread, hiring an exterminator may be necessary. They’ll likely use special bomb-like devices that break down the pests’ protective outer shell, killing them all.
• New mattress: In some cases, if your mattress has been heavily infested with bed bugs, you may need to replace it altogether. Make sure to have any new mattress you purchase treated with a protective pesticide spray before using it for sleeping purposes.

For more on ensuring bed bugs aren’t an issue for your mattress, or to learn about any of our mattress options, speak to the pros at 2 Brothers Mattress today.