Bed bug eggs are tiny, pearl-white, and oval-shaped, about the size of a pinhead. Spotting them without a microscope is challenging, but an older egg might have a tiny reddish-brown dot called an eye spot. Bed bugs shed their skin five times before maturity, leaving behind castings of different sizes.

To check for bed bug eggs or shed skins, look near the host, in mattress seams, couches, air conditioners, baseboards, and personal belongings like books and clothes. Shed skins have a distinct "obnoxious sweetness" smell and contain pheromone compounds that attract living bed bugs.

If you find bed bug eggs or shed skins, call a pest control technician immediately. Misidentifying bed bugs can lead to ineffective extermination methods. Bed bugs hide in carpet fibers, cracks, crevices, and mattress seams, so treat all affected areas to prevent a continued infestation.

Yes, but the extent of damage depends on the type of mattress and the degree of bending. Traditional innerspring mattresses are more prone to damage when bent, as it can fold, crease, or dent coils, border rods, or foam encasement. This can affect the sleeping surface and overall support, leading to an uncomfortable sleep experience.

Foam and latex mattresses, on the other hand, are generally more flexible and can withstand some bending. Mattresses made of polyurethane foam, memory foam, or latex rubber are highly mobile and can be moved without causing damage. Some foam and latex mattresses can even be vacuum packed, rolled up, and stored without damaging effects. However, even foam and latex mattresses can be damaged if bent excessively or improperly. Folding a mattress in half can leave a permanent, unrepairable mark.

If bending is unavoidable when moving a mattress, bending it so the crease is in the middle top to bottom might minimize potential damage. It's best to avoid bending a mattress whenever possible. Hiring professionals experienced in moving mattresses can help prevent damage. Bending a mattress can also potentially void its warranty, as manufacturers will honor workmanship and material defects but not damage from mishandling.

So, while foam and latex mattresses are generally more flexible than traditional innerspring mattresses, it's still best to avoid bending any mattress to prevent potential damage. If you must bend a mattress, do so carefully and with caution to minimize the risk of damaging the mattress and voiding its warranty.

Bending an innerspring or coil-filled mattress is not recommended. It can cause serious and irreparable damage to the mattress. When you bend the mattress, the coils and springs can become permanently bent, misshapen, or torn. This can lead to a loss of support and comfort, affecting the overall lifespan of the mattress.

Most warranties explicitly state that the mattress should be handled with care and not subjected to excessive force or bending. By bending the mattress, you may be voiding your warranty and rendering your mattress unusable in the future.

If you need to move the mattress, keep it flat whenever possible. This will help prevent any damage to the coils and springs. If you cannot keep the mattress flat, use a furniture dolly or a mattress bag to provide additional support and protection.

When navigating tight spaces or stairs, sliding or lifting the mattress with another person is safer than bending or folding it. This will help prevent any damage to the mattress and ensure that it remains in good condition for as long as possible.

Yes, but only if done carelessly or excessively. Memory foam mattresses are flexible and can handle gentle bending to a certain extent. However, prolonged folding or sharp bends can compromise the structure and comfort of the mattress. Therefore, it's crucial to fold a memory foam mattress gently and with assistance, preferably creating a gentle bend rather than a sharp fold.

When it comes to moving a memory foam mattress, it's best not to fold it at all, as this can cause irreparable damage. Instead, carry it horizontally or vertically without folding. Some manufacturers offer foldable memory foam mattresses designed to fold and unfold without damage, but these are the exception rather than the rule.

If your memory foam mattress is vacuum-packed and rolled up for storage, it can be safely stored for up to three months without damaging the foam. However, it's not recommended to keep a memory foam mattress folded for transport, as this can make it less resilient and supportive.

To maintain your memory foam mattress's quality, rotate it head-to-foot every three months to prevent depressions in areas of concentrated pressure. Also, keep it away from strong heat sources, as this can interfere with the foam's performance and damage its structure.

Lice shampoo may not be effective against bed bugs at any stage of their lifecycle. It is specifically designed to kill lice, not bed bugs. Using lice shampoo as a DIY solution for bed bug infestations is not a viable option. Instead, specialized treatments are required to eliminate bed bugs. This may include vacuuming, washing and drying bedding and clothing at high temperatures, and using bed bug sprays and powders. Some products, like RID, a permethrin lice killing spray, are marketed as being effective against bed bugs, but they are not safe for use on human bedding or furniture and may contain harmful chemicals. Consulting with a pest control professional is crucial to assess the severity of the infestation and recommend the most effective treatment options. Taking preventive measures like regularly vacuuming and washing bedding can also help control the spread of bed bugs. Encasing mattresses and box springs can prevent bed bugs from hiding and reproducing, making it more difficult for them to establish a colony in your home.