How to Prevent or Get Rid of Bed Bugs in a Mattress

25 Jun How to Prevent or Get Rid of Bed Bugs in a Mattress

There are a few things you never want to deal with when it comes to your mattress and sleep area, and bed bugs are definitely up there on this list. Luckily, some basic measures will allow you to easily prevent or remove bed bugs from any mattress setting without issue.

At 2 Brothers Mattress, we’re here to not only offer a huge range of mattresses for sale and adjustable bed frames to clients around Salt Lake City, Provo, American Fork and other parts of Utah, but also to offer expertise on the care of all our products. What are bed bugs, why are they a problem, and how can you both prevent and/or remove them from your mattress and bed area? Here’s everything you need to know.

What Are Bed Bugs?

For those who are just learning the basics, bed bugs are a type of small insect that feeds on human and animal blood. They are usually reddish-brown in color, flat and oval-shaped, and can range from being nearly invisible to about ¼ inch in size depending on their stage of life. While they may not transmit any known diseases, they do cause itchy bites which can lead to discomfort and potential infection if scratched excessively.

Why Are They a Problem?

When it comes to why bed bugs are such an issue for mattresses and beds specifically, there are several reasons:

• They Spread Quickly: Bed bugs reproduce quickly and can infest an entire mattress in a short period of time, making it difficult to fully eradicate them.
• Hard to Detect: Their small size and flat shape make bed bugs hard to detect, allowing them to easily hide in the crevices of mattresses and other furniture.
• Difficult to Remove: Bed bugs are resistant to many common pesticides, making traditional methods of removal often ineffective.

Signs of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs tend to leave a few telltale signs that they are present in your mattress or bed area:

• Bite Marks: As mentioned earlier, bed bug bites can cause itchy and red marks on the skin.
• Stains: You may notice small reddish-brown stains on your sheets, pillows, or mattress itself. These are often left behind by bed bugs when they are crushed.
• Eggs and Shells: Bed bugs also leave behind small white eggs and brown shells as they reproduce.
• Droppings: You may find small black or brown specks on your sheets or mattress, which are bed bug droppings.

Preventing Bed Bugs

To prevent bed bug infestations, there are several steps you can take:

• Regular Cleaning: Keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free. Vacuuming regularly can help remove any potential hiding spots for bed bugs.
• Inspect Second-Hand Items: If you purchase a used mattress or any second-hand furniture, make sure to thoroughly inspect it for signs of bed bugs before bringing it into your home.
• Use Protective Covers: Consider using protective covers designed specifically for bed bugs on your mattresses and pillows.
• Consider Insecticides: If you’ve had past issues with bed bugs, consider using insecticides that are specifically designed for bed bug prevention.

Removing Bed Bugs

If you do find yourself dealing with a bed bug infestation, here are some steps you can take to remove them:

• Hire a Professional: The most effective way to remove bed bugs is by hiring a professional pest control service. They will have the necessary tools and knowledge to fully eradicate the infestation.
• Wash and Heat Treat: If you want to try and remove bed bugs on your own, wash all bedding and clothing in hot water and dry them at high heat. This can kill any existing bed bugs.
• Vacuum Thoroughly: Vacuum your mattress, box spring, and surrounding area thoroughly to remove any remaining bed bugs or eggs.
• Use Pesticides: As mentioned earlier, some pesticides may be effective in removing bed bugs, but it’s important to carefully follow instructions and use caution when applying them.

Maintaining Bed Bug Prevention

There’s an unfortunate tendency among some people who have dealt with a bed bug problem around mattresses to simply move forward with the same behaviors as before, rather than actively working to prevent future issues. This is a mistake and can lead to recurring infestations. To avoid this, be sure to continue with regular cleaning and inspections even after you have removed bed bugs from your mattress and bed area.

In addition, consider using protective covers on your mattresses and pillows permanently to help prevent future infestations. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your sleep area free of bed bugs for years to come.

Thank you for choosing 2 Brothers Mattress for all your bedding needs! We hope this guide has been helpful in understanding how to prevent and remove bed bugs from your mattress area. Contact us today to learn about any of our mattress products or services around SLC, Provo, American Fork and nearby areas of Utah!