Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are notorious for infesting homes, particularly mattresses, where they can easily access their hosts. Understanding how bed bugs get into mattresses can help in preventing and managing infestations. Bed Bug Free delves into this further below.
Introduction to Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are typically nocturnal and prefer to hide in dark, secluded places during the day. They are often found in cracks and crevices near sleeping areas, such as bed frames, headboards, and, most commonly, mattresses. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, making them visible to the naked eye, but they can easily hide in small spaces due to their flat bodies. Young bed bugs are smaller and more difficult to detect.
Common Ways Bed Bugs Get into Mattresses
Hitchhiking on Luggage & Clothing – One of the most common ways bed bugs enter homes is by hitchhiking on luggage, clothing, and personal belongings. When people travel and stay in infested accommodations, bed bugs can crawl into luggage and be transported back home. Once home, bed bugs can move from the luggage to other parts of the house, including mattresses.
Used Furniture & Mattresses – Purchasing second-hand furniture or mattresses can introduce bed bugs into a home. These items may already be infested, and bringing them into the house provides bed bugs with immediate access to a new environment. It’s crucial to thoroughly inspect and, if necessary, treat used furniture before bringing it indoors.
Neighboring Bed Bug Infestations – In multi-unit buildings like apartments or hotels, bed bugs can migrate between units through walls, electrical outlets, and plumbing. If a neighboring unit is infested, bed bugs can travel to adjacent units and eventually find their way into mattresses.
Visitors & Guests – Bed bugs can be brought into a home by visitors or guests who have been in infested environments. The insects can cling to clothing, bags, or other belongings and be transferred to furniture and mattresses upon arrival.
Public Spaces – Bed bugs can be picked up from public places such as movie theaters, public transportation, offices, and schools. They can cling to clothing or bags and be brought home, where they can then infest mattresses and other furniture.
How Bed Bugs Infest Mattresses
Finding Bed Bug Hiding Spots – Bed bugs prefer to stay close to their food source, which is why they are often found in and around beds. Mattresses provide numerous hiding spots, such as seams, tags, and folds. Bed bugs can easily squeeze into these small spaces to hide during the day.
Bed Bug Reproduction – Once bed bugs have found a suitable hiding spot, they reproduce quickly. A single female bed bug can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime. These eggs are tiny and often laid in clusters in hidden areas of the mattress, making them difficult to detect.
Bed Bug Feeding Patterns – Bed bugs typically feed every 5 to 10 days. They emerge from their hiding spots at night to feed on the blood of sleeping humans. After feeding, they retreat to their hiding spots in the mattress, where they digest their meal and lay eggs.
Bed Bug Inspections & Removal in Greater Cleveland area as well as Akron, Canton, Solon, Parma and NE and NW Ohio
By understanding how bed bugs get into mattresses and taking preventative measures, homeowners can reduce the risk of infestation and maintain a bed bug-free environment. If you need help with bed bugs give Bed Bug Free a call.