What should be done with bedbugs in the mattress? - briefly
Isolate the contaminated mattress, launder all removable covers at a minimum of 120 °F, and apply a professional heat‑treatment or approved insecticide directly to the mattress surface. If the infestation persists after treatment, replace the mattress to ensure complete eradication.
What should be done with bedbugs in the mattress? - in detail
Bedbug presence in a mattress requires immediate, systematic action to prevent spread and eliminate the colony.
First, remove all bedding, clothing, and personal items from the sleeping surface. Wash textiles in hot water (minimum 120 °F/49 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight plastic bags for several weeks to starve the insects.
Second, treat the mattress itself. Vacuum the entire surface, paying special attention to seams, tags, and folds; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed container. Follow with a thorough steam‑treatment, using a handheld steamer that reaches 212 °F (100 °C) for several minutes on each area. Steam penetrates fabric and kills all life stages.
Third, encase the mattress and box spring in a certified bedbug‑proof cover. The enclosure must be zippered, with a fabric rating of at least 1.5 mm, and left on for a minimum of 12 months to ensure any surviving bugs die inside.
Fourth, apply a residual insecticide labeled for use on mattresses and upholstered furniture. Choose a product containing a synthetic pyrethroid or a neonicotinoid, following the manufacturer’s dosage and safety instructions. Apply only to the outer surface of the encasement, avoiding direct contact with the sleeping area.
Fifth, inspect surrounding furniture, floorboards, and wall voids. Treat cracks, baseboards, and headboards with a dust formulation (e.g., silica gel or diatomaceous earth) to target hidden insects.
Finally, consider professional pest‑control services. Certified exterminators can perform heat‑treatment of entire rooms, apply licensed fumigants, and provide a monitoring plan to verify eradication.
Maintain vigilance after treatment: conduct weekly visual checks, use interceptors under bed legs, and repeat laundering of bedding every two weeks for the next month. Prompt, comprehensive measures eliminate the infestation and reduce the risk of recurrence.