Sleep Tight, Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite: How to Rid Your Mattress of These Pesky Insects - CNET
The streets of Paris have recently been unexpectedly invaded by bed bugs, leaving locals and visitors in panic and disgust. Videos of these insects have taken over TikTok, where travelers show how these small blood-suckers have swarmed hotels, public transportation and even movie theaters. If you’re concerned about these pests making their way from the city of love to your bed, we’ve gathered a few tips to help you get rid of them. CNET has a studio filled with mattresses we’ve tested over the years, so we know exactly how to keep them free from pests.
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are tiny oval-shaped insects that are reddish-brown in color. When younger, they can be translucent and imperceptible to the human eye. Adult bed bugs may be easier to spot, especially on light colored linens. Similar to fleas and ticks, bed bugs feed on the blood of animals and humans. Despite the name, bed bugs aren’t only found in beds — they can also be found on anything made of fabric, like couches, chairs, curtains and clothes. If your mattress has bed bugs, you may even feel them crawling over you. You may not feel the bite, but it can leave itchy red bumps.
What causes bed bugs?
Bed bugs love to feed on people and animals, so they’re bound to be in places with many people, like hotels, restaurants and public transportation. They most likely make their way to your home by hitchhiking on your purse, backpack, luggage or clothing. If you’re into thrifting, be sure to check any second-hand furniture you purchase before bringing it to your home. Bed bugs love crowded spaces, warm temperatures and fabrics.
And no, bed bugs are not a sign that your home is dirty or unhygienic. They simply travel from one place to another from crowded spaces they feed from.
8 tips to get rid of bed bugs on your mattress
If you suspect your mattress has bed bugs, follow these tips.
Dry, wash and dry your linens and bedding
Remove your bed sheets, pillowcases and bed covers and place them in the dryer at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Bed bugs can’t survive at these high temperatures, so it’s best to eliminate them and any eggs before washing. After running through the dry cycle to kill the bugs, wash your bedding on your hottest setting and dry as usual. If you want to take it up a notch, you can use detergent that’s specifically made to terminate bed bugs.
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Bed bug laundry detergent is more effective at killing bed bugs.
Vacuum your mattress thoroughly
Use a vacuum cleaner hose (avoid using a brush attachment since the eggs and bugs can hide in the bristles) to vacuum your mattress, paying special attention to seams, crevices and folds. Be sure to empty the vacuum outside in a sealed bag and dispose in an outdoor trash can.
Use a steam cleaner
Steam cleaners produce enough heat to exterminate bed bugs and their eggs, so you can use a steamer to effectively treat your mattress. Ensure to steam through all folds and crevices of your bed.
Invest in a mattress encasement
Mattress encasements are specifically designed to trap bed bugs and prevent them from escaping or feeding on you and any pets. This helps control any existing bedbug infestation and can help prevent infestations from starting.
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A mattress encasement can trap bed bugs and prevent them from getting out.