How to eradicate bed bugs from a mattress? - briefly
Strip the mattress, launder all bedding at ≥60 °C and dry on high heat, then apply a certified heat‑treatment or residual insecticide to the mattress and seal it in an encasement designed to trap any remaining bugs.
How to eradicate bed bugs from a mattress? - in detail
Eliminating bed‑bug infestations from a sleeping surface requires a systematic approach that combines physical removal, chemical treatment, and preventive measures.
Begin by isolating the mattress. Place a sturdy protective cover designed to trap insects over the entire surface; seal the edges with tape to prevent escape. Leave the encasement on for at least 90 days, the duration of the bug’s life cycle, to ensure that any newly hatched individuals cannot emerge.
Next, address visible insects and eggs. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter, moving slowly over seams, tufts, and folds. Empty the canister into a sealed bag and discard it outdoors. Follow vacuuming with a high‑temperature steam treatment: apply steam at 130 °C (266 °F) for 30 seconds per spot, concentrating on stitches, tags, and the mattress border where bugs hide.
If chemical intervention is necessary, select a registered, residual insecticide labeled for bed‑bug control on fabrics. Apply according to the product label, targeting cracks, crevices, and the underside of the mattress frame. Use a low‑odor, non‑flammable formulation to avoid health risks.
After treatment, reduce re‑infestation risk:
- Keep the bed frame elevated at least 6 inches from the floor.
- Install bed‑bug interceptors under each leg of the bed.
- Wash all bedding, curtains, and nearby fabrics at ≥ 60 °C (140 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Declutter the bedroom to eliminate hiding places.
- Regularly inspect the mattress edges and surrounding area for signs of activity.
Finally, monitor the situation. Conduct weekly visual checks for live insects or shed skins for the next three months. If activity persists, repeat steam and vacuum cycles, and consider professional pest‑control services that employ heat‑treatment chambers or desiccant dusts for thorough eradication.