Chiggers, also known as red bugs, are tiny mites that belong to the exact same family of arthropods as scorpions and spiders, although they only have six legs. Chiggers like to feed on people, and their bites can cause severe itching that can opt for a week or maybe longer. While they are not known to carry disease, a bite that’s scratched can result in an infection, sometimes accompanied by a fever. It isn’t impossible to remove chiggers out of a feather bed, but it will take a little bit of work.

Strip all bedding and pillows from the bed. Replace the pillows, if possible.

Wash your sheets and blankets in the hottest water that the fabric can endure. Bleach any bedding that can handle bleach. Dry it about the latest temperature.

Rent a steam cleaner that includes a hose and brush attachment. Fill the reservoir and allow it to heat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Move the steam-cleaner attachment above the feather bed gradually, working in the head of the bed toward the foot. Do not let the steam hose sit in one place for too long since you do not want to soak the feathers.

Go above the bed together with the steam cleaner again, this time from side to side. Start at the head and work your way to the foot.

Turn the bed over and clean it from top to bottom, then from side to side.

Steam-clean the vertical sides, head and foot of the bed. Remove the bed and set it apart.

Steam-clean the box spring. Wash a padded or fabric headboard with the steam cleaner.

Let the mattress and box spring up dry for a minimum of 30 minutes. Allow for a longer drying period if you live in a damp climate.

Vacuum every surface that you steam-cleaned to remove any traces of the chiggers.

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