How to Get Rid of Bugs in a Mattress

Bed bug infestations are on the rise, and those who suspect the insect has invited itself home with them need to take action to eradicate the bug. According to Do My Own Pest Control, the bed bugs are flat, 1/4 to 5/8 inches long, and reddish-brown in color. Symptoms of an infestation include bug bites on the skin, as well as brown or red spots on the mattress. After confirming the presence of bed bugs, take immediate steps to eliminate the insects.

Things You'll Need

• Magnifying glass
• Flashlight
• Vacuum
• Mattress cover
• Diatomaceous earth

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Instructions

• 1

  A magnifying glass is helpful to find where bed bugs are hiding.

  Confirm the presence of bed bugs. Remove all sheets, blankets and pillows from the bed and wash in hot water to kill any bugs on them. Move the mattress and box spring and inspect both as well as the bed frame with a flashlight and magnifying glass to find where the bed bugs are living. According to the website Bad Bed Bugs, these insects like to hide in cracks and crevices, so carefully check any seams or folds in the mattress.

• 2

  A vacuum is an effective tool for getting rid of bed bugs.

  Vacuum the mattress and box spring thoroughly, using a crevice tool to get into the seams. Pay special attention to any areas where you noticed bugs or spots on the mattress, which could indicate fecal matter from the bed bugs. When finished, remove the bag from the vacuum cleaner and seal in a plastic bag outside the house.

• 3

  A mattress cover that zips up will trap and kill bed bugs.

  Seal the mattress and box spring in a hypoallergenic or plastic cover with a zipper. According to Bad Bed Bugs, this is the most effective step in eradicating bed bugs from a mattress. Any bugs that are still alive on the mattress will become trapped and die slowly over time. Leave the mattress cover on for 12 months, as an adult bed bug can survive that long without feeding.

• 4

  A hardware or garden supply store often carries diatomaceous earth.

  Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of the bed. This powder is a natural substance made from small fossils and algae that is not harmful to humans, but its jagged edges will kill bugs that try to crawl though it.

• 5

  After two weeks, inspect mattress again for signs of bed bugs.

  Inspect the mattress, box springs, and bed frame in two weeks for continued infestation and repeat steps if further evidence of bed bugs is found. Professional exterminators may be needed in extreme infestations.