Should You Replace Your Bed if Bed Bugs Are Found in the Headboard? Here's What to Do

by Cass
(Michigan )

Reader Question: What to Do About Bed Bugs Found in the Headboard?

We found bedbugs under buttons in our fabric bed board. What should we do? Do we need to get rid of the bed? They were only discovered under some of the buttons in the headboard.

Will 91% alcohol kill them?

Our Response

Hi Cass, thank you for your question! Finding bed bugs in a fabric headboard can be distressing, but you don’t necessarily need to discard the bed. Let’s explore what you can do to address the issue effectively.

Should You Get Rid of the Bed?

• No, Not Necessarily: You don’t need to throw out the bed immediately. Many infestations can be resolved through thorough cleaning and treatment without discarding furniture.
• When to Replace It: If the infestation is severe, with widespread signs of bed bugs across the bed and headboard, replacing the furniture may be more practical. However, this should be a last resort.

Will 91% Alcohol Kill Bed Bugs?

• Yes, On Contact: 91% isopropyl alcohol can kill bed bugs on contact by dehydrating them. However, it is not a long-term solution as it doesn’t address eggs effectively or provide residual protection.
• Safety Concerns: Alcohol is highly flammable, so exercise caution when using it, especially around electrical outlets, heat sources, or fabrics.

Steps to Treat the Headboard

1. Inspect Thoroughly: Remove the headboard from the bed frame and inspect all buttons, seams, and crevices for additional signs of bed bugs, such as live bugs, eggs, or black fecal spots.
2. Vacuum: Use a vacuum with a crevice tool to remove bed bugs
   and debris from all visible areas. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately in a sealed plastic bag.
3. Apply Heat: Use a handheld steamer to treat the buttons, seams, and other areas of the headboard. Steam effectively kills bed bugs and eggs without chemicals.
4. Use Bed Bug Spray: Apply an EPA-approved bed bug spray labeled for use on fabric furniture to treat the headboard such as Sterifab (aff).
5. Encasement: If possible, encase the headboard with a tightly fitted cover or remove it from use temporarily while monitoring for further activity.

Preventing Future Infestations

• Inspect Regularly: Continue inspecting the headboard and surrounding areas weekly for signs of bed bugs.
• Encasements for the Mattress and Box Spring: Use bed bug-proof encasements to protect your mattress and box spring from further infestations.
• Interceptors: Place bed bug interceptors under the legs of the bed to monitor and prevent bed bugs from climbing up.

When to Call a Professional

If you’re unable to eliminate the infestation after taking these steps or if you notice signs of bed bugs in other parts of the room, consider contacting a pest control professional. They can provide more thorough treatment options, such as heat or chemical treatments.
Finding bed bugs in the buttons of a fabric headboard doesn’t necessarily mean you need to discard the bed. By using a combination of alcohol, steam, and approved sprays, you can treat the problem effectively. If the issue persists, professional help may be required. Let us know if you have further questions or updates—we’re here to help!
Best regards,

Jeff,
Editor and Publisher
Bed Bugs Handbook

("aff" indicates that we receive a small commission for each purchase made - we do not let this influence which products are recommended)