How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in a Mattress

Finding bed bugs in your bed is a nightmare, but you don't always have to throw your mattress away. With the right tools and a systematic approach, you can eliminate these pests and reclaim your sleep.

Signs You Have Bed Bugs in Your Mattress

Sleeping with bed bugs is not always so obvious until the problem has gotten out of control. Look for:

Rust-colored stains: Small blood spots on sheets or mattress seams.
Dark spots: Tiny bed bug excrement (about the size of a pencil tip).
Eggs and shells: Pale yellow skins or tiny white eggs (1mm).
Live bugs: Flat, oval, reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple seed.

You have bed bugs in your mattress. Now let's get rid of them.

Step 1: Deep Clean and Vacuum

Start by stripping all bedding. Do not carry them through the house; place them in a sealed plastic bag immediately.

Wash & Dry: Use the highest heat setting (at least 60°C or 140°F) for 30 minutes.
Vacuum: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and a crevice tool. Focus on the mattress seams, tufts, and the bed frame.
Dispose: Immediately empty the vacuum into a sealed bag and take it to an outdoor trash can.

Step 2: Use Steam Treatment

Bed bugs and their eggs cannot survive extreme heat. Use a professional-grade steamer (reaching at least 71°C or 160°F) on the surface and sides of the mattress.

Using a portable steam cleaner, like the Vapamore Primo MR-100, is going to kill any bed bugs within seconds simply because they can not handle all of that heat.

The thing you need to be careful about is don't soak the mattress. Note: Ensure the steam is "dry" so it doesn't leave your mattress damp, which can lead to mold.

Step 3: Apply a Certified Bed Bug Encasement (Critical)

The most effective way to handle bed bugs in a mattress is to trap them. A certified bed bug mattress cover serves two purposes:

Starvation: It traps existing bugs inside, where they eventually starve and die.
Prevention: It eliminates hiding spots (seams and folds), making it impossible for new bugs to enter the mattress.
Chemical free: encasements are the best solution for pesticide-resistant strains because they work mechanically (by trapping) rather than chemically.

Look for: A "bite-proof" fabric and a specialized zipper lock (like our BugStop® Seal) to ensure the smallest nymphs can't escape.

Why You Shouldn’t Throw Your Mattress Away

Many people panic and toss their mattress, but this can actually spread the infestation to other rooms on in some cases other peoples homes. If your mattress is comfortable and structurally sound, a high-quality encasement is a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need to keep the cover on?

You should keep the encasement on for at least 12 months. Bed bugs can live for a year without a blood meal.

Can bed bugs bite through a mattress cover?

Only if it is a certified "bite-proof" fabric. High-quality polyester or urethane-lined covers prevent their mouthparts from reaching your skin.

Just like in sports, the best offense is a good defense. That means thinking like a bed bug; understanding what they want and how they go about getting it.

Pro-Tip: "Prevention is easier than a cure. After traveling, always inspect your luggage when you get home.

Wishing you the best of health

The Allergy Store

Learning how to kill and get rid of bed bugs can be a difficult, but there are tools and supplies that can act as the perfect solution.

Here’s some additional insight into bed bug behavior and ways you can keep bed bugs at bay.

What are bed bugs?

Cómo matar a los insectos de cama en un colchón