How to Find and Rid Bed Bugs on Your Mattress

Bed bugs creeping into your mattress can mess up your sleep big time. These tiny pests squeeze into the seams and edges, munching on you while you’re fast asleep. If you’re getting up with scratchy red bites or seeing odd marks on your sheets, you might have bed bugs on your mattress.  At Wowbeds, we’ve been figuring out sleep fixes for 21 years, and we’re ready to walk you through finding and kicking out these pesky invaders. Let’s dive in so you can identify and rid these pests, as bed bug infestations can sometimes go unnoticed.

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small, flat critters, roughly the size of an apple seed. They’re reddish-brown, wingless, and love settling into warm, snug spots. At night, these mattress bed bugs sneak out to feed on you, leaving itchy marks or little blood smears on your bedding. They’re sneaky travelers too—hitching rides on luggage or clothes to invade your home. For anyone dealing with bed bugs on mattresses, spotting them early can save you a lot of hassle.

Why Do They Target Mattresses?

Your mattress is like a buffet and a bunker rolled into one for these pests—it’s right next to you, their go-to meal. The seams, edges, and layers offer prime hiding spots for mattress bed bugs to camp out. Even a well-made bed with great design can become their target if they find a way in. They are drawn to the warmth and comfort your body generates while you sleep. Recognizing this is essential to devising a successful approach for removing bed bugs from your mattress.

How to Check for Bed Bugs on Your Mattress

Wondering if bed bugs and mattresses are a problem in your home? Here’s how to spot them:

• Look for Bites Red, itchy spots on your skin—often in lines or clusters—are a sign. Not everyone reacts, but it’s a clue.

• Inspect Your Bedding Check for small reddish stains (blood) or black dots (droppings) on sheets. These are telltale signs of bedbugs on your mattress.

• Search the Mattress Use a flashlight to examine seams, corners, and under edges. You might see bugs, shed skins, or tiny white eggs.

• Smell the Air A sweet, musty odor near your bed could mean a big infestation.

Found something? Don’t stress—it’s fixable. Let’s move to removal.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Mattress Bed Bugs

Getting rid of mattress bed bugs takes action. Follow these steps:

• Wash Bedding Strip sheets, pillowcases, and covers. Wash them in hot water (60°C+) and dry on high heat for 30 minutes. Heat kills bugs and eggs.

• Vacuum Thoroughly Use a vacuum with a hose to clean your mattress—focus on seams and creases. Seal the vacuum bag in plastic and toss it outside.

• Apply Heat or Steam Run a steam cleaner (50°C+) over the mattress, targeting hiding spots. No steamer? Wrap it in black plastic and leave it in the sun on a hot day.

• Use a Bed Bug Spray Buy a mattress-safe spray from a store. Apply it to seams and edges—don’t soak it. This catches any stragglers.

• Encasing the Mattress Slip your mattress into a bed bug-proof cover. Zip it up and leave it on for a year to trap remaining bugs.

• Clean the Room Vacuum bed frames, carpets, and nearby furniture. Bed bugs spread fast, so don’t skip this.

Can Bed Bugs Live in All Types of Mattresses?

Yes, bed bugs on your mattress don’t care about quality. Foam, spring, or hybrid—they’ll settle in anywhere. However, mattresses with fewer seams or breathable fabrics (like our Wowbeds Duo with ventilated mesh) might make it harder for them to thrive. Bugs prefer warm, stuffy spots, so a cooler bed could help.

How to Prevent Bed Bugs from Coming Back

Cleared out mattress bed bugs? Keep them away with these tips:

• Inspect Used Items Check secondhand furniture or clothes before bringing them home.

• Travel Smart In hotels, keep luggage off the floor and inspect beds. Wash clothes in hot water after trips.

• Maintain Your Bed Wash bedding weekly and vacuum your mattress monthly.

• Seal Hiding Spots Fill cracks in walls or furniture with caulk.

Prevention beats another battle with bedbugs on your mattress.

Are DIY Methods Enough to Get Rid of Bedbugs on Your Mattress?

DIY works for small infestations. Washing, steaming, and encasing can handle mattress bed bugs if caught early. But if they’ve spread to walls or furniture, you might need more.

Pros of DIY:

• Affordable  
• Quick to start  
• Good for early detection  

Cons:

• Misses hidden bugs  
• Takes time and effort  
• Not strong enough for big problems  

What to Do If Mattress Bed Bugs Won’t Go Away

Still seeing bed bugs and mattresses issues? Call a pro. Exterminators use:  

• Heat Treatments: Rooms heated to 50°C+ to kill bugs.  
• Chemical Sprays: Stronger than store-bought options.  
• Fumigation: For severe cases.  

How Long Can Bed Bugs Survive Without Feeding?

Bed bugs are tough survivors. They can live up to a year without a blood meal, depending on temperature and humidity. Cooler rooms slow them down, but they still hang on. This is why encasing your mattress works—it traps them inside with no food until they die off. If you’re waiting them out, patience is key. Check your mattress cover regularly to ensure it’s sealed tight. At Wowbeds, we recommend pairing this with our breathable Duo Mattress to make their hiding spots less cozy. Starving them out takes time, but it’s effective.

Where Bed Bugs Come From

Bed bugs are frequently found in homes that have been infested with contaminated objects such as backpacks, clothes and luggage.Moving from room to room is also possible in apartment buildings and hotels.It’s simple to sneak them in, as they tend to hide in seams, folds and pockets.

How Bed Bugs Affect Your Health

Bed bugs are not capable of transmitting diseases, but their bites can leave small, red spots that are itchy.Certain individuals may experience allergic reactions or skin infections as a result of scratching.Contact your doctor if you feel very bad, or believe there is an infection, allergic reaction etc.

Dealing With Bed Bug Anxiety

A bed bug infestation can generate significant stress, with anxiety being a common response. Individuals may face nightmares, flashbacks, sleep issues, and ongoing unease. If psychological effects linger, consulting a therapist is advisable. Notably, bed bugs do not indicate poor hygiene and can affect anyone. If staying home during treatment heightens anxiety, consider relocating temporarily. The priority is to take swift action to eliminate the infestation.

Should You Replace Your Mattress After Bed Bugs?

After a bed bug scare, you might wonder if a new mattress is worth it. If the infestation was small and you’ve cleaned thoroughly, keeping your current one is fine—just encase it. But if bugs keep coming back, replacing it could give peace of mind. Our Wowbeds Dreamer, priced at $696.50 for Queen, offers a fresh start with cooling tech that bed bugs dislike. A new bed isn’t always necessary, but it can feel like hitting reset. Weigh the cost against your comfort and sleep quality.

Why Choose a Quality Mattress After a Bed Bug Problem?

Post-bed bugs, a new mattress might feel right. Our Wowbeds Duo combines pocket springs and foam for comfort and support. Its cooling tech reduces heat—less appealing to bugs. The Wowbeds Dreamer offers similar perks at a lower price ($696.50 for Queen). A fresh start helps you sleep without worry.

Sleep Better with Wowbeds

Bed bugs are tough, but you can beat them. Spot the signs, clean your mattress, and protect it with our tips. At Wowbeds, we’ve helped thousands sleep better for over 21 years. Our Duo Mattress and Dreamer are built for comfort—and with our 120-night trial, free shipping, and 10-year warranty, you’re covered. Ready to reclaim your bed? Try Wowbeds risk-free today. No more bed bugs on your mattress—just peaceful nights. People also ask

• How can you tell if a mattress has bed bugs? Look for tiny reddish-brown bugs, dark spots (their droppings), or blood smears on the mattress. Check seams and corners, and watch for itchy bites in lines.

 

• How do I get rid of bed bugs in my mattress? Vacuum the mattress well, wash bedding in hot water, and use a bed bug-proof cover. For tough cases, call a pest control expert.

• • Is it OK to sleep in a bed with bed bugs? Not really—bites will keep happening. Try another bed if you can, or use a cover and wash sheets often.
  • What kills bed bugs instantly? Heat from a steamer (over 130°F) works fast if you hit them directly. Freezing small items helps too.

• What causes bed bugs on a mattress? They come from infested luggage, clothes, or furniture, not dirt—your mattress just gives them a cozy spot.

Medical Disclaimer: The content on this page should not be taken as medical advice or used as a recommendation for any specific treatment or medication. Always consult your doctor before taking a new medication or changing your current treatment.