How to Dispose of a Mattress With Bedbugs

Bed bugs are small bugs that usually live around beds, hence their name. They usually come to people's homes stowed away in their luggage, clothing, or bedding, according to Oregon.gov. The can crawl into suitcases from infected motel and hotel rooms, which is where most bed bug infestations are found. Some people can have an allergic reaction to their bites, which includes itching and redness, according to Michigan.gov. They however are not known to spread disease. Getting rid of an infestation can include disposing of infected mattresses.

Things You'll Need

• Infected mattress
• Box cutter
• Large plastic bag
• Paper
• Marker

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Instructions

• 1

  Cut holes in the infested mattress. This is to make the mattress unusable to others. Make big slits using a box cutter, or some other sharp knife or scissors. Never sell or give away a mattress that has been infested with bed bugs; this will spread them.

• 2

  Put the cut mattress into a large plastic bag and seal it off. This will ensure that during transport to the dump it does not spread the bugs anywhere else. Make sure no holes get ripped in the plastic. Tape it shut with duct tape or some other sturdy tape to keep it closed and sealed.

• 3

  Make a sign that says "Bed Bugs" or "Infected with Bed Bugs" and attach it to the mattress, inside or outside of the plastic bag. It is best to put a sign on both sides of the mattress. This insures that the notice is visible.

• 4

  Cut and cover any infected box springs. Michigan.gov suggests breaking the frame of an infected box spring to make it unusable.