How to Find Bedbugs in the Mattress
If you suspect a bedbug infestation, do you know where you will most likely find them? As their name implies, bedbugs can be found in the sofa, couch, or mattress ” the usual places where you lie down.
Do you know what the first sign of a bedbug infestation is? The bite marks. Bedbug bites have certain characteristics that will help you identify them.
If your bite marks are raised or flat welts that are pinkish to red, you may suspect these to be caused by bedbugs. Also, it is very typical of bedbug bites to form a linear pattern. You may see 3 bites in a row. Whenever the host moves, the bedbug is disrupted and changes its feeding position. Bedbugs eat the blood of warm-blooded animals which include humans.
Although bedbug bites do not cause any disease, these can bring discomfort due to itching and burning. Treat the marks with topical corticosteroids to relieve the itching and burning.
Refrain from scratching the bedbug bites since this can only cause scars. Other drugs used are systemic corticosteroids and antihistamines. But these do nothing for the bite marks.
If you are sure that bedbugs are the culprits, check the mattress first. Inspect your mattress for any crack or crevice. Look for brown and red spots as well. The brown spots are from feces of the bedbugs. The red spots are from blood of crushed bedbugs.
The mattress is the usual habitat of bedbugs. To be sure of the extent of infestation, you must also check anything that is in close proximity to the mattress. Examples are the bed posts, floors, walls, picture frames, and others. If the mattress is the only furniture that is infested, you can spray bedbug insecticides to kill the insects.
Then use a mattress cover. This has a zipper that seals your mattress. This way, no bedbugs will come out of the mattress to bite you. They cannot feed. And in at least 6 months, the bedbugs will die.
