How can you kill bedbugs in a mattress? - briefly
Apply a high‑heat method—steam or a dryer set to at least 120 °F for 90 minutes—directly to the mattress surface and seams, then seal it with a certified bed‑bug encasement. Follow with a residual indoor‑approved insecticide on cracks and crevices, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate newly emerged insects.
How can you kill bedbugs in a mattress? - in detail
Eliminate bedbugs from a mattress by following a systematic approach that combines detection, physical barriers, thermal or chemical treatment, and post‑treatment monitoring.
First, confirm infestation. Examine seams, tufts, and the box spring for live insects, shed skins, and dark spots (fecal matter). Use a flashlight and a magnifying lens to improve visibility. Remove all bedding, wash at ≥ 60 °C, and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
Second, isolate the mattress. Install a zippered, bed‑bug‑proof encasement that fully covers the mattress and box spring. The cover must remain sealed for a minimum of 12 months to prevent any surviving bugs from re‑infesting.
Third, apply a high‑temperature treatment. Professional heat chambers raise the internal temperature of the mattress to 54–60 °C for 90 minutes, a range proven to kill all life stages. If professional equipment is unavailable, a commercial steamer delivering steam at ≥ 100 °C can be applied to seams, folds, and the underside of the box spring. Move the steam head slowly, allowing each area to reach the target temperature for at least 30 seconds.
Fourth, consider a low‑temperature method. Place the mattress in a freezer capable of maintaining –18 °C for at least 4 days. Ensure the entire unit is uniformly chilled; otherwise, surviving bugs may persist.
Fifth, use desiccant powders where heat is impractical. Apply a thin layer of diatomaceous earth or silica‑gel dust to the mattress surface and seams. These substances abrade the insect exoskeleton, causing dehydration. Reapply after vacuuming any settled dust.
Sixth, employ regulated insecticide formulations if heat and desiccants are insufficient. Choose products labeled for mattress use, such as pyrethroid‑based sprays or aerosol dusts. Apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions, targeting cracks, crevices, and the underside of the box spring. Wear protective gloves and a mask to avoid exposure.
Seventh, conduct follow‑up inspections. After 7, 14, and 30 days, repeat visual checks and use passive monitors (sticky traps) placed near the bed frame. If any activity is detected, repeat the chosen treatment or engage a licensed pest‑control professional for integrated pest management.
By executing detection, containment, thermal or chemical eradication, and vigilant follow‑up, the mattress can be rendered free of bedbugs without compromising its structural integrity.