Introduction
Body lice are tiny insects that live in mattresses and bite exposed skin, causing itchy rashes. Getting rid of bed lice on the mattress is vital for proper sleep and overall well-being. Discover the different ways to eradicate the unwanted bloodsuckers from the mattress for good in this guide.
What Are Body Lice?
These wingless flatworms are commonly found in mattresses, furniture and clothing. Body lice are about the same size as a sesame seed; this allows them to go undetected in mattresses until the itching starts quickly. Body lice are nocturnal insects and stay hidden in the corners until nightfall.
How Body Lice Spread and Infest Mattresses
Lice rapidly spreads through contact with infested bedding. Shared mattresses, bed sheets, furniture and even close personal contact can pass on an infestation.
Once bed lice latch onto an accommodating surface, eliminating it is very challenging. A single fertilized female can lay up to 10 eggs daily. These hatch in 10 days and molt into adults in 28 days - beginning the cycle anew. Swift treatment at the onset of an infestation is key.
The Possible Health Risks of Having Body Lice On the Mattress
While body lice do not pose major health threats, their bites cause extremely uncomfortable skin irritation and itchy rashes. The saliva creates this reaction. Severe infestations increase discomfort through repeated biting, disrupted sleep, and inflammation risk from scratching. There is also a danger of spreading lice to anyone else using the infested mattress.
Identifying Body Lice on the Mattress
Due to the incredibly small size of body lice on a mattress, these insects are easy to miss. Instead, look for key signs of an infestation:
- Itchy red rashes or skin irritation on parts of the body contacting mattresses
- Tiny blood stains on sheets from lice bites
- A sweet, musty odor emanating from mattress crevices
How to Spot Body Lice on the Mattress Effectively
Visually spotting lice is challenging due to their incredibly small size. However, to confirm the presence of body lice on your mattress you can:
- Search for Lice Eggs:
A quick way to spot body lice on the mattress is to look out for its tiny, white eggs called nits. Nits usually stick to the fibers of bed covers and clothes. Nits look like tiny white dots or rice grains spread over the mattress.
- Search for the Lice:
To spot bed lice on a mattress, use a light source like a torchlight and carefully look through dark bed corners. Watch for any signs of slight movements. For better results, use a magnifying glass.
Getting Rid of Body Lice on the Mattress
To successfully eliminate body lice infestation on your mattress, these steps should be followed in sequence.
- Wash Bedding and Clothing: Launder all bedding, linens, and clothing in hot water. Use a high-temperature setting to kill lice and their eggs.
- Vacuum Thoroughly:
Vacuum the entire mattress, focusing on seams, crevices, and tufts. Dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag.
- Use Mattress Encasement:
Consider using a mattress encasement to trap any remaining lice and prevent them from spreading.
- Apply Insecticide:
Use a residual insecticide specifically designed for lice. Follow the product instructions carefully, applying it to the mattress according to the recommended guidelines.
- Repeat Treatment if Necessary:
Depending on the severity of the infestation, you may need to repeat the process to ensure complete elimination.
- Consult Professionals if Needed:
If the issue persists or worsens, consider seeking help from a pest control professional with expertise in lice removal.
Natural Remedies for Getting Rid of Body Lice on The Mattress
In the absence of one or more equipment needed for a proper mattress cleaning, Some natural remedies can also be used to get rid of body lice. They include：
Herbal Sachets
Place sachets filled with herbs like mint, rosemary, or thyme near the mattress. These scents may deter lice.
Diatomaceous Earth
Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth on the mattress. It dehydrates and kills insects but is harmless to humans.
Tea Tree Oil Spray
Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water, coconut, or olive oil in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the mattress, focusing on areas where lice might be present.
Lavender Spray
Mix a few drops of lavender oil with water, baking soda, and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spritz the mixture on the mattress, highlighting potential lice hiding spots. Alternatively, spray lavender powder over the mattress surface in the corners of the mattress.
Eucalyptus Oil Spray
Create a spray by mixing a few drops of eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the mattress and add it to the laundry.
Recommendation for Professional Services
At the first sign of bites or other symptoms, contact accredited pest control companies to inspect, confirm, and treat lice infestations. Search online for local services experienced specifically with lice and bed bug elimination from mattresses and bedding.
Vet companies thoroughly and read reviews before selecting one. Ask neighbors for recommendations as well. Reputable professionals use specialized techniques and products to kill lice and eggs on contact in all stages of development. They can also implement preventative measures against future infestations.
Preventing Body Lice Reinfestation
Eliminating bed lice by following the steps above doesn’t mean your bed is free from lice forever. Lice reinfestation is very common and should be avoided. To prevent body lice reinfestation, follow the recommendations below:
Maintain Good Personal Hygiene
Maintain good personal hygiene by regularly bathing and changing clothes. Lice thrive in unclean environments, so cleanliness is crucial. Also, use hot water to wash bedding at intervals.
Clean Living Spaces Regularly
Regularly vacuum and clean living spaces, paying attention to areas where lice may hide. This includes carpets, upholstery, and cracks in flooring.
Check for Reinfestation Signs
Regularly check for signs of reinfestation, such as itching and discomfort. Early detection allows for timely intervention.
Get a New Mattress
Old and worn-out mattresses tend to retain nits and even a few body lice after treatment. This is a very common cause of reinfestation which is most often overlooked. To get a new mattress you can purchase a quality, affordable and durable mattress from MLILY.
Use Lice Prevention Sprays
There are various preventive sprays available that may help deter lice infestations.
When using any preventive sprays, follow the product instructions carefully and perform a patch test to ensure no allergic reactions. Be cautious with children and ensure the product is suitable for their age.
FAQs
How Long Do Body Lice Live on Mattresses?
Body lice can live out their entire lifespan of 35 days on the mattress if there's constant access to the needed blood supply. The longest body lice can go without blood is about 1-2 days before they begin to die off.
What Kills Body Lice on Beddings?
Washing the infested bedding in hot water effectively kills off the bed lice that may be stuck to its surface. In addition, sun drying or placing the fabrics in a hot dryer helps to kill off any body lice that may have survived the hot water wash.
What is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Body Lice?
After thoroughly treating beddings and other items infested by body lice on the mattress, avoid using these items for 1 - 2 weeks to prevent reinfestation.
Conclusion
Getting rid of body lice on mattresses is crucial for personal hygiene, avoiding health complications, and ensuring quality sleep. It contributes to a clean, comfortable living environment and reduces the risk of discomfort, diseases, and sleep disturbances associated with lice infestations.
Consistent use of natural remedies, regular cleaning, and preventive measures, such as essential oils and herbal sachets, are key to maintaining a lice-free mattress and ensuring a clean and comfortable sleeping environment.