Home Remedy to Eliminate Bed Bugs From a Mattress

Bed bugs are small parasites that feed on the blood of humans or any other warm-blooded animal, according to Ohio State University Extension. Bed bug bites are normally painless; however, they are characterized by rows of small red welts that can be itchy, which may become infected if you scratch them. While bed bugs are not recognized as a host for diseases, their appearance on mattresses can cause anxiety and stress, and they can be difficult to eradicate.

Steam Cleaning

• Basic vacuuming and cleaning are the traditional home remedies to get rid of bed bugs on a mattress, but this may not get rid of all the bed bugs and their eggs. Steam cleaning introduces a high level of heat, over 120 degrees Fahrenheit, thus eliminating both living bed bugs and eggs. Choose a steamer that utilizes low moisture levels; these types of steamers are known as dry steamers. You may have to use a commercial-grade steamer to achieve the temperatures necessary to kill bed bugs.

  Start by placing all of your sheets and other bedding into a plastic bag to be washed or thrown away. Lean your mattress up against the wall and begin deep cleansing the mattress with the steamer, starting from the very top and working to the very bottom. To help ensure you cover the entire mattress, place pieces of tape in 1-foot increments going from top to bottom. As you clean each section, remove the tape. This will confirm that you have treated every part of the mattress. After you have completed one side of the mattress, turn it around and repeat the process on the other side. Once the steaming is completed place a fan near your mattress to help dry out the moisture that was introduced. If you used a dry steamer this should not take long.

  The steam-cleaning home remedy may not eliminate bed bugs that have dug themselves deep into your mattress, which can occur if you have a major infestation. While this treatment may work for some cases of bed bugs, Cornell University experts advise that this treatment may not be an effective way to rid bed bugs from your mattress and home.

Diatomaceous Earth

• Diatomaceous earth is a type of powdery soil that contains tiny algae fossils, whose extremely small jagged edges will puncture and kill any insect that walks across it. While this type of soil is deadly for an insect, the sharp edges are much too small to harm a human or any other mammal. Thus this is a good choice if you need a chemical-free home remedy for bed bugs.

  Purchase food-grade diatomaceous earth, not the type that is made for use in swimming pools. Pour a small amount around your bed and place a small amount underneath your mattress. According to bedbugsguide.com, this will protect your bed and mattress from bed bugs by hindering their travel to the bed from other parts of the room. Also, place a small amount of diatomaceous earth on the surface of your mattress, paying special attention to small creases and crevices.