While we would never wish the fate of bed bugs upon anyone, infestations happen. For any bed bug issue that’s gotten out of hand, your best bet is to contact an exterminator. But what do you do about your mattress? You’d probably want to get a new one, but mattresses are an investment. At SHEEX®, we’ve got tips on DIY bed bug removal so that you can sleep tight without letting the bed bugs bite.
How to Identify Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are tiny brown creatures, but they’ll make themselves known. You might notice itchy, bloody spots on your own body first — they feast on blood, becoming a reddish color after feeding. Telltale signs of bed bugs include brown spots on your bed, a musty odor, and bed bug excrement. One female bug can lay hundreds of eggs in a lifetime, so a modest infestation can multiply rapidly.
How to Remove Bed Bugs From Your Mattress
Wondering how to kill bed bugs? It’s a manageable task with patience and persistence. After confirming that you have bed bugs, declutter the area around your room. Place your belongings in clear plastic boxes instead of cardboard ones, which can provide hiding spots for these pests. Run your bedding and clothes through the laundry — detergent and water should kill them, and either hot or cold water will suffice. Check every corner of your room and vacuum meticulously, throwing away your vacuum bag immediately. Here are other steps that you can take to be proactive about removing bed bugs from your mattress.
Vacuuming the mattress
In addition to vacuuming the floor, vacuum your mattress, bed frame, and neighboring outlets with your hose extension. Before vacuuming your mattress, use a stiff brush to scrub your mattress seams.
Insecticide
For a small infestation, use an odorless, non-staining spray. For a more extensive issue, it may be time to break out a fogger can. With this latter method, only use one can and close all of your windows before cracking one open. While insecticides are highly effective, note that they can expose you to harmful chemicals.
Using a Mattress Protector
Using a mattress cover won’t get rid of the bed bugs, but it’s a step that you can take after you’ve vacuumed, sprayed down, or steamed your mattress. For a bed bug mattress cover to work effectively, cover all of your mattress to prevent bed bugs from entering or escaping. Bed bugs can live for up to an entire year without feeding, so leave this protective layer on for at least a year.
At SHEEX, we carry the cooling Original Performance 5-Sided Mattress Protector that will lull you to sleep while protecting your bed. The liquid-proof membrane creates a barrier against mites and allergens while also enabling excellent airflow. For another layer of comfort, pair it with SHEEX’s deeply cooling Original Performance Mattress Pad. Then, rest free from those pesky bed bugs once and for all.
