A couple in Main_abc recently made a shocking discovery after purchasing a new mattress - it was infested with bed bugs. The couple, who wishes to remain anonymous, found the bed bugs crawling on their sheets and pillows just a few days after bringing the mattress home. They immediately contacted their local news station, ABC News, to share their story and warn others about the dangers of buying a mattress with bed bugs.ABC News: Couple Buys Mattress Infested with Bed Bugs
Discovering bed bugs in your mattress can be a nightmare for any homeowner. These tiny pests can quickly multiply and infest your entire home if not dealt with promptly. If you have recently purchased a mattress and suspect it may be infested with bed bugs, here's what you need to do: 1. Stay Calm and Don't Panic It can be easy to freak out and feel grossed out by the thought of sharing your bed with bed bugs. However, it's important to stay calm and not panic. Bed bugs are a common problem and there are effective ways to get rid of them. 2. Inspect the Mattress The first thing you should do is thoroughly inspect the mattress for any signs of bed bugs. Look for small reddish-brown bugs, dark spots or stains on the mattress, and tiny white eggs. Pay close attention to the seams, crevices, and corners of the mattress. 3. Contact the Seller If you have discovered bed bugs in your new mattress, contact the seller immediately. They may be able to offer a refund or exchange for a new mattress. It's important to also inform them of the bed bug infestation so they can take appropriate measures to prevent it from happening to other customers. 4. Seek Professional Help If the seller is unable to help, you may need to seek professional help. Pest control companies have experience in dealing with bed bugs and can provide effective treatments to eliminate them from your mattress and home.Bed Bug Infestation: What to Do if You Bought a Mattress with Bed Bugs
Prevention is key when it comes to bed bugs. To avoid buying a mattress infested with these pests, here are some steps you can take to check for bed bugs before making a purchase: 1. Visually Inspect the Mattress Take a close look at the mattress before buying. Look for any signs of bed bugs such as live bugs, eggs, or stains on the mattress. If you see any of these, do not purchase the mattress. 2. Use a Flashlight Bring a flashlight with you when mattress shopping. Bed bugs are small and can be easily missed, but a flashlight can help you spot them in dark crevices or corners. 3. Check Online Reviews Before making a purchase, do some research on the mattress brand and read reviews from previous customers. If there are multiple reviews mentioning bed bugs, it's best to avoid buying from that brand.How to Check for Bed Bugs Before Buying a Mattress
According to Consumer Reports, there are some steps you can take to avoid buying a mattress with bed bugs: 1. Buy from a Reputable Seller Make sure to purchase your mattress from a reputable seller. Avoid buying from thrift stores or second-hand shops, as these places may not have proper procedures in place to prevent bed bug infestations. 2. Inspect the Mattress Before Bringing it Home Before bringing the mattress home, inspect it thoroughly for any signs of bed bugs. This is especially important if the mattress is being delivered to your home, as you won't have the chance to inspect it in store. 3. Use a Mattress Protector Using a mattress protector can help prevent bed bugs from infesting your mattress. Make sure to choose one that is specifically designed to be bed bug-proof.Consumer Reports: How to Avoid Buying a Mattress with Bed Bugs
In a similar incident, ABC News reported on a couple who sued a mattress store after discovering their new mattress was infested with bed bugs. The couple, who had to throw out their mattress and pay for expensive pest control treatments, filed a lawsuit against the store for selling them a defective and unsanitary product.ABC News: Mattress Store Sued for Selling Bed Bug-Infested Mattresses
If you do end up with a mattress infested with bed bugs, here are some steps you can take to get rid of them: 1. Wash and Dry Your Sheets and Bedding Remove all bedding and wash them in hot water. Then, dry them on high heat to kill any remaining bed bugs. 2. Vacuum the Mattress Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to thoroughly vacuum your mattress, paying close attention to seams and corners. 3. Use a Steam Cleaner A steam cleaner can also be effective in killing bed bugs. Use it on your mattress and other furniture and items in your bedroom. 4. Use an Encasement Consider using a bed bug-proof encasement on your mattress to prevent any remaining bed bugs from escaping. Make sure to choose one that is specifically designed for bed bugs and has a zipper closure.How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in a Mattress
In a recent investigation by ABC News, multiple mattresses at a major retailer were found to be infested with bed bugs. The retailer issued a statement apologizing for the incident and stated that they have taken measures to prevent future occurrences.ABC News: Bed Bugs Found in Mattresses at Major Retailer
To avoid the nightmare of buying a mattress with bed bugs, here are some additional tips to keep in mind: 1. Avoid Buying Used or Second-Hand Mattresses While it may be tempting to save money by buying a used mattress, it's best to avoid this and buy a new one instead. Used mattresses may already be infested with bed bugs and can be difficult to get rid of. 2. Educate Yourself Take the time to educate yourself on how to identify bed bugs and the signs of an infestation. This will help you make an informed decision when purchasing a mattress. 3. Don't Be Afraid to Speak Up If you suspect a mattress may be infested with bed bugs, don't be afraid to speak up and ask for a refund or exchange. It's important to hold retailers accountable and prevent the spread of bed bugs.How to Protect Yourself from Buying a Mattress with Bed Bugs
In a final case reported by ABC News, a couple sued a mattress store after discovering their new mattress was infested with bed bugs. The couple suffered from bites and had to deal with the costly and stressful process of getting rid of the bed bugs. The lawsuit resulted in a settlement and serves as a reminder for retailers to properly inspect and maintain their products.ABC News: Couple Sues Mattress Store for Selling Them a Bed Bug-Infested Mattress
If you have successfully eliminated bed bugs from your mattress, it's important to take preventative measures to avoid a future infestation: 1. Regularly Inspect Your Mattress Make it a habit to regularly inspect your mattress for any signs of bed bugs. This can help catch an infestation early before it becomes a bigger problem. 2. Use Bed Bug Traps Bed bug traps can help monitor and catch any bed bugs that may be present in your mattress. 3. Keep Your Bedroom Clutter-Free Bed bugs thrive in cluttered environments, so make sure to regularly declutter and keep your bedroom tidy.How to Treat a Mattress for Bed Bugs