Waking up with itchy bites or spotting tiny black stains on your mattress is frustrating and, frankly, downright unsettling.
Bed bugs, notorious for their stubborn persistence and surreptitious nature, have been increasingly reported across San Jose, the San Francisco Bay Area, and the East Bay Area.
Whether you live near Santa Clara University, frequent Santana Row, or work in downtown San Jose, the risk of encountering bed bugs is surprisingly high, as it is in other parts of the country.
The best way to avoid bed bugs is to enact preventative measures that reduce your likelihood of an encounter in the first place. But if you’re already dealing with an infestation, you might be curious about how to get rid of bed bugs in a mattress quickly and effectively.
It can admittedly be complex, but with the right approach, a solution is within reach. Find out more in this guide from your friends at Banner Pest Services.
What Are Bed Bugs and Why Are They a Problem?
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that survive on blood, primarily during the night. While they don’t transmit diseases, their bites can cause allergic reactions, rashes, and extreme discomfort.
Even worse, bed bugs reproduce rapidly and can live for months without feeding, making infestations tricky to eliminate.
And unfortunately, according to the EPA, treating a bed bug infestation can take weeks to months, depending on its severity and the steps you take.
Steps to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in a Mattress
Follow these six steps to effectively remove bed bugs from your mattress and prevent reinfestation.
1. Inspect Your Bedroom
Before you can learn how to get rid of bed bugs in a mattress, you need to make sure it’s bed bugs you’re dealing with in the first place.
Carefully examine your mattress and bed frame for common signs of bed bugs, such as:
- Small, rust-colored stains (bed bug excrement)
- Tiny white bed bug eggs (about 1mm in size)
- Live bugs or their molted skins
Make sure to check the seams, tufts, and folds of your mattress, as well as cracks in the bed frame. Studies show visual inspections have a 72% detection rate, so thoroughness is key here.
2. Encase Your Mattress
Invest in a high-quality bed bug-proof mattress cover. These covers trap any remaining bed bugs inside so they cannot escape or continue feeding. Over time, the trapped bugs will die.
3. Heat Treatment
Bed bugs are highly sensitive to heat. To leverage that, wash your bedding, pillowcases, and mattress covers in hot water (above 130°F). Dry them on the highest heat setting for 30 minutes.
In severe cases, you may want to consider using a professional steam cleaner for mattresses and furniture, as steam temperatures of at least 130°F kill bed bugs on contact.
4. Use a Vacuum
Vacuum your mattress thoroughly, paying special attention to seams and crevices. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately in a sealed plastic bag placed outside your home.
5. Apply Approved Bed Bug Treatments
There are several safe and effective treatments to help control bed bugs:
- Use EPA-approved sprays or desiccants designed to treat bed bugs.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as rubbing alcohol, which can be both dangerous and ineffective.
If you’re hesitant about handling pesticides, reach out to professionals, such as us at Banner Pest Services, for expert help in San Jose, the Bay Area, or the East Bay.
6. Monitor the Results
Even after a thorough treatment, you should repeatedly inspect your mattress every seven days for signs of lingering bed bugs. Bed bug interceptors, which are small traps placed under bed legs, can also help you detect any remaining bugs.
How Professional Help Can Make a Difference
Now that you know how to get rid of bed bugs in a mattress, it’s time to take action.
And while you can certainly tackle bed bugs in a mattress on your own, professionally trained technicians offer faster and longer-lasting results. At Banner Pest Services, we use advanced inspection tools and treatment methods tailored to homes in your local area.
From the historic Rose Garden neighborhood in San Jose to bustling Berkeley in the East Bay, we’ve helped countless residents restore their homes to a pest-free state.
Don’t stress about bed bugs disturbing your sleep any longer. Banner Pest Services is here to help homeowners across San Jose, the San Francisco Bay, and the East Bay Area restore their peace of mind. Get in touch with us today!
Did You Know?
Bed bugs can move between neighboring apartments and hotel rooms, and even through electrical outlets or along shared walls. This underscores how important it is for everyone in a shared building to participate in control efforts.
FAQ
What causes bed bugs in the first place?
Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers. They’re often brought into homes through luggage, used furniture, backpacks, or even on clothing.
Can bed bugs come back after treatment?
Yes, if the initial infestation isn’t fully addressed or if preventive measures aren’t taken, bed bugs can return. This is why monitoring and follow-up treatments are essential.
How long does it take to get rid of bed bugs?
The timeline depends on the severity of the infestation. According to the EPA, treating bed bugs can take several weeks to months with repeat efforts.
Do mattress covers really work for bed bugs?
Yes! Mattress covers seal bed bugs inside, preventing them from escaping or reproducing. They are a key part of a successful long-term strategy.
Should I throw away an infested mattress?
Not necessarily. If treated and encased properly, you can save your mattress. However, if you prefer to discard it, be sure to mark it with “Bed Bugs” to prevent others from unknowingly picking it up.
