Bugs and freezing weather

[JillyG]

I have a almost new mattress in a cabin that I would like to bring inside for my spare room. It has been in the cabin for about 3 years. Nothing has been eating it but I have no way of knowing if something like a mouse had left fleas, eggs or something like that.
The temp has been below freezing for days.
Think I can safely bring it inside or will anything living in it come to life?

[DaleK]

Stick it in a bag and throw a bug bomb in it when you bring it in, give it a few days to be sure. It's probably ok anyway though

[JillyG]

Yes I was hoping to avoid the chemicals.

[Paumon]

You want to avoid chemicals? Stick it in a plastic bag or wrapped in plastic anyway, seal it tight. Let it sit at warm room temperature for a few days then check to see if there's any sign of insect activity. If you're really concerned you could just leave it permanently inside a sealed plastic bag. Make sure it's not damp if you decide to leave it inside plastic for any length of time, otherwise it could go mouldy.

[Danaus29]

Why not simply run the vacuum cleaner upholstery attachment over it?

[JillyG]

Originally Posted by Paumon

You want to avoid chemicals? Stick it in a plastic bag or wrapped in plastic anyway, seal it tight. Let it sit at warm room temperature for a few days then check to see if there's any sign of insect activity. If you're really concerned you could just leave it permanently inside a sealed plastic bag. Make sure it's not damp if you decide to leave it inside plastic for any length of time, otherwise it could go mouldy.

Good idea! Thanks

[Use Less]

Has this mattress just been sitting there? What is the condition of the cabin? Is it used regularly, heated or cooled? It could have grown molds if closed in during warm & humid periods. And I'd be concerned that a mouse left droppings or nest material in the mattress. That mousy odor nevers goes away, imo. There's an ancient fold-out couch in my basement that's leaving as soon as there's space to get it out. The room has a mousy smell to me. Hoping taking that out will be a good start to improving.

[JoePa]

When in doubt - throw it out - Professor Schultz