How to ID Bed Bugs in a Mattress
Mattresses and bedding offer the perfect hiding spots for bed bugs, making early detection essential. Identifying them early can help prevent a larger problem. While mattress covers can help, they are not foolproof. Here's how to spot signs of bed bugs in your mattress and understand the role mattress encasements play in detection and prevention.
Bed Bug Close Up On Mattress
Where do bed bugs hide in mattresses?
Bed bugs like to live in protected, small locations where they can aggregate together and not be readily noticed. Bed bugs are typically found hiding in cracks and crevices in bedrooms, and mattress covers are no exception. Infested mattresses, comforters, cushioned furniture and mattress covers may show bed bug fecal smears, which are the dried excrement of bed bugs. On mattresses, they often hide along seams, beneath fabric tags, inside air vents, and in the folds or piping where they remain concealed and close to a host.
Signs of Bed Bugs in Mattresses and Mattress Covers
Once bed bugs settle into a mattress or cover, they often leave behind visible clues. Regular inspections can help you catch these signs before the infestation spreads. Look for the following indicators:
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Dark spots or stains – Fecal matter or crushed bugs, often found near seams or corners
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Shed skins – Pale, translucent shells left behind as bed bugs molt
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Tiny white eggs – Usually tucked into folds, stitching, or along zipper edges
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Live bugs – Small, reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple seed
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Musty odor – A sweet, unpleasant smell that may suggest a larger infestation
Pay close attention to seams, piping, tags, and zipper areas on both the mattress and the cover, as these are common hiding and nesting spots.
Bed Bugs Crawling On Mattress Lining
Do mattress encasements help with bed bugs?
Yes, mattress encasements offer several key benefits in the fight against bed bugs. These completely enclose the mattress and box spring to create a barrier that prevents bed bugs from accessing the interior of the mattress. Even if bed bugs are present, they become trapped inside the encasement, making it easier to identify and treat the infestation before it spreads. However, they do not kill bed bugs on their own and should be used alongside professional pest control methods.
How to Choose the Best Mattress Cover for Bed Bugs
When shopping for a mattress encasement, look for:
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Labels that specify “bed bug proof” or “bed bug certified”
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Reinforced seams and zipper enclosures
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Durable, tear-resistant material
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Covers for both the mattress and box spring
Using both encasements together offers the best protection.
What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs in Your Mattress
If you find signs of bed bugs in your mattress, avoid throwing it away, as this can spread the infestation. Instead, vacuum thoroughly around the bed, wash all bedding on high heat, and use a certified bed bug encasement to trap any remaining pests. For a thorough inspection and effective treatment, contact your local Orkin branch for professional bed bug control.
Bed Bug Control
Learn what bed bugs look like, and how to detect if you have a bed bug Infestation.
Find out how bed bugs infiltrate your home and where they are attracted to.
Learn about bed bug bites, their feces and how they can impact your health.
Learn how Orkin handles bed bugs, homeopathic cures and the cost of bed bug extermination services.
