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How to get rid of bed bugs?

Nobody wants bed bugs in their home, especially not in their mattress! Dealing with these pests causes stress, discomfort, and sleepless nights. As your local Pensacola mattress experts, we want to help you understand, prevent, and treat these unwelcome guests to restore peace and rest to your bedroom.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Pensacola: A Guide for Homeowners

Learn symptoms, where they hide, and professional tips to get rid of bed bugs safely.

What Are Bed Bugs and Where Do They Come From?

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on human blood, typically at night while you are asleep. They are masters of hiding and can be found in any environment, regardless of cleanliness.

Source of Infestation Action
Travel Hotels, Airbnbs, trains, or planes.
Used Items Old furniture, used mattresses, or couches.
Visitors Guests who have recently traveled or been exposed.

Myth Debunked: Bed bugs are NOT a sign of a dirty house. They are simply hitchhikers, and any clean home in Pensacola, FL is susceptible.

Symptoms & Why Your Mattress is the Target

Bed bugs like tight, dark spaces close to their food source. Your bed and mattress are the most affected areas in your house, where they hide and emerge when you fall asleep.

  • Common Symptoms: Rashes, itchy skin, discomfort, and sleepless nights. (Note: Not everyone reacts to bites, so you might not even know they're present!)

  • The Danger of Old Mattresses: Buying or bringing in an old mattress or furniture piece has a huge risk of introducing bed bugs. If you choose to go this route, inspect thoroughly. We recommend buying a new mattress and bed frame to eliminate this risk entirely.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs (The Right Way)

If you suspect an infestation, swift and correct action is critical to prevent spreading.

1. Call for Professional Help (Essential)

This is the most effective step. Bed bugs are extremely difficult to eradicate with DIY methods alone.

Professional Extermination: Contact a licensed pest control company experienced in chemical control or heat treatment. They will use professional-grade methods to ensure complete eradication.

  • Don't Buy a New Mattress Right Away! Wait until the infestation is confirmed as fully exterminated before purchasing new bedding. Installing a new Queen, King, or Twin mattress too soon will only get the new product infested.

2. Isolate and Treat Fabric Items

Heat is the easiest way to kill bed bugs and their eggs.

  • High-Heat Laundry: Immediately strip all bedding, clothing, and anything washable near the bed. Wash and dry everything on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes.

  • Treat Luggage: If returning from travel, steam or thoroughly inspect your luggage before bringing it into the bedroom. Never place luggage on your bed.

3. Secure Your Existing Mattress (Before Disposal)

If you choose to discard your mattress or furniture:

  • Don't Spread Them: Do not just leave infested items on your porch or curb. The infestation can spread to neighbors or garbage collectors.

  • Encapsulate: Encase your old mattress and box springs in bed-bug-proof zippered covers. This traps the bugs inside until they die.

  • Mark Clearly: If discarding furniture, try to break it or use a sign to clearly mark it with "INFESTED WITH BED BUGS" so no one else picks it up.

Stay Informed

It takes effort to get rid of these pests, but it is not impossible. Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on furniture maintenance, proper mattress care, and the latest news from the Pensacola furniture world.

Do you need to replace your bed or furniture after treating an infestation? We offer brand new, sealed mattresses in Twin, Full, Queen, and King sizes, ready for same-day delivery once your home is bug-free!