How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs From Bed Mattress [Effective Guide]

APR 29, 2025

999 views , 6 mins read

Bed bugs are common household pests, and data shows that since the late 1990s, bed bug infestations in Australia have surged by 4,500%, spreading to homes, hotels, and public places.

If your bedroom is infested with bed bugs, this article will tell you how to remove bed bugs in a mattress.

If you haven't yet discovered bed bugs in your room, this article will guide you in identifying signs of bed bug activity.

Additionally, we provide practical tips for preventing bed bugs—be sure to save this article for future reference!

In this article

1. What are Bed Bugs? Why is Important to Prevent Bed Bug? 2. 4 Signs of Bed Bugs Inside Mattress 3. 6 Ways on How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in a Mattress 4. Bed Bug Mattress Protector & Mattress Pad You Can Try 5. FAQs about Bed Bugs

What are Bed Bugs? Why is Important to Prevent Bed Bug?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are flat, brown insects about the size of an apple seed. They feed on the blood of humans and animals, leaving itchy bites on the skin. Due to their small size, they often hide in the creases of mattresses and emerge at night to feed, making them difficult to detect and even harder to eliminate from homes or apartments.

They may appear suddenly, but they often hitch rides on clothing, luggage, second-hand furniture, and laundry. Hotels, hospitals, office buildings, and nursing homes are common places they frequent. Increased human mobility has made it easier for bed bugs to spread. Hotspot areas for bed bug infestations include Melbourne's Central Business District, Sydney's Inner West, and other densely populated suburbs.

To address the growing bed bug problem, Australia has implemented the "The Code of Practice for the Control of Bed Bug Infestations." This standard aims to assist accommodation providers and pest control personnel in managing infestations through best practices, education, and research.

While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, their presence can lead to significant health and psychological issues.

Bites often cause itching, red welts, and in some cases, allergic reactions or infections from scratching.

The anxiety and stress associated with an infestation can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and decreased quality of life. Additionally, eradicating bed bugs can be challenging and costly, often requiring professional pest control services. Therefore, preventing an infestation like use a bed bug mattress protector is crucial to maintaining a healthy and stress-free living environment.

4 Signs of Bed Bugs Inside Mattress

Bed bugs reproduce rapidly—doubling in population every 16 days. A female can lay 500 eggs in her lifetime. Early detection is crucial to prevent an infestation. Here are common signs of bed bugs in your mattress:

Itchy Red Bumps on Skin

Bed bugs feed on human blood, leaving itchy red welts in clusters of three to four. Some individuals may not feel the bites, while others might experience itching or even allergic reactions like hives.

Red or Brown Stains on Bedding

Rolling over in bed can crush a well-fed bed bug, leaving blood stains on sheets. Long-term infestations often result in black, brown, reddish-brown, or black spots on bedding or mattresses—feces and crushed bugs. Newer infestations may show these spots in clusters.

Musty or Unpleasant Odor

As the infestation grows, the scent of crushed bugs and their feces can become unpleasant, lingering around the bed area.

Light Yellow Eggs or Shells on Mattress Edges

As bed bugs mature, they shed their exoskeletons, which may appear as translucent, slightly yellowish shells. These are often found along mattress seams or bed frames.

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to take action promptly to prevent further spread and ensure a good night's sleep.

6 Ways on How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in a Mattress

There are many ways to kill bed bugs, and here are some commonly used methods:

Heat Treatment

Heat treatment is one of the most commonly used methods to kill bed bugs. Since bed bugs cannot survive at high temperatures, exposing your mattress or bed frame to heat can help eliminate them. You can use a steam cleaner or a hairdryer set to at least 60°C (140°F), thoroughly steam your mattress, paying attention to seams and folds. Ensure the steam penetrates deeply to reach hidden bugs and eggs. Be cautious to avoid damaging your mattress with excessive moisture.

Launder Bedding and Clothing

Begin by washing all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and blankets, in hot water (at least 60°C or 140°F). Dry them on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. This process kills bed bugs and their eggs. For items that can't be washed, consider placing them in a high-heat dryer or sealing them in plastic bags for up to a year to ensure any active bugs are dead.

Vacuum Thoroughly

Use a vacuum cleaner with strong suction to clean your mattress, bed frame, and surrounding areas. Pay special attention to seams, crevices, and folds where bed bugs may hide. After vacuuming, immediately dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outdoors to prevent any surviving bugs from re-entering your home.

Utilize Freezing Techniques

For smaller items that can't be laundered, place them in a freezer set to -20°C (-4°F) for at least four days. This duration ensures that bed bugs and their eggs are killed. However, be aware that not all freezers may maintain temperatures low enough to be effective.

Use Insecticides

Insecticides are a chemical method and must be used cautiously under the guidance of professionals. Improper use can be harmful to humans. Several types of bed bug spray can be used against bedbugs:

Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are common chemical killers, though some bedbugs are now resistant.
Pyrroles, like chlorfenapyr, disrupt bedbug cells, leading to death.
Neonicotinoids, nicotine-based chemicals, damage bedbug nervous systems and can work on pesticide-resistant bugs.
Dessicants destroy the bedbug's outer coating, causing them to dry out and die. Examples include silica aerogel (Tri-Die, CimeXa) and diatomaceous earth. Bedbugs can't become resistant to desiccants, but they work slowly, potentially taking months for full eradication. Diatomaceous earth can be harmful if inhaled; use only EPA-approved products as directed, typically in crevices.
Foggers or bug bombs can kill bedbugs but often don't reach their hiding places in cracks. They can also be toxic if misused; always follow label instructions and leave the room during use.
Plant oil-based products, such as EcoRaider and Bed Bug Patrol, are less toxic chemical alternatives and have shown effectiveness against bedbugs in research.

Consider Professional Help

If a heavy bed bug infestation in your mattress is unmanageable on your own, it's best to hire a professional exterminator. Their expertise and tools ensure effective bed bug removal. Follow their guidance on prevention and consider any recommended follow-up treatments.

Tips for Preventing Bed Bugs

Reduce Clutter in Living Spaces: Clutter provides hiding places for bed bugs, making them harder to detect and eliminate. Keep your home tidy by regularly decluttering areas where you spend time, such as bedrooms and living rooms. Store items in sealed plastic containers to minimize hiding spots.
Be Vigilant During Travel: When staying in hotels or other accommodations, inspect the room for signs of bed bugs before unpacking. Use luggage racks to keep your bags off the floor and away from the bed. Upon returning home, immediately launder and dry your clothes on high heat to kill any potential bed bugs.

Choosing a Bed Bug Mattress: Mattresses using antibacterial and breathable charcoal fibre covers, such as the Newentor Hybrid Mattress Pro, can effectively repel bed bugs. All textiles and foams are certified with the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 and CertiPUR-US. Additionally, we utilize antibacterial foam in the top layers, making the mattress anti-mist and hypoallergenic.

Bed Bug Mattress Protector & Mattress Pad You Can Try

If you've confirmed that all bed bugs have been eliminated, it's recommended to replace your mattress with a bed bug mattress protector or mattress pad as a preventative measure.

FAQs about Bed Bugs

Is it possible to have bed bugs and not notice them?

Yes, it's definitely possible to have bedbugs without seeing any signs on your mattress itself. These pests are experts at hiding in numerous tight spaces beyond just the bed. They can be found tucked away in furniture, along baseboards, inside electrical sockets, or even within wall voids.

How long does it take to realize you have bed bugs?

One of the simplest ways to suspect bedbugs is noticing bites on your face, neck, arms, hands, or other exposed skin. However, these bites can take up to two weeks to appear on some individuals, so it's crucial to look for additional signs when checking for a bedbug infestation.

Can you get bed bugs from being around someone who has them?

While bed bugs don't live on people like lice, you can get them from being around someone who has an infestation. Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers. They can easily cling to clothing, bags, and other personal belongings. If someone with bed bugs sits on your furniture or places their bag down in your home, they could potentially transfer bed bugs to your environment. It's important to be cautious in places where bed bugs might be present, like hotels or public transportation, and inspect your belongings when you return home.

Do bed bugs go away on their own?

Generally, no, bed bugs will not go away on their own. They are resilient pests that rely on blood meals to survive and reproduce. Unless they are completely deprived of a food source for an extended period (several months, possibly up to a year in ideal, but unlikely, conditions) and the temperature isn't favorable for their survival, they will persist. In most real-world scenarios, an infestation will continue to grow if left untreated. Active intervention and treatment are necessary to eliminate bed bugs.

What smell do bed bugs hate?

Bed bugs are repelled by the strong, overpowering smell of garlic. Crushing garlic or making garlic-infused water to spray around their hiding places might deter them. Similarly, the fresh, woody scent of rosemary oil can confuse bed bugs, making it difficult for them to find a host, making it a good option for spraying on sheets and bedding.

What Attracts Bed Bugs?

Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs aren’t drawn to dirt or clutter. Instead, they’re attracted to body heat, carbon dioxide exhaled by humans, and the scent of blood—essentially making them microscopic, drama-free vampires fixated on survival.

Botton Lines

Dealing with bed bugs is troublesome and unpleasant; however, with swift and effective action, successful eradication and prevention of future infestations are achievable.

However, for mattresses severely affected by bed bugs, replacing them with a new, comfortable bed bug mattress might be a faster and simpler solution. Try the Newentor Hybrid Mattress Pro, which effectively prevents bed bug infestations and provides you with more ergonomic comfort!

Comments