More than any other spot in a home, bed bugs are most frequently found in our bedding, particularly in between mattresses. There are a number of reasons why they choose to live here: one, it’s dark with plenty of unexposed crevices; two, it’s close to their favorite prey – you. If you’re wondering how to kill bed bugs in a mattress, take these steps.
1. Vacuuming
Using a tube-shaped attachment, run a vacuum across the surface of the mattress while clamping the nozzle tightly. This should lift the bed bugs and their eggs from the tight spaces (not to mention any dirt and accumulated dust) to get a bug-free mattress. Use an even thinner nozzle to scrape away at the corners while blasting the power level at its highest. Make sure to be as thorough as possible, as bed bugs can very easily conceal themselves with the seams and tufts. Because they tend to hide in all the tiny spots you never see, a vacuum is one of the few tools with the power to get rid of bed bugs in a mattress.
2. Diatomaceous Earth
A well-known option in terms of methods on how to get rid of bed bugs in a mattress, diatomaceous earth is a common pest control method in getting rid of many types of pests.
Diatomaceous earth is composed of ground silica, a sand-like powder that punctures the exoskeleton of bed bugs, causing them to lose the blood that sustains their energy. This is why small bloody spots are often left in areas where bed bugs were present. The best thing about diatomaceous earth is that it’s natural and free of any harmful qualities, meaning it’s perfectly safe to apply to your mattress.
3. Plastic Mattress Cover
Bed bugs needs to have flexibility in movement, which can’t be done if there is a plastic sheet covering their entry points. Placing a tight-fitting plastic sheet over the bed has been another common answer to how to kill bed bugs in a mattress. It’s also a better long-term solution for those looking for a permanent way of how to get rid of bed bugs.