What to Spray on a Mattress for Bed Bugs? The Best Organic Solutions

Worried about bed bugs on your mattress? You’re not alone. These pests can disrupt your sleep and make your home feel like a nightmare. But let’s set the record straight: the only thing you should spray on your mattress is steam.

Here’s everything you need to know about why steam is the ultimate solution and why other sprays aren’t worth your time.

Why Steam is the Only Thing to Spray on a Mattress for Bed Bugs

Spray On A Mattress For Bed Bugs With Steam

Steam is a bed bug’s worst nightmare. Here’s why:

• Instantly kills bed bugs and eggs: The high temperature destroys them on contact.
• Chemical-free: Safe for you, your family, and the environment.
• Reaches hidden spots: Steam can penetrate mattress seams, tufts, and cracks where sprays can’t.

To get the best results:

• Use a steam cleaner that can reach at least 120°C (250°F).
• Slowly move the steamer over every part of the mattress, paying extra attention to seams and edges.
• Allow the mattress to fully dry before putting any bedding back on it.

Steam isn’t just a quick fix; it’s an eco-friendly and powerful way to take control of bed bugs.

Why Supermarket Sprays Don’t Work

Sprays you find in supermarkets might seem like an easy fix, but they come with serious downsides:

• Limited effectiveness: Most sprays only work on direct contact and don’t kill eggs.
• Toxic chemicals: These sprays can harm you, your pets, and your home.
• Confusing instructions: Misuse can make the problem worse, spreading bed bugs to other areas.

Instead of solving the issue, these sprays can push bed bugs deeper into cracks and crevices, making them harder to eliminate later.

Why Essential Oils and Smells Don’t Help

Small bottle of essential mint oil

Think essential oils like lavender or tea tree will repel bed bugs? Think again. Here’s the truth:

• Smells won’t kill bed bugs: They might temporarily confuse them but won’t solve the problem.
• Essential oils spread infestations: Bed bugs will scatter and hide, making them harder to eliminate.
• False security: You might think you’re dealing with the problem, but the infestation keeps growing in hidden areas.

Using smells and oils is like putting a band-aid on a broken leg—it won’t fix anything.

The Best Solution For Spray On A Mattress For Bed Bugs

 Bed Bug Proof Mattress Covers

It’s time to lock it down with a high-quality mattress cover. Here’s why:

• Traps any remaining bugs: A tightly sealed encasement prevents bed bugs from escaping or entering.
• Protects against future infestations: Makes it easier to spot and stop bed bugs early.
• Keeps your mattress safe: Adds a layer of protection without compromising comfort.

When choosing a mattress cover:

• Look for one specifically designed for bed bug protection.
• Ensure it’s fully sealed with a zipper that leaves no gaps.
• Pick a breathable material to keep your bed comfortable.

Combining steam treatment with a mattress cover gives you a one-two punch against bed bugs.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs on Your Bed Frame and in Your Room with the Isolation Method

Bed Bug Isolation Method

Bed bugs don’t just stay on your mattress—they hide in your bed frame and all around your room. The Isolation Method is the best way to stop them in their tracks.

Here’s how it works:

1. Prepare your bed:
   • Move your bed at least 30 cm away from walls and furniture.
   • Install bed leg traps to stop bed bugs from climbing onto your bed.
2. Steam your bed frame:
   • Focus on joints, cracks, and crevices where bed bugs love to hide.
   • Use the same steam cleaner you used for your mattress.
3. Apply Diatomaceous Earth (DE):
   • Dust a thin layer of DE (Bed Bug Killer)around the bed legs and along the floor near the bed.
   • DE is a natural powder that kills bed bugs by dehydrating them as they crawl over it.
4. Encase your mattress and bed base:
   • Use bed bug-proof covers to trap any lingering bugs and prevent new ones from getting in.
5. Declutter your room:
   • Get rid of piles of clothes, boxes, and other items where bed bugs could hide.

The Isolation Method works because it cuts off bed bugs’ access to their primary target—you. It forces them to cross treated areas, ensuring they don’t survive.

Additional Steps to Prevent Reinfestation

Killing bed bugs on your mattress is only part of the solution. To keep them from coming back:

• Declutter your bedroom: Bed bugs love hiding in clutter.
• Wash and dry bedding on high heat: This kills bugs and eggs lurking in your sheets.
• Vacuum regularly: Focus on cracks, crevices, and around the bed frame.
• Inspect second-hand furniture: Bed bugs often hitch a ride on used items.

Taking these steps alongside steam treatment ensures you don’t face a reinfestation.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to what to spray on a mattress for bed bugs, the answer is simple: use steam, not sprays. Supermarket sprays and essential oils only make the problem worse, while a mattress cover ensures long-term peace of mind.

Ready to reclaim your bed? Start with steam, finish with a mattress encasement, and follow up with preventive steps to enjoy a bed bug-free home—because your sleep matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spray On A Mattress For Bed Bugs

1. What is the safest and most effective spray on a mattress for bed bugs?
   The safest and most effective option isn’t a traditional spray—it’s steam. Steam kills bed bugs and their eggs instantly without harmful chemicals. It penetrates deep into mattress seams and cracks where bed bugs hide, making it far more effective than sprays. Supermarket sprays often contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to humans and pets and are only effective on contact, leaving eggs untouched.
2. Why shouldn’t you use supermarket sprays on a mattress for bed bugs?
   Supermarket sprays are ineffective for several reasons:
   They only kill bed bugs on direct contact and don’t address eggs.
   Toxic chemicals in these sprays can be harmful to you, your family, and pets.
   They may drive bed bugs deeper into cracks and crevices, spreading the infestation.
   Instead of wasting time and money on these sprays, use steam for immediate results and follow up with preventative measures like mattress encasements.
3. Is steam the best alternative to using a spray on a mattress for bed bugs?
   Absolutely! Steam is the most effective alternative to sprays. It kills bed bugs and their eggs instantly using heat, without introducing harmful chemicals into your home. Plus, steam can reach deep into areas sprays can’t, such as mattress seams and tufts. It’s safe for humans and pets, making it the best solution for treating bed bugs on a mattress.

Are You Looking for an Organic DIY Treatment?

Watch Our DIY Treatment Video For An Ensemble Bed

Watch Our DIY Treatment Video For A Bed with Slats

If you enjoyed our blog, What to Spray on a Mattress for Bed Bugs, you might also like to read about Bed Bug Bites in Australia.

Sources

Tony Abrahams

Tony pioneered a non-toxic, eco-friendly solution for bedbug infestations. His innovation won the ABC TV show “The New Inventors” in 2009. In 2012, he successfully registered Diatomaceous Earth for bedbug control in Australia.