Bed bug eggs are usually found on the mattress and box springs, under carpets, and in other hard-to-reach areas. They can also hide in the cracks and joints of bed frames and headboards. Sadly, it does not matter how painstakingly you keep your room clean.
A bed bug infestation usually starts from a single contaminated item entering your home. This item could be the clothes you wore while staying at a hotel or a piece of second-hand furniture you bought somewhere. Unfortunately, it is difficult to get rid of them because bed bugs can survive for months without feeding.
What You Need to Know About Bed Bugs and their Eggs
Bed bug feeds on humans. It will also bite cats, rodents, birds, dogs, and other warm-blooded animals. Adult female bed bugs lay eggs in secluded areas. If you are asking what bed bugs eggs look like on a mattress then they are small, whitish, and difficult to see with the naked eye.
They hatch within a week and become nymphs. The nymphs shed their skin 5 times before reaching maturity and need a blood meal between every successive molt.
With a steady supply of blood and under favorable conditions, they can mature within a month. Limited access to food or cooler temperatures prolongs development.
How to Kill Bed Bug Eggs on Mattress and Get Rid of Them
Bed bug eggs are tiny and white, and they are often found in the seams and crevices of mattresses. To kill bed bug eggs on a mattress, you will need to use a combination of methods.
Start by removing your pillowcases, sheets, and other removable covers. Put them in a plastic bag to prevent bed bugs from spreading to other areas of your home. Wash the infested bedding in hot water.
You should also dispose of your pillows and vacuum the mattress using the hose attachment. Pay special attention to the mattress seams, indentations, and crevices where bed bugs usually hide. Always empty the bag outside and do not forget to clean the vacuum cleaner container. Using bed bug HEPA vacuums will save you from worrying about the bugs escaping or spreading further. This type of vacuum prevents this as it captures and contains the bugs and the eggs safely. Encase mattress and box springs in bed bug-proof mattress covers. It is made of a special fabric that bed bugs cannot bite through. Bed bug-proof covers have a zipper that prevents these critters from escaping or entering the mattress. There are also bed bug box spring covers that you can use.
Keep the cover on for at least 1 year to be sure that all the bugs and eggs in your mattress have died. Do not forget to check the cracks and joints of the headboard and bed frame.
If you are using chemical pesticides to kill bed bugs hiding in these areas, make sure to read the label first and apply it as directed. Insecticides can be dangerous if not used properly. You should move the bed away from the wall as well. Place bed bug interceptors beneath the feet of the bed to trap and kill bed bugs that are trying to get into your bed. Make sure that nothing on the bed touches the ground except the feet in the bed bug interceptor cups.
Inspect other areas of your room and the rest of your home to see if there are bed bugs left. Do not forget to vacuum the floor carefully. Do this at periodic intervals. Recently laid bed bug eggs will be maturing during this period, so you always must be vigilant.
You can also buy a new mattress instead of encasing your old one in a mattress protector for 1 year. Since it is not infested with bed bugs, so you can sleep peacefully at night. But if you have an infestation, you should take steps to eliminate the existing bed bugs in your home first before buying a new mattress.
You should also take precautions to prevent future infestations. One of the best ways to do this is to avoid buying second-hand furniture. You should also remove and wash your clothes immediately and avoid placing your luggage on the bed.
Best Bed Bug Treatments to Deal with a Bed Bug Infestation
There are several different bed bug treatment options that can be used to deal with a bed bug infestation. The most effective methods include:
Heat Treatment
This involves using high temperatures to kill bed bugs and their eggs. This can be done by using a portable heater or by hiring a professional pest control company that uses specialized heat equipment.
Chemical Treatment
This involves using pesticides to kill bed bugs and their eggs. Common chemicals used include pyrethroid and neonicotinoid insecticides. It’s important to use these chemicals in accordance with the instructions on the label and to take precautions to avoid exposure to the chemicals.
Cryonite
This treatment involves using liquid CO2 to freeze bed bugs and their eggs, causing them to die. Cryonite is considered a safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly treatment.
Steam treatment
This involves using steam to kill bed bugs and their eggs by exposing them to high temperatures. This method can be used on a variety of surfaces, including mattresses, furniture, and clothing.
Vacuuming
This can be used to remove bed bugs and their eggs from surfaces like mattresses, furniture, and carpets. It should be followed by disposing of the vacuum bag in a sealed container.
Take note that bed bug infestations can be difficult to eliminate, so it is often recommended to consult with a professional pest control service to help you get the best results.
When is the Best Time to Call a Professional Pest Control Company?
If you can still find bed bugs after doing the steps stated above, you have 2 options. You can either call in a pest control company or get rid of your current mattress. Pest control companies use chemical treatments to eliminate bed bugs and their eggs.
If the infestation is severe, you may need to vacate your home for a couple of days while it is being treated. Removing your old mattress, on the other hand, can save you a lot of discomfort and time. This might be the best choice if you did not get any results after trying the tips mentioned above.
What Precautions Can You Take?
Follow healthy practices such as changing the bedding regularly or using a bed bug proof cover to prevent bed bug infestations.
A fully encased one mattress protector prevents dust mites and bed bugs from escaping or entering the mattress. It also protects the mattress against spills and stains. This can help prolong the lifespan of your bed.
Do not forget to wash your bedsheets once a week and the blankets, pillows, and comforters once a month. This can help reduce the risk of infestation and improve your sleep as well.
How to Check the Mattress for Signs of Bed Bugs and Eggs
· Look for reddish stains, small eggs, eggshells, or live bugs on your bedsheets as well as in and around the mattress.
· If you are looking for a scent that can keep these critters away, you can use lavender oil. Combine lavender oil (20 to 30 drops) and baking soda and then coat the mattress with this mixture. Let it sit for a few hours. Baking soda helps deodorize the mattress.
How to Dispose of Your Old Mattress
· If your mattress is infested with bed bugs, do not throw it in the nearest dumpster.
· Ask the local waste disposal organization about proper mattress disposal first.
· You should not donate it either.
· The best way to get rid of an old mattress is to look for a mattress disposal company that will do it for you.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs from Invading the Mattress
· Encase your new mattress in a bed bug-proof mattress cover. It will cover all 6 sides of the mattress to bed bugs and dust mites from invading your bed.
· You should clean your mattress regularly and dust it frequently to keep your bedroom clean.
· If you see bed bugs on your mattress, you can either call in an exterminator or use a bed bug spray. But if the problem is too severe, you should consider buying a new mattress.
Final Thoughts
Bed bugs can become a huge problem if not treated immediately. The best way to get rid of these critters is to throw away your current mattress and hire a pest management professional to remove all traces of bed bugs.
Our Recommendations:
Some of the recommended products that you should use are bed bug mattresses and box spring covers and bed bug interceptors.
Using a bed bug mattress along with box spring covers prevents all the remaining bed bug eggs from escaping from your mattress or box spring. It will prevent a possible reinfestation and save you and your family from going through the same problem over and again.
Bed bug interceptors will act as a barrier between your bed and the bugs. You just have to place them under your bed legs and you just have to monitor them constantly to know the current situation of the infestation.
