Have you ever woken up with itchy, red welts, unsure of their origin? You might be wondering, like many people, “Can bed bugs really live inside my mattress?” The answer is a resounding yes.
If you suspect you have bed bugs in your mattress, this guide is for you. The Bed Bug Specialist’s expert technicians are here to reassure you and equip you with the knowledge to tackle bed bugs effectively. Our post will answer all your questions about bed bugs in mattresses, from identifying them to eliminating them and preventing their return.
Read also: Why Bed Bugs Come Out At Night

Can Bed Bugs Really Live in the Mattress?
Absolutely. These tiny, flat insects require 5 to 10 minutes to complete a blood meal, so they typically feed while we sleep. This nocturnal feeding habit leads them to infest mattresses — particularly the seams and tufts— and box springs, turning your peaceful sleep sanctuary into their feeding ground. They also find refuge in headboards, bed frames, and other areas near your bed.
Check also: What Draws Bed Bugs Out of Hiding?
Signs You Might Have Bed Bugs in Your Mattress
If you are worried your mattress might be harbouring bed bugs, keep an eye out for these common signs:
- Live insects: Seeing tiny oval shaped bugs crawling near your sleeping area is never a good sign. Here’s how to recognise bed bugs.
- Itchy bites: Bed bug bites are often clustered together on areas of exposed skin while you sleep. They can be itchy, red, and inflamed.
- Bloodstains: Tiny rust-coloured spots on your sheets or mattress can be signs of bed bug activity. These spots are usually dried blood from crushed bed bugs.
- Cast exoskeletons and eggs: As bed bugs grow, they shed their skin. Look for these translucent shells near mattress seams or in crevices. Bed bug eggs are tiny, white ovals, often laid in clusters.
- Musty odour: In heavy infestations, you might detect a sweet, musty smell, a sign of a large number of bed bugs.
Read also: What Do Bed Bug Faeces Look Like?
How to Check Your Mattress for Bed Bugs?
If you see any of the signs listed above, it’s time to inspect your bedding. Here’s how to check your mattress for bed bugs:
- Gather your tools: Grab a torch, a magnifying glass, and a stiff brush.
- Move the mattress: Pull the bed away from the wall and lift the mattress off the box spring slightly.
- Inspect the seams: Use the torch to examine the mattress seams, tufts, and folds for signs of bed bugs, eggshells, or shed skins.
- Check the box spring: Don’t forget to inspect the box spring seams, especially the corners and edges.
- Look around the bed frame: Examine the cracks, crevices, and joints of the bed frame for hiding bed bugs.
- Use the brush: Brush along the seams and crevices to dislodge any hiding bed bugs.
Check also: Can’t Find Bed Bugs But Have Bites
What to Do If You Have Bed Bugs in Your Mattress?
Finding bed bugs in your mattress doesn’t mean throwing it away! Here’s what to do:
- Don’t panic: Stay calm and take action. Remember, early intervention is key to the successful eradication of bed bugs. By acting promptly, you can take control of the situation and prevent the infestation from worsening.
- Vacuum thoroughly: Use a hoover with a HEPA filter to suck up bed bugs, eggs, and shed skins. Pay close attention to seams, crevices, and the box spring. Toss the vacuum bag immediately in a sealed plastic bag outside.
- Wash bed linens: Wash all your bedding, pillows, and pillowcases in hot water (at least 60°C) to kill bed bugs and eggs. If you have a dryer, dry them on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Encase your bedding: Invest in a high-quality, zippered encasement specifically designed to protect your mattress from bed bugs. These encasements trap any remaining bed bugs inside the mattress and box spring and prevent them from escaping and feeding. Don’t remove the encasements for at least a year to ensure all bed bugs are eradicated, because they can survive surprisingly long without food.
- Consider steaming: If you have a powerful steamer that reaches high temperatures (at least 60°C), you can try steaming the mattress seams and crevices to kill bed bugs. Be careful not to over-wet the mattress.
How to Protect Your Mattress from Reinfestation?
Once you’ve eliminated the bed bugs from your mattress, here’s how to keep them from coming back and spreading around the house:
- Declutter your bedroom: Reduce clutter around your bed to minimise hiding spots for bed bugs.
- Vacuum regularly: Vacuum your mattress, box spring, bed frame, and surrounding areas regularly to remove any stray bed bugs or eggs.
- Inspect luggage after travel: Inspect your luggage and belongings thoroughly before bringing them inside your home.
- Wash second-hand items: If you purchase pre-owned furniture or bedding, inspect it carefully and clean it thoroughly before bringing it into your bedroom. Here’s how to check second-hand furnishings for bed bugs.
- Be vigilant: Regularly inspect your mattress and bedding for signs of bed bug infestation, especially after guests have stayed or after returning from a trip.
Check also: How to Avoid Bringing Bed Bugs Home From Your Travels?
When to Call a Bed Bug Control Specialist?
While DIY methods can work for removing a few stray insects, bed bug infestations often require professional intervention. If you’ve tried the above steps and are still finding signs of bed bugs, or if the infestation is widespread, it’s time to call the experts.
At Bed Bug Specialist, we have the expertise, experience, and specialised equipment to eliminate bed bugs quickly and efficiently. We understand the stress and disruption a bed bug infestation can cause, and we’re committed to providing discreet, effective, and long-lasting solutions. We use a combination of proven bed bug control methods, including targeted heat treatments and safe and effective insecticide applications tailored to your case.
So, if you are dealing with a bed bug infestation, don’t hesitate to contact Bed Bug Specialist London. We’re here to help you reclaim your peace of mind and get a good night’s sleep. Call us today and let us help you create a bed bug-free environment.