Can a new mattress give you bed bugs? It’s a question that’s been on many people’s minds lately, as the pesky critters seem to be more and more common. While there are certain steps you can take to avoid getting bed bugs in the first place, it’s always possible that they could show up regardless. So what should you do if you find yourself with a bed bug infestation? Read on to know more.
Can a new mattress give you bed bugs?
The answer is yes; unfortunately, it can. The truth is that bed bugs can find their way into any environment. It can be particularly worrisome if you’ve recently purchased a new mattress. It can be difficult to tell if the bugs came with it or were already present in your home.
When purchasing a new mattress, it’s important to be aware of the possibility that bed bugs can be present, even if your bed is new. Bed bugs can hide in places undetectable to the naked eye. They can hide in crevices between the mattress and box spring, in furniture or other items near the bed. They can even be in the cracks around baseboards and floorboards. If a mattress is new or refurbished, it can still carry bed bugs from its previous owner.
Many cheap mattresses are often returned and then refurbished before being resold again. Unfortunately, this can lead to some serious issues. If those mattresses were infested with bed bugs before being returned they could easily spread from one person’s house to another. This is why buying we recommend that you only buy from reliable sources when shopping for new items like mattresses or furniture. In most cases, retailers will clearly label if an item has been previously used or refurbished so customers can make an informed decision about their purchase.
Tip: unless you know how the mattress was used and taken care of, avoid buying or taking a used mattress
Bed Bug Infestation Signs in Your Mattress
Bed bugs are adept hitchhikers, which means they can spread quickly through items like suitcases, furniture, and bedding. This makes them likely to show up on new mattresses that have not been properly inspected and fumigated before the sale. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to ensure your mattress isn’t harboring bed bugs before bringing it into your home.
First off, it’s important to inspect the mattress for signs of bed bug activity. These can include: dark spots on the fabric or small red stains from their excrement, checking for any visible eggs or fecal spots on the box spring or seams of the mattress itself. If you can remove the outer layer of fabric from the mattress (some mattresses now allow this), be sure to check behind it for signs of activity as well. It’s also wise to invest in a quality bed bug proof casing. It will help keep any existing pests from getting out and new ones from getting in once the mattress has been brought into your home.
Not all signs of a bed bug infestation are seen on the mattress. Your body might provide the first indication for bed bugs. If you see tiny red spots which itch on your skin, it might be bed bugs. Bed bugs often bite in a straight line pattern so you might see a line of red bite marks.
Regularly checking for signs of an infestation is also key in keeping bedbugs away from a new or existing mattress. Since bed bugs can live undetected for long periods, inspecting regularly can help catch an infestation early on before it can spread throughout other areas of your home.
How to protect a mattress from bed bugs?
The best way to protect a mattress from bed bugs is by creating a barrier between them and the bedding. You can do this in the following ways.
bed bug-proof mattress cover
Buying a bed bug-proof mattress cover can help protect a new or existing mattress from an infestation. These covers are designed to keep bed bugs out and can be zipped up around the mattress,. They can trap any pests inside and preventing new ones from entering. They can also provide an added layer of protection if you’re considering buying a used mattress.
bed bug sprays
Additionally, it can be helpful to use anti-bed bug sprays on mattresses, and box springs. It can help ward off any potential bedbugs that may already be present or are trying to get in. These sprays can range from available at stores or online, to specialized products made specifically for bed bug elimination. Remember to make sure that these are safe to use on your mattress and do not harm your skin.
vacuuming your mattress
Another step you can take is regularly vacuuming your mattress. Pay special attention to seams and crevices where bugs can hide. This can help catch existing infestations early on before they have time to spread throughout other areas of your home or furniture nearby. Additionally, using allergen-proof casing on pillows can also help reduce the chance of coming into contact with these pesky critters while sleeping.
Steam cleaning your mattress
You can kill bed bugs with steam. Steam cleaning your mattress regularly as well as washing your sheets and drying them on high can kill bed bugs. This process however, will not kill the bed bugs which are deeper inside your mattress.
Reducing clutter around beds
Reducing clutter around beds can also help lower the risk of bed bug infestation. These pests often hide in places undetectable to the naked eye. Reducing clutter will make it easier to spot any signs of activity should they occur. It also makes it easier for pest control professionals to come in and treat the infestation quickly if needed.
Call a pest extermination company
Finally if all else fails in preventing a bed bug infestation call the professionals! Do note, bed bugs reproduce rapidly and can survive a wide range of environments. So, its important to get ahead of the infestation as soon as you detect it.
By taking these steps, you can minimize the risk of dealing with bed bugs on your new mattress and give yourself peace of mind that your sleep space is safe from pests!
Conclusion
Ultimately, buying a new mattress may increase the risk of inviting bedbugs into your home unknowingly. But, taking precautionary measures such as proper inspection and encasement can ensure that you don’t bring any unwanted guests with you when making this purchase!
Frequently asked questions:
Can bed bugs live on a foam mattress?
The answer is yes, bed bugs can live on foam mattresses. Bed bugs can hide in a multitude of places, including furniture and soft textiles like mattresses and pillows – both traditional and foam varieties.
The vulnerability of foam mattresses to bed bug infestations can be attributed to several reasons, including many layers of material that can create nooks and crannies where bed bugs can hide. These tiny insects can cling to the mattress’s edges and can fit into even the smallest spaces, making it difficult to detect their presence.
Can bed bugs live on a plastic mattress?
Yes, bed bugs can live on plastic mattresses. Plastic mattresses can provide a hospitable environment for bed bugs, due to the material’s ability to retain heat and moisture. Bed bugs can hide in the crevices of plastic mattresses and can survive in almost any temperature found in homes. The plastic can also provide bed bugs with a comfortable environment that can make it easier for them to reproduce.
Can bed bugs go through a plastic mattress cover?
Bed bugs can be quite persistent and can find their way through some of the most seemingly secure areas. Even as plastic mattress covers are sometimes not proof. Although these covers can provide an effective barrier against bed bug infestations, they can become compromised if bed bugs can slip through any small cracks, tears, or loose seams in the cover.
While buying a new bed make sure that the plastic cover does not have holes in it for peace of mind.
