About Bed Bugs in Mattresses

Bed bugs came to the United States from Europe and were once thought to be eradicated. However, in the mid- to late-2000s, the number of bed bug infestations being reported in the United States began to rise. Bed bugs can be an annoying problem to deal with, but there are many techniques for ridding them from your home. If you are having trouble accomplishing this, you can always hire a licensed exterminator to help.

Infestations

Many times, a bed bug infestation in the home starts when someone picks up the bugs from another location--frequently a hotel, motel or dormitory. Bed bugs can also enter your home if you pick up used furniture or mattresses that have been infested.

Symptoms

Most people begin to suspect they have bed bugs in their mattresses when they notice itchy bites on their bodies. Bed bugs often bite along arteries and veins because they eat blood from humans and other warm-blooded animals.

Habits

Bed bugs tend to travel in groups, and they generally avoid daylight. During the day, they hide in carpet, furniture, mattresses and in small holes and crevices.

If You Have Bed Bugs

If you find bed bugs in your mattress, you should replace it. If that isn't feasible, you can purchase a mattress cover with a zipper. Be sure to clean and vacuum the mattress before covering it. Additionally, thoroughly clean the room, including vacuuming the carpeting and laundering the bedding and any clothes in the area.

Stop the Spread

If you throw away furniture and mattresses infected with bed bugs, you should try to bring them directly to a waste hauler rather than leaving them at the curb. If someone were to take your infected belongings, they could then infect their home.