Bed bugs are an all-too-common pest that can easily become a problem in mattresses. They may be brought into the home through contact with other infested items such as furniture, bedding, luggage, or clothing, or even through their own climbing abilities.

It's important to regularly inspect your mattress for signs of an infestation: Bed bug skins, cast skins, blood stains on sheets and mattresses, and white/cream eggs (about 1mm long). If you suspect a bed bug infestation, act quickly to stop it from spreading further; simple measures like vacuuming and washing linens and fabrics in hot water can help. In severe cases, you may need to call in professional pest control services or replace the mattress entirely - but even a brand new mattress can become re-infested if the source of the original problem isn't properly identified and addressed.

Minimizing your chances of getting an infestation includes regularly vacuuming carpets and floors; washing sheets/bedding in hot water; encasing mattresses and box springs in protective covers; using plastic mattress bags when storing; utilizing monitoring devices; employing insecticides as directed by professionals; getting rid of clutter around beds where pests could hide; reducing hiding places for pests (by removing any items stored beneath beds); sealing up cracks around windows or door casings; inspecting all second-hand furniture before bringing it into the home etc.

By following these tips regularly you can reduce your odds of becoming victim to a bed bug infestation significantly - but if you do notice signs of infection don't delay contacting a qualified professional who can help eradicate them effectively before they spread throughout your entire home.

Bed bugs can be a distressing problem in any home, and mattresses are a prime spot for them to set up camp. Signs of an infestation can include small dark stains on the surface or along seams and crevices, physical sightings of the insects, and evidence of eggs, casings, and shed skins. As they're attracted to warmth and hide in dark places, it's important to thoroughly inspect your mattress for any clues they've taken up residence there. Additionally, if you notice a musty smell - this could also be an indication of bed bugs.

As such, regular inspections coupled with vacuuming are key steps in preventing an infestation from becoming too severe. When doing so it is essential to check all sides of the mattress as well as around baseboards, headboards, bed frames, furniture legs, electrical outlets, wall hangings etc. - anywhere bedbugs may find refuge! If you do discover one has taken hold then all linens should be immediately removed from the mattress and properly washed at a high temperature - this will help prevent further spread. To gauge how serious the issue is - take into account the severity of the infestation; if it's particularly bad then replacing the mattress is likely needed for successful eradication.

In short: keep an eye out for signs of bed bug activity on your mattress-small dark stains on its surface or along seams being key indicators-as well as regular inspections/vacuuming to reduce chances of an infestation occurring. If one does appear then removing/washing all linens at a high temperature should help contain it while replacing the mattress may provide effective relief depending on severity.