Instead of treating a bed bug-infested mattress, you may want to get rid of it entirely because getting rid of a mattress is far easier and (usually) less expensive. Here are a few tips from our experts on how to dispose of a mattress with bed bugs.
Getting rid of a mattress with bed bugs
Getting rid of bed bugs may be a lengthy procedure since a particularly serious infestation might take weeks to eradicate. Because bed bugs are resistant to several pesticides, it’s doubtful that you’ll be able to get rid of them on your own.
Things to consider:
1. Put on safety gear – You don’t want bed bugs jumping onto your clothes or skin as, although they usually don’t cause health problems, their bites can cause some discomfort. Wear protective clothing as a barrier between you and the mattress.
2. Wrap the mattress – You’ll want to contain the bed bugs as much as possible, so wrap the mattress in film and seal it. This will lower the risk of the bugs getting anywhere else in your home.
3. Put a label on the mattress – Make sure people don’t take your mattress by clearly labelling it to show it is unfit for use. You can also heavily damage it to further deter people by slashing or marking it.
4. Pay attention to other furniture and clothing – Unfortunately, bed bugs don’t just stick to beds. They can live on all different types of furniture and clothing so make sure you check the surrounding area for signs.
Disposal methods for a mattress with bed bugs
◾ Take it to a disposal centre
It is possible to take a mattress to a local recycling centre – a free method to dispose of large items like mattresses, even if they are bug-infested.
However, taking an infested mattress to the local recycling centre is not the best idea as not only will you have to drive it in your vehicle (spreading the infestation there as well), but it is also unsanitary for those who work there and others who visit the tip to dispose of their own waste.
◾ Council collection
Make an appointment with your local council for a scheduled collection. Many municipal governments now provide bulk rubbish collection, which includes mattresses, for a reasonable fee. They will collect and dispose of your mattress, making your life easier and providing you more time to complete the necessary deep cleaning.
However, owing to the high demand for council collection services for bulky rubbish, you may have to wait a while for your mattress to be removed. The delay may result in the infestation spreading further, and you might find yourself sleeping in an infested bed for weeks. In this case, it’s a good idea to look for a quicker, more efficient way to dispose of the waste.
◾ Professional mattress clearance service
Calling waste management pros who are authorised to remove, transport, and dispose of your mattresses safely and courteously (including mattresses with bed bugs) is the most convenient and stress-free disposal method.
By bringing in professional help, you are taking advantage of the following:
- No-strings-attached collection and disposal services
- Disposal and recycling in an environmentally sustainable manner
- A competent garbage collection and disposal company with years of expertise
Causes of bed bugs
Many people assume that dirt causes bed bug infestations. However, this is a common myth. These insects aren’t just attracted to unclean environments but all manner of furniture and clothing. As long as they have access to their food supply, they can live in any environment.
Bed bugs can come from anywhere, but be on the lookout for signs of an infestation when doing the following activities:
- Spend the night in a hotel or resort – Regardless of how clean and well-maintained it is, make sure to check for bed bugs. While these aren’t the only sites where bed bugs can be found, they are the most common.
- Bring home used furniture – If you pick up used furniture on the side of the road or buy it secondhand, look for black streaks and insect casings. Bed bugs aren’t just found in mattresses.
- Use public transport – If you use public transport, be on the lookout for these pests and the signals they leave behind.
- Welcome house visitors – When visitors stay at your house, they may unknowingly bring bed bugs with them. They might have carried the bugs with them from home or picked them up on their travels. Once they’ve left, it’s a good idea to wash all of their bedding at the highest temperature possible.
How to prevent bed bugs
Once you’ve gotten rid of your mattress, you need to take some extra measures to ensure bed bugs are not still in your household:
- Thoroughly clean and vacuum – Doing this regularly will help you identify bedbugs, which may be found in both clean and unclean environments.
- Put bedding and clothes that may have been exposed to them in a wash – Use a hot wash (60°C) or a hot tumble dryer for at least 30 minutes.
- Place the contaminated clothes and bedding in a plastic bag – As an alternative to hot washing, you can place any bedding or clothing in a bag and freeze it for four days at -16°C.
To avoid having to purchase a new mattress for quite some time after investing in one, make sure you follow these steps to prevent bed bugs in the future:
- Keep your bed free of junk or clutter surrounding it.
- Bring secondhand furniture inside only after thoroughly inspecting it.
- If you’ve come from a place where bedbugs are known, don’t bring your baggage or clothing inside without thoroughly inspecting it.
By following these prevention techniques, you won’t have to worry about knowing how to dispose of a mattress with bed bugs again in the future.
If you are looking for ways to dispose of a bug-infested mattress, get in touch. We are experienced in dealing with this kind of issue and will do so in a non-judgemental manner.
Alongside mattress collection, we also offer general household removal services.