For most people, bed bugs are probably the worst household pests. And they are correct in every sense. Pest can feed on anything they want, but human blood?
No. That’s about the worst food choice as far as humankind is concerned. The most irritating part is that they don’t suck your blood during the day; only at night when you are sleeping.
If you’ve had experience with these tiny critters, you wouldn’t want them anywhere in your home. Not your mattress, not pillows, not the bed, not the couch, not anywhere.
Bed Bugs In Pillows
Bed bugs in pillows can be a distressing issue as these reddish-brown insects seek proximity to their human hosts for blood meals.
Pillows serve as an attractive hiding spot due to their closeness and provide an ideal environment for breeding and egg storage.
The presence of bed bug signs on pillows, such as dark spots, bloodstains, and unpleasant odors, indicates an infestation.
While bed bug infestations are commonly associated with mattresses, these pests can also lay eggs in pillows, sheets, dressers, and other areas within the bedroom.
Regardless of the pillow’s firmness, it offers the necessary conditions for bed bugs to thrive. Consequently, addressing bed bug problems should involve thorough inspection, treatment, and prevention strategies that specifically target the signs of infestation on pillows.
Where do bed bugs memory foam pillows live?
One prevailing misconception people have about bed bugs and mattresses is that people believe that, they stay inside the mattress. No, they don’t. They can stay underneath the mattress, underneath buttons, folds, or in the tufts. But not on the floor mattress.
They prefer staying in crevices, cracks and usually like to stay hidden in the dark. There are some natural signs to recognize them such as:
Dark stains (yes, that’s their poop)
Stains and red spots from smashed bugs that have fed
Dead adult bugs
Shed skins
Their eggs (the same color and size of a rice grain)
Can bed bugs live in memory foam pillows?
A lot of people believe that having a memory foam pillow will afford them the chance to avoid having these tiny critters as bed mites. If you’re one of those people, sorry to burst your bubble.
It’s not entirely true that bed bugs will never live on memory foam. You can still find those on your mattress, but surely not inside it.
Yes, many manufacturers always emphasize that their products can keep things like dust mites and bed bugs out. In reality, memory foam may not be the final answer as advertised. They may still find their way around the mattress when you build the right environment for them.
Remember that these insects do not live within the foam. They stay at the edges and other hidden places on the surface of the mattress. They usually crawl and remain at the edge areas or beneath your memory foam pillow. They will stay in that area and crawl out only when you are sleeping.
Should you rely on the type of your mattress?
The smart way to keep your home free from bedbug infestation is by being careful and watchful. Having a memory foam pillow will not be enough. That’s because they can still stay on the mattress.
How do you avoid these insects then?
Well, you’ve to be careful with what you bring into your home. They don’t just appear from nowhere in your home. They come from outside.
In most cases, they accompany you and hitch a ride with you on your luggage. So, whenever you are passing the night away from your home, check the bed properly before lying down.
Check the mattress and the sheets. Pay more attention to the seams and all the edges on the floor mattresses. You also need to check beneath as well.
We suggest, you inspect thoroughly and watch out for fecal deposits, blood, or their shed exoskeletons. These are all signs that bed bugs are around.
Does buying a high-quality memory foam pillow help?
We have mentioned that bed bugs can live on mattresses irrespective of the type. But there are some high-quality memory foam pillows – that can be helpful. A lot of bed mattresses come with a design that bed bugs can easily pitch a tent and settle in.
But memory foam pillows are designed differently. Most of them have entirely flat surfaces, making it less stressful for you to spot the pest quickly.
Besides, memory foam has a well-crafted construction which significantly reduces the number of hidden areas bed bugs can harbor.
So, yes, they can be very beneficial to help you reduce the chance of bedbugs infesting your mattress.
How do you get rid of bed bugs from a memory foam pillow
In case you’ve seen some of these creatures on your memory foam, how can you get rid of them? The following tips can help you.
It can be a little difficult to wipe off bed bugs from your mattress completely. Some of them can hide where you may not see them. Plus there is a possibility they have already laid their eggs somewhere you cannot see.
If you have a memory foam pillow, there are steps you can take to ensure you get rid of these and keep your mattress in perfect condition.
Vacuum your mattress and pillow properly
You can vacuum the live bugs and their eggs to ride them off your mattress completely. Even if, you may not be successful to wipe all of them, vacuuming can do a lot for you. Concentrate on the sleeping mattress and move into the headboard, baseboards, and carpet.
But after vacuuming, it’s obvious you need to do away with the vacuum cleaner entirely. Do not bother about cleaning the vacuum. You can never be careful enough.
That’s because if any bug from the vacuum cleaner mistakenly finds its way into your home, all your efforts will be a waste. You will end of wasting your time, efforts, and money. So, throw the vacuum away after use.
Steam with a steam cleaner
Using a powerful steam cleaner to get rid of bed bugs can be very useful too. However, this approach will not remove the bugs and their eggs physically. It kills most of them, which renders them inactive.
If you make use of the steam cleaner properly, you can completely get your mattress and other bed bug-infested places free from them.
Diatomaceous Earth
DE is a new scientific approach that works well on insects. Pest control experts mostly use it, but anyone can still manage it. DE is usually a dusty material made from the plant. It is generally sprayed on the mattress and around the carpet.
This chemical approach works very well. It effectively kills any bug it touches. When the dust reaches their legs, they lick them off instinctively.
And once a bug licks those dust, it moves straight to their body system and dehydrates them. It kills them within minutes. This chemical method is very much useful for killing bugs, but it will only be so when that bug touches the dust for real.
Using boric acid
Boric acid is not only useful for bugs but other types of insects as well. The remedy is not new, although it exists for many years. Boric acid works just like DE, but you should be more careful when using this method. It’s not just poisonous to bugs. It’s also toxic to humans.
However, only a very high level of exposure to humans will have not as much negative impact on their health. Nonetheless, the best place to apply this chemical is in a room you don’t intend to use for some time.
A perfect instance is when you are traveling. You can apply the chemical before locking the door. Before you come back, it will already have dissipated after doing its work.
Getting rid of everything
This one is an extreme measure in case you’ve tried everything, and nothing has worked. If you still feel uncomfortable with these pests after trying the above remedies, the final option is to get rid of the infested material.
That will include clothing in the affected room, mattress, and carpet. It may be an expensive option because you need to repurchase those things. But if you are extremely uncomfortable because of these bugs, you wouldn’t mind at all.
Bedbugs are one of the household pests that can make life very uncomfortable for you at home. Though you can see them with your naked eyes, they conceal themselves very well. If you can get a good memory foam pillow, it can help with prevention.
The memory foam pillow will not provide so many hidden places where they can hide. But the best way to keep these creatures out of your home is to be extremely careful.
Inspect wherever you are sleeping when you are passing the night outside your home. If you get the right mattress and take the necessary caution, you will sleep soundly without the discomfort of these tiny critters.
FAQs
Can you put pillows in the dryer to kill bed bugs?
Yes, you can put pillows in the dryer to help eliminate bed bugs. To kill bed bugs on pillows, select the maximum heat setting on your dryer, usually above 120°F (49°C), and operate it for a minimum of 30 minutes. While this heat can be lethal to bed bugs and their eggs, it may not guarantee complete eradication of a widespread infestation.
Remember to remove any pillowcases or covers before drying and monitor the pillows for potential damage. It’s crucial to address the entire infestation, including other areas where bed bugs may hide, and consider consulting a pest control professional for a comprehensive solution.
Why are there bed bugs in my pillow?
Pillows become an ideal spot for bed bugs to hide and feed due to the warmth and carbon dioxide emitted by humans during sleep. These pests are attracted to these factors, making pillows a convenient hiding place in close proximity to their food source, which are you.
Do all pillows have bed bugs?
No, not all pillows have bed bugs. Bed bugs are not naturally present in all pillows. However, if your sleeping area is infested or if you come into contact with bed bugs from other sources, they can infest your pillows.
Can bed bugs go through pillows?
Bed bugs cannot go through solid materials like pillows. However, they can crawl onto the surface of pillows and hide in the seams, folds, or any small crevices. They are skilled at finding hiding spots, so a thorough inspection is necessary.
Is it safe to sleep with bed bugs?
It is not recommended to sleep with bed bugs. Bed bugs can cause discomfort, including itchy bites and sleep disturbances. Additionally, their presence can lead to an infestation that may spread to other areas of your home. It is important to address bed bug problems promptly to ensure a comfortable and pest-free sleeping environment.
Should I throw away pillows after bed bugs?
In most cases, throwing away pillows after a bed bug infestation is not necessary. With proper treatment, pillows can be effectively treated and rid of bed bugs. Consult a professional pest control service for guidance on the best course of action to eliminate the infestation.
What instantly kills bed bugs?
Direct heat above 120°F (49°C), such as from steamers or high-temperature dryers, can instantly kill bed bugs. However, thorough treatment of the infested area and professional assistance are often required to ensure complete eradication.
How do I keep bed bugs off me?
To minimize the risk of bed bug infestations, take preventive measures such as regularly inspecting your sleeping area, including pillows and mattresses. Use protective covers on your mattress and pillows, keep your living space clutter-free, and avoid acquiring used furniture or mattresses without proper inspection.
What do pillow bugs look like?
There is no specific insect referred to as a “pillow bugs.” However, if you suspect an infestation in your pillow, it is likely caused by bed bugs. Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped insects that are approximately the size of an apple seed. They have a reddish-brown coloration and can be visible to the naked eye. Their flat bodies enable them to hide in tiny crevices and seams, making them difficult to spot without a thorough inspection.
What happens when bed bugs bite you?
When bed bugs bite, they inject an anesthetic and anticoagulant into the skin to prevent detection and enable them to feed. The bites typically result in itchy, red welts that may appear in a cluster or a line. Reactions to bed bug bites can vary from person to person, and some individuals may not have any visible reactions at all.
How long can bed bugs live in pillows?
Bed bugs can survive in pillows for several months without a blood meal, although they prefer to feed every 5 to 10 days. If a pillow offers hiding places, warmth, and access to hosts, bed bugs can persist in it for an extended period. However, their survival and population may diminish if they are unable to feed on a host for an extended period.
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