When shopping for a new mattress, the phrase “You get what you pay for” can often be true. Unfortunately, a common issue we see is customers contacting us due to bed bugs in their mattresses, which reinforces the saying “Don’t let the bed bugs bite.”
Why Do New Mattresses Have Bed Bugs
New mattresses can sometimes have bed bugs due to a few reasons. Firstly, during manufacturing, bed bugs can accidentally find their way into the materials used to make the mattress, such as fabric or stuffing.
Even though manufacturers take precautions, these tiny pests are incredibly skilled at hiding in small spaces.
Secondly, bed bugs can infest a mattress during storage or transportation. If a storage facility or delivery truck has had a bed bug problem, these sneaky insects can hitch a ride and settle into a new mattress.
Additionally, bed bugs are skilled hitchhikers. They can latch onto furniture, clothing, or even people and find their way into a brand-new mattress.
So, if a mattress is transported or stored alongside infested items, the bed bugs can easily transfer onto the new mattress.
It’s important to note that purchasing a new mattress from a reputable retailer decreases the chances of getting a mattress with bed bugs. Reliable sellers take precautions to ensure their products are free from infestations.
To prevent bed bugs from infesting your mattress, it’s crucial to inspect it thoroughly before bringing it into your home.
Look for any signs of bed bugs, such as tiny reddish-brown stains, dark spots, or even the bugs themselves. If you suspect bed bugs, it’s best to contact the seller or manufacturer for assistance.
Remember, while finding bed bugs in new mattresses is uncommon, it’s essential to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure your sleep space remains pest-free.
How Can I Tell If My New Mattress Has Bed Bugs
If you’re a teenager and you’re wondering how to tell if your new mattress has bed bugs, here are a few signs you can look out for:
- Bites and Itching: Bed bug bites can cause itchy, red welts on your skin. It could be a sign of bed bugs if you notice unexplained bites or itching when you wake up.
- Stains on the Mattress: Check your mattress for small, dark stains. Bed bugs often leave behind tiny blood stains or dark fecal spots on the mattress surface.
- Musty Odor: Bed bugs release a distinct musty odor, similar to wet towels or a locker room. If you notice an unusual smell coming from your mattress, it’s worth investigating further.
- Live Bugs: Bed bugs are small, flat, and reddish-brown. They can sometimes be seen crawling on the mattress, particularly along the seams, corners, or piping.
- Shed Skins: As bed bugs grow, they shed their skins. Look for tiny, translucent exoskeletons on the mattress or around the bed frame. These shed skins are a clear indication of a bed bug infestation.
Remember, taking immediate action is essential if you suspect your mattress has bed bugs. Inform your parents or guardians so they can contact a professional pest control company to address the issue.
Bed bugs can multiply quickly and infest other areas of your home, so acting promptly is crucial.
How Do Bed Bugs Get Into New Mattresses
Bed bugs can find their way into new mattresses through various means. Here’s a simple explanation for teenagers:
- Hitchhiking: Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers. They can latch onto clothing, bags, or other personal items without being noticed. If you bring these infested items into your home, the bed bugs can crawl off and settle into your new mattress.
- Infested surroundings: Bed bugs can also come from infested surroundings. If your bedroom or the store where you bought the mattress has bed bugs, they might easily crawl onto the new mattress and make it their new home.
- Delivery or storage: Sometimes, bed bugs can be present in warehouses or delivery trucks that transport mattresses. If the mattress you receive is infested with bed bugs during transit or while in storage, it can quickly spread to your bedroom.
- Second-hand mattresses: If you purchase a second-hand mattress, there’s a chance it may already have bed bugs. These pests can hide in the seams, crevices, or the mattress, waiting to infest your home once you bring it in.
- Contaminated furniture: Bed bugs can also be found in furniture like sofas, chairs, or headboards. If you place infested furniture near your new mattress, the bed bugs may easily crawl over and infest the mattress.
Remember, bed bugs are skilled at hiding and can go without feeding for several months. Therefore, inspecting any new mattress thoroughly before bringing it into your bedroom is important to avoid the hassle of dealing with a bed bug infestation.
How Do I Make Sure My New Mattress Doesn’t Have Bed Bugs
To ensure that your new mattress is free of bed bugs, follow these steps:
- Inspect the packaging: Before purchasing a mattress, check the packaging for any signs of damage or openings. Bed bugs are tiny and can easily crawl into small openings, so ensure that the packaging is intact.
- Check for stains or spots: Look for any visible stains or spots on the mattress. Bed bug droppings often leave behind dark or rusty stains. If you notice any suspicious marks, choosing a different mattress is best.
- Examine the seams and crevices: Bed bugs love to hide in tight spaces. Carefully inspect the seams, crevices, and tufting of the mattress. Use a flashlight to check for any signs of bed bugs, such as live bugs, eggs, or molted skins.
- Use a mattress encasement: Consider investing in a mattress encasement designed to keep bed bugs out. These covers are tightly woven and are a barrier, preventing bed bugs from entering or escaping the mattress.
- Research the manufacturer: Research the manufacturer’s reputation before purchasing a mattress. Look for customer reviews or complaints about bed bug infestations associated with their products. Choosing a reliable manufacturer reduces the risk of bringing home a mattress infested with bed bugs.
- Avoid buying used mattresses: While it may be tempting to save money by purchasing a used mattress, it’s riskier for bed bugs. Used mattresses are more likely to harbor bed bug infestations, so opting for a new mattress instead is best.
- Clean your mattress regularly: Even if you’ve taken precautions, it’s important to maintain good hygiene and cleanliness. Vacuum your mattress regularly to remove any dust, dirt, or potential bed bugs. Clean spills or stains promptly to prevent attracting pests.
Remember, bed bugs are not exclusive to dirty environments. They can infest any location, so it’s crucial to be vigilant when purchasing a new mattress.
By following these steps and being aware of the signs of bed bugs, you can reduce the chances of bringing them into your home and enjoy a restful night’s sleep.
What Are The Signs Of Bed Bugs In A New Mattress
Bed bugs can be a pesky problem, and it’s important to know how to identify their presence, especially if you have a new mattress. Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Itchy and Red Bites: Bed bugs feed on human blood and leave behind itchy, red bites on your skin. It could indicate bed bugs if you notice unexplained bites, particularly in a line or cluster.
- Bloodstains: Bed bugs may leave small bloodstains on your mattress or sheets after feeding. These stains can appear as tiny reddish or brown spots. Check your mattress carefully for any unusual markings.
- Dark Spots: Bed bugs also leave behind dark spots, which are their excrement. Look for small, dark, and rust-colored spots on your mattress, especially along the seams or corners.
- Musty Odor: Bed bugs release a distinct, musty odor. If you notice a sweet, musty smell in your bedroom, it could be a sign of a bed bug infestation.
- Shed Exoskeletons: As bed bugs grow, they shed their exoskeletons. These exoskeletons are translucent and can be found in the area where bed bugs hide, such as crevices in your mattress or bed frame.
- Live Bugs: You might spot live bed bugs if you’re unlucky. They are small, flat, and reddish-brown insects, about the size of an apple seed. Check your mattress and bed frame thoroughly for any moving bugs.
It’s important to note that bed bugs can be difficult to spot, especially in the early stages of an infestation. If you suspect bed bugs in your new mattress, it’s recommended to consult with a professional pest control service for proper identification and treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bed bugs can infest new mattresses during manufacturing, transportation, or storage in an infested area. Inspect new bedding for signs of infestation and contact the retailer or manufacturer if you suspect bed bugs. Taking preventative measures can minimize the risk of encountering bed bugs in your new mattress.