How To Rid Your Mattress Of Bed Bugs
They’re small, vicious, bite and can ruin sleep. What are they? Bed bugs! Despite being just the size of an apple seed, these pests have the ability to make sleep a dreaded activity. According to a 2018 survey by the National Pest Management Association, 97 percent of pest professionals treated bed bugs in the past year. The professionals also say that overall bed bug service and the prevalence of pests are rising. They noted that the most bed bug complaints were in summer, probably because bed bugs thrive in hot weather. It’s also the season people travel and unknowingly spread bed bugs from holiday destinations to their homes. What can you do about it? Quite a bit, as it turns out.
Bed bug hatchlings are incredibly tiny and can even enter mattresses through stitch holes. Yet, that doesn’t mean all is lost; it just means you need to be aware and keep your mattress clean. Here are some things to watch out for and a few tips to get rid of bed bugs – and keep them away in the first place.
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What To Watch For
Bed bugs are minuscule and you may not notice them unless you look for them. However, if you get itchy only after you get into bed, it’s likely they’re in your mattress. Bed bugs also give rise to musty odors and leave behind waste that looks like dark spots. If you’ve noticed any of these, it’s time to give your mattress a good cleaning.
How To Avoid and Get Rid Of Bed Bugs
Wash And Sanitize
Strip your bed of blankets, sheets and pillowcases. Wash them in a minimum of 120-degree hot water and dry them at the highest setting to kill the bed bugs. If you can’t wash your bedding, put it in the dryer and run it on high for about 30 minutes.
Spot-Clean
Bed bug waste and eggs need to be removed and you can do this by spot-cleaning your mattress. Look for discoloration and foreign bodies. Scrub them off with a stiff brush and use baking soda to remove tough stains.
Vacuum
Mattresses need to be vacuumed regularly, bed bugs or not. Vacuum yours and the surrounding areas too like the baseboard, headboard, carpets, couch, cushions, etc. Bed bugs hide anywhere so you need to give your bedroom a thorough cleaning.
Cover Your Mattress
Bed bugs can live for up to a year without feeding. You need to protect your mattress by encasing it in a tightly woven cover to prevent bed bugs from getting in and out. Keep the cover on for at least a year to be on the safe side.
Declutter
Since bed bugs can hide anywhere, you should declutter your bedroom – even your entire home – to give them fewer hiding places. This also reduces the growth of other bugs and allergens that can disrupt sleep.
Call The Pros
If you’ve followed all these tips but still get itchy and notice spots on your body after sleeping, it’s time to call the professionals. They have the tools and expertise to rid your home of bed bugs. Do hire licensed, reputable professionals so that you can be sure they follow pesticide safety.
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Invest In A Good Mattress
If your mattress is infested with bed bugs, it’s probably better to get a new one. Choose a mattress that can reduce the growth of bugs and allergens. The Nuvanna mattress is the perfect pick. It’s encased in breathable premium TENCEL that absorbs moisture from the body and releases it away from you. This helps maintain a hygienic environment that inhibits the growth of bacteria. The fabric is designed in such a way that it reduces the entry of allergens and bed bugs. The mattress itself features a triple-layered construction. The top layer regulates body temperature to keep you cool by drawing out body heat and dispersing it – an important factor to keep bed bugs at bay since they love hot weather. The middle layer isolates motion to allow you and your bed partner to sleep peacefully, even when either of you moves. The bottom layer supports the body and the spine to eliminate aches and pains.
We may not be able to completely escape bed bugs, especially when traveling and putting up at hotels. But, we can have control over them at home. Try the tips outlined above if you feel – or know – that you have bed bugs. Even if you’re fortunate not to have bed bugs, you should still keep mattresses clean with regular vacuuming and spot cleaning.