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Do I Have to Throw Out My Bed Bug Infested Mattress?

No! Not only can you keep your mattress after a bed bug infestation, throwing it away is discouraged entirely. Disposing of bed bug infested items can be seen as careless, as it could contribute to the infestation spreading. 

To rid your mattress of bed bugs, take the following steps:

    1. Strip the bed of linens and wash thoroughly in hot water.
    2. Keep the mattress and box spring where they are, as moving or discarding them can spread bed bugs.
    3. Contact a bed bug exterminator to treat it with heat or another bed bug treatment.
Man and woman throwing out bed bug infested mattress

Why Wouldn't I Throw Away My Mattress?

If you’re experiencing a bed bug infestation, tossing your mattress or box spring will not solve the problem. When you have an infestation, bed bugs aren’t only hiding in your bed. Bed bugs can spread to other areas on your property. If you throw out your mattress or replace it with a new one, chances are your brand-new bed will get infested, too! It’s important to treat your entire home for bed bugs—including your bed—to prevent the infestation from spreading.

 

Do I Need to Throw Away Other Furniture or Bedding?

Typically, you shouldn’t have to throw out any items during or after a bed bug infestation. With proper treatment, all items should be able to be salvaged. Instead of discarding clothing and linens, it’s recommended to wash them on the highest heat setting in a washing machine. High heat will kill bed bugs and their eggs. 

All other furniture should be receptive to treatment. If your furniture is older and in need of replacing, a bed bug infestation would be the perfect excuse. Only remove infested furniture after it has been treated.

Will Bed Bugs Infest All Types Of Furniture?

If you have bed bugs, they will hide in unexpected cracks and crevices. It makes sense that upholstered furniture would be receptive to bed bugs, but what about wooden pieces? Unfortunately, bed bugs are known to hide in the nooks and crannies of furniture, even in your wood table or chair! Similar to infested mattresses, it’s recommended to keep your household items in the midst of an infestation, and refrain from throwing them away.

Do I Have to Throw Out My Bed Bug Infested Mattress? in Southern Louisiana

Ja-Roy Pest Control Services is a local Pest Control and Extermination company helping homeowners and businesses with pest issues across Southern Louisiana.

Serving Washington | Tangipahoa | Saint Tammany | Livingston | East Baton Rouge | West Baton Rouge | Orleans

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