Page Contents
Quick Answers
When treating a mattress for bed bugs, it’s important to spray insecticide over the entire surface, including the top, bottom, sides, seams, tufts, buttons, and any tears or openings. Focus on spots where bed bugs hide like seams, folds, edges, and crevices. Spray mattress covers and box springs too. Let the spray dry thoroughly before remaking the bed.
Where to Spray on a Mattress
Bed bugs like to hide in cracks, crevices, seams, tufts, buttons, folds, and edges of mattresses. When spraying a mattress, it’s important to treat these areas thoroughly. Here are the key places to spray:
1. Mattress Top and Sides
Spray the entire top surface of the mattress, moving the nozzle back and forth to cover everything. Don’t forget the sides – spray all around the top and bottom edges. Bed bugs often hide in the piping or side panels.
2. Mattress Bottom
Flip the mattress over and spray the entire bottom surface. Pay close attention to seams, tufts, labels, and anywhere the fabric is joined. These are prime spots for bugs to hide.
3. Creases and Folds
Check for any creases, folds, or tucked fabric on the mattress. Unfold and spray inside. Bed bugs love hiding in tight spaces like this.
4. Buttons and Tufts
Tufted mattresses provide tons of hiding spots for bed bugs. Carefully spray each button tuft, getting insecticide down inside around the string or rod.
5. Seams
Mattresses have sewn seams that join together the panels of fabric. Run the nozzle along every seam and seam allowance to saturate with spray.
6. Labels and Handles
Spray mattress labels, logos, handles, or any other attachments that have edges or openings. Bed bugs can even hide behind labels.
7. Holes, Tears, and Openings
Inspect for any rips, holes, or other damage to the fabric. Spray liberally inside and around openings. Damaged areas make it easier for bugs to enter and nest inside.
8. Inside the Mattress
If possible, unstitch a section of piping to spray inside the mattress. This targets bed bugs inside the padding. Be sure to restitch tightly closed after treatment.
9. Box Spring
Don’t forget to treat the box spring in the same manner, spraying top, bottom, sides, seams, edges, crevices, and joints. The box spring offers lots of areas for bed bugs.
10. Mattress Cover
Remove any mattress pad or encasement and spray before reapplying. Bed bugs can hide in wrinkles and get trapped in covers.
Application Tips
Follow these tips when spraying insecticide on a mattress:
– Read and follow all label directions for correct use.
– Test fabrics for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area first.
– Remove bedding and wash/dry on hot temperature before spraying.
– Apply spray until fabric is damp but not dripping wet.
– Allow treated areas to completely dry before use.
– Wear protective clothing, gloves, and a respirator.
– Ventilate the room during application.
– Dispose of infested mattresses properly if heavily infested.
Types of Mattress Sprays
There are a few options for spray insecticides labeled to treat mattresses:
Pyrethrins
Pyrethrins are plant-derived insecticides that provide quick knockdown and kill of bed bugs. Often combined with piperonyl butoxide.
Examples: Bedlam, Pyganic
Synthetic Pyrethroids
Longer-lasting synthetic versions of pyrethrins. Includes bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin.
Examples: Temprid, Transport Mikron, Demand CS
Neonicotinoids
Systemic insecticides that disrupt the nervous system. Includes imidacloprid, acetamiprid, dinotefuran.
Examples: Alpine, Assault, Temprid
Insect Growth Regulators
Prevent bed bugs from molting and maturing. Gentler for use on mattresses. Includes hydroprene, pyriproxyfen.
Examples: Archer, Gordon’s IGR Concentrate
How Much Spray to Apply
It’s important to apply enough spray to penetrate into crevices and folds, but not too much that it drips or pools. A good rule of thumb is to apply about 1 gallon of mixed bed bug spray per mattress and box spring set. For a twin size, plan on using 1/2 to 3/4 gallon total.
Spray until the fabric is evenly damp to the touch but not saturated. It should not drip liquid when the mattress is tilted. If the mattress absorbs spray quickly, apply more to ensure sufficient coverage.
Drying Time
Allow sprayed mattresses to dry completely before replacing bedding or sleeping on them. Most insecticides will be dry within 2-4 hours. Check the product label for specific dry times. A quicker option is to place a fan nearby to speed up drying.
It’s extremely important bed bug sprays are dry before remake the bed. Wet insecticides can transfer to sheets and cause skin irritation. A dried film will be safer and more effective at killing bed bugs.
How Often to Spray
For a heavy infestation, it’s best to spray mattresses and box springs every 2-3 days for at least 3 treatments. This helps kill bed bugs that survived earlier sprayings before they lay more eggs. Monitor carefully and repeat if live bugs are spotted.
For minor infestations, spraying just once may eliminate the problem. Continue checking for several weeks and respray if needed. Bed bug sprays provide residual protection for up to 2 weeks typically.
When to Replace a Mattress
If a mattress is heavily infested, with bed bugs living deep inside, it may be impossible to fully eliminate the pests. In these cases, complete replacement is recommended. Dispose of badly infested mattresses in sealed plastic bags marked “bed bugs” to prevent spread.
Light or moderate infestations can usually be treated successfully by spraying. But mattresses with tears, holes, or lots of hiding spots may need to be replaced if bugs keep reappearing. Encasements can help seal in old infestations.
Mattress Disposal
Take care when disposing of mattresses after a bed bug treatment. Sealing in plastic helps prevent bugs from escaping during transport. Deface or mark used mattresses as “bed bug infested” before placing on the curb. Contact your local waste authority for guidance on proper mattress disposal procedures.
Conclusion
Spraying a mattress correctly is crucial to eliminate bed bugs. Be sure to thoroughly treat every spot on the top, bottom, sides, seams, buttons, edges, and crevices where bed bugs may hide. Allow sprayed mattresses to dry fully before remaking the bed to avoid irritation and maximize insecticide effectiveness. With careful application and vigilance, bed bug sprays can help eliminate these nuisance pests.