5 items under $30 to get rid of bed bugs and prevent summer mattress infestations

1. Tea Tree Oil: from $6.99 at Amazon
Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol, a compound which research suggests can act as a bed bug killer. The strong scent of tea tree oil is also thought to repel bed bugs or, at least, partially mask the appealing scent of you that becomes embedded in an unwashed mattress. Try spritzing diluted tea tree oil on your freshly made mattress or applying it directly to any bed bugs you spot.

2. Diatomaceous Earth: from $9.99 at Amazon
Commonly used for killing bed bugs, diatomaceous earth is made of tiny, abrasive silica shells that attach to pests, puncture their exoskeletons and absorb any moisture. You can sprinkle diatomaceous earth directly onto your mattress or use it to form a powder wall around the bed. Make sure to get food grade diatomaceous earth, if using indoors.

3. CrossFire Indoor Bed Bug Killer: from $29.70 at Amazon
A potent combination of Clothianidin, Metofluthrin and Piperonyl, Reddit users describe CrossFire Bed Bug Killer as the "only thing that worked for us" in getting rid of pests. Spray it liberally anywhere you suspect bed bugs may be lurking, including under your mattress, behind furniture and even the baseboards. It's available in both aerosol and concentrate forms, for your convenience.

4. Mattress Encasement: from $17.59 at Amazon
We recommend purchasing a mattress protector as soon as you invest in a new mattress, but an encasement adds an extra layer of protection. Covering the entirety of the mattress, a zippered encasement creates another barrier between the bed bug and your bed. Plus, you can throw it in a hot wash if you catch a hint of a pest.

5. Bed Bug Traps: from $5.99 at Amazon
Detecting bed bugs is a difficult task but as prevention is the easiest method for extermination, it's worth staying vigilant. Glue traps can be placed around the home to capture bed bugs as soon as they appear, so you can tackle the problem before it becomes an infestation.

1. Birch Natural Mattress: twin was $1,373.33 now $1,002.54 at Birch
Latex foams, used in many of the best organic mattresses, are naturally hypoallergenic (as well as breathable, durable and supportive.) One of our favorites is the Birch Natural Mattress and you can save 27% on this latex hybrid bed this Memorial Day with code TOMS27, reducing a queen to $1,361.70 (was $1,865.33.) And it comes with a free pair of eco-pillows as well (yes, pillows can get bed bugs too.)

2. Saatva Classic Mattress: twin was $1,399 now $999 at Saatva
Saatva's luxury Classic mattress features a naturally hypoallergenic cotton cover, while a Guardian botanical antimicrobial treatment helps keep away other nasties. In our Saatva Classic Mattress review we awarded the handcrafted hybrid full marks before crowning it the best mattress we've tested. Follow our links for $400 off in the Saatva Memorial Day sale, reducing a queen from $2,099 to $1,699.

3. Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress: twin $349 at Nectar
Nectar describes the hypoallergenic features of the Classic all-foam mattress as "impeccable" — and it's one of our favorite memory foam mattresses. You can learn all about it in our Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress review or head straight across to the Nectar mattress sale where a queen will set you back just $649.