Bed Bugs and Your Mattress: What You Need to Know

Every mattress, whether standard or custom made is at risk of a bed bug infestation. No matter how clean you keep your home these little critters can find their way inside, causing a nightmare for you and your family. 

The most common method of contracting bed bugs is while traveling. They tend to frequent hotels, buses, and trains and jump from one person to the next. Bed bugs especially like to live on seats with fabric. Before putting your things on a bed in a hotel or sitting on a bus or train seat, check to see if there are bed bugs present. 

If you unknowingly come into contact with bed bugs, they will latch onto your clothing and find their way into your home, making their own home in your mattress. 

How to Identify Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are extremely small little creatures that are almost invisible to the naked eye. So, how do you know if you have them? 

The first tell-tale sign is small bite marks on your body. You’ll find little clusters of red itchy bumps on your skin when you wake up in the morning. You may also notice spots of blood on your sheets. 

If you look closely at the seams and edges of your mattress with a flashlight, you might be able to see bed bugs scurrying around. Make sure to do this with the lights turned off to get the best look. 

Getting Rid of Bed Bugs

Getting rid of bed bugs is quite a burden, but it isn’t impossible. If you notice there are bed bugs on your mattress, strip the bed completely and throw the sheets and blankets in the dryer. Run the dryer on extra high heat to kill the bed bugs and the eggs they laid. Then wash and dry them again. 

While you’re washing the sheets, take a dry brush and run it along every inch of your mattress. This will sweep up the bugs and the eggs they left. Make sure to also take a vacuum to your mattress as well. It’s also a good idea to vacuum the area around your bed to ensure you get rid of them all. 

Should You Throw Your Mattress Out if You Have Bed Bugs?

The first thing many people want to do when they see bed bugs on their mattress is to throw it out immediately. Do not do this! 

Firstly, your mattress is not ruined just because you have a small bed bug infestation. With the tips we mentioned above, you can remedy the situation and get your mattress back. 

Secondly, throwing out an infested mattress leaves the opportunity for the bed bugs to infest another person’s home, especially if you leave your mattress out on the street. Stop the infestation in its tracks and get rid of the bed bugs yourself. 

If even after exterminating the bed bugs you still want a new mattress, Custom Mattress Makers can help you choose the right one at just the perfect size for you.