Before you blame your sheets or the summer heat for those red, itchy bites on your skin, stop and look closer. You might have some blood-sucking guests living rent-free in your mattress. Yes, we are talking about bed bugs, and no, they are not just a problem in dirty motels.

The worst part is that they don’t just bite you once and leave. They breed and multiply quickly. So, if you are seeing any signs of bed bugs on your mattress, it’s time to act. Let’s find out how.

First, Are You Sure It’s Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are sneaky. They come out at night and feed on your blood. Here are the early signs of bed bugs in your mattress:

• Tiny rust-colored spots on sheets (their droppings or crushed bugs)

• Itchy red bites in a line or cluster, especially on arms or legs

• Shed skins or eggshells around the seams of your mattress

• A weird or musty odor

If you see even one of these, assume the worst and treat your mattress immediately.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in a Mattress Without Tossing It

So your mattress is infested. Sure, it’s gross, but don’t panic. You can still save it. Here’s your action plan on How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in a Mattress:

. Remove Everything From the Mattress

Take off all bedding, pillowcases, and mattress protectors. Toss them in the washing machine and run them on the hottest setting possible. Then dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Heat tends to kill bed bugs.

. Vacuum

Use a vacuum with a strong nozzle to suck out bugs and eggs from every seam, crack, and crevice of the mattress. Once you’re done, seal the vacuum bag and toss it outside immediately. You don’t want those bugs crawling back in.

. Steam It

If you have access to a steamer or a bed bug heater, use it. Bed bugs hate high heat. A good blast of heat at 120°F or above can kill bugs and eggs hiding deep in the mattress layers.

. Use a Bed Bug Spray

Go for a bed bug-specific spray that’s safe for mattresses. Read the label and follow the instructions. But do not go overboard because too much spray can damage your mattress and won’t make the bugs die any faster.

. Seal It with a Bed Bug Mattress Cover

Once everything’s clean and dry, zip your mattress inside a bed bug mattress cover. It is a special encasement that traps any remaining bugs inside so they can’t bite or escape. Leave it on for at least a year. Yes, a year, because these bugs can survive months without feeding.

Additional Tips to Keep Bed Bugs From Coming Back

Getting rid of bed bugs from a mattress is half the battle. Now you have to keep them out for good:

• Declutter your room occasionally. This will lead to fewer chances of re-infestation.

• Vacuum regularly, especially around the bed.

• Inspect all secondhand furniture before bringing it home.

• Travel smart by checking hotel mattresses and keeping your luggage off the floor.

Now, if you’re even slightly unsure whether you’ve gotten rid of them all or if the infestation keeps coming back, don’t waste time. Call a professional pest control service. They have industrial-grade tools, heat treatments, and know-how to end the nightmare for good.

Bottom Line

You don’t need to toss your mattress the second you see a bug. But you do need to act fast. Bed bugs are tough, but not unbeatable. So, if your mattress is infested with bed bugs, now you know how to fix it without replacing it. Because trust us, letting them stay will cost you way more than a new bedsheet set.