Pillows can harbor a surprising number of insects and other creepy crawlies. This may be disturbing to some, but it’s important to understand what bugs commonly inhabit pillows so you can keep them clean and bug-free.
Why do bugs live in pillows?
There are a few key reasons why pillows attract bugs:
- Pillows contain feathers, down, foam, or fibers that bugs can burrow into for shelter.
- We sweat and shed skin cells as we sleep, providing a food source.
- Pillows are warm and dark when in use, an appealing environment.
- Bugs are transferred from our hair and bodies as we sleep.
While no pillow is completely immune to bugs, some materials and covers are less hospitable than others. Natural materials like feathers provide more crevices for bugs to inhabit compared to synthetic fills like polyester foam. Tightly woven cotton or microfiber covers are also less welcoming to bugs than loose knits.
Common pillow bugs
Here are some of the most prevalent bugs that can live and breed inside pillows:
Dust mites
Dust mites are microscopic arachnids that feed on dead human skin cells. They are present in virtually every home and thrive in soft furnishings like pillows, mattresses, carpets, and furniture. Dust mites don’t bite humans, but their feces and decaying bodies can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in sensitive people. Frequent washing of bedding in hot water helps control dust mites.
Bed bugs
Bed bugs are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that feed solely on blood, usually at night. They get their name because they prefer living in beds, mattresses, and other soft surfaces like pillows and cushions. Bed bugs insert a needle-like proboscis into the skin to draw blood from humans and animals. Their bites often appear as small, red, itchy welts on the skin. Regular inspection, washing of bedding, and professional treatment may be required to eliminate a bed bug infestation.
Lice
There are three main types of lice that can inhabit pillows and bedding: head lice, body lice, and pubic lice. Lice feed on human blood and cause itchy skin irritation. They spread through close physical contact and sharing of personal items like combs, brushes, hats, pillows, and sheets. Lice can be killed by washing items in hot water or using lice treatment products. The most common lice found in pillows are head lice, which cling to hairs but come off at night onto pillows.
Fleas
Fleas are tiny wingless insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They can jump long distances and get brought indoors on pets or people’s clothing. Fleas lay eggs in soft materials including pillows, carpets, and pet bedding. Their bites cause red, itchy bumps on the skin. Fleas can be controlled through washing of bedding, vacuuming, and applying flea treatment medication to pets.
Webbing clothes moths
Webbing clothes moths produce silky white cocoons and caterpillars that eat natural fabrics like wool, cotton, silk, and feathers. They can bore into pillows containing these materials to nest and lay eggs. Regular washing and hot drying of pillows will kill any moths or larvae present.
Carpet beetles
Varied carpet beetles are known to inhabit pillows, especially feather and down-filled ones. The tiny black beetle larvae feed on the feathers and shed microscopic hairs that can cause skin and breathing irritation in people. Frequent vacuuming and washing of pillows helps eliminate an infestation.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches seek out dark, moist environments to hide and breed, making pillows an ideal habitat. They can transfer from infestations in kitchens and bathrooms into beds via pillowcases and bedding. Cockroaches themselves don’t pose health risks but can trigger asthma and allergies from skin sheddings, secretions, and feces left behind. Professional pest control treatment is typically required for severe roach infestations.
Spiders
Some species of spiders may take up residence inside pillows and bite humans while they sleep. Spider bites are relatively uncommon, but some like those of brown recluse spiders can potentially be dangerous. Signs of spiders may include small webs on pillows or spider droppings that look like tiny dark dots.
Preventing bug problems in pillows
You can take various proactive steps to avoid sharing your pillow with creepy crawlies:
- Choose pillows with allergen-resistant covers to limit dust mites.
- Select synthetic fills like polyester that offer fewer hiding spots than feathers or down.
- Encase pillows in tight-weave, zippered covers that prevent bugs from getting inside.
- Wash pillows regularly using hot water and dry on high heat to kill bugs.
- Inspect pillows for any signs of bugs – small dark dots, tiny worms, skin casts, etc.
- Freeze small pillows for at least 24 hours to kill bugs without washing.
- Vacuum bedding frequently to remove dust mites and fleas.
- Isolate infested pillows in sealed plastic bags until they can be treated or discarded.
What to do if pillows have bugs
If you discover that your pillows have become infested with insects or mites, you have several options to address the problem:
- Machine wash and dry on high heat – this works for most bugs and pillow types.
- Bag and freeze for 24+ hours if pillows cannot be washed.
- Discard pillows that cannot be washed or frozen and replace them.
- Use a lint roller on pillows to remove any live bed bugs or lice.
- Vacuum fabric pillows thoroughly to remove pests and debris.
- Apply heat treatment or insecticide sprays for severe infestations.
- Hire a professional exterminator if bugs persist after thorough cleaning.
Be sure to also treat the mattress, bed frame, carpets, and any upholstered furniture in the room to eliminate reproducing bug populations. Isolate treated pillows for 2+ weeks and monitor closely to ensure bugs do not return once eliminated.
Health risks posed by pillow bugs
While the thought of sharing pillows with minuscule critters can be disturbing, only a few truly pose health hazards:
| Bug | Health Risks |
|---|---|
| Dust mites | Allergies, asthma attacks, nasal/lung irritation |
| Bed bugs | Itchy red bites, skin rashes, anxiety, sleep loss |
| Lice | Itchy head, bites on body, skin irritation |
| Fleas | Itchy bites, tapeworms, flea-borne diseases in rare cases |
| Cockroaches | Asthma triggers, possible gastrointestinal disease from germs |
| Spiders | Mild to painful bites, skin infections |
Pillow bugs like moths, beetles, and spiders are primarily just a nuisance with low health risks. However, severe infestations should be addressed to prevent bites, allergies, and asthma issues caused by certain species.
Signs that pillows have an insect problem
Be on the lookout for these signs that indicate your pillows may have bug issues:
- Dark stains or dots on pillows from droppings or crushed bugs.
- Visible moving bugs, larvae, or eggs inside pillows.
- Bites that occur while sleeping and appear randomly on the body.
- Small itchy bumps or rashes that seem to have no cause.
- Tiny fibers from moth larvae eating natural fabrics.
- Odd odors emanating from pillows.
- Webbing, cocoons, or eggs on pillow seams or casings.
- Torn or ragged holes in pillow fabric from insects eating it.
Act quickly if any signs of infestation are spotted to prevent larger-scale pest issues. Washing, freezing, or replacing pillows is advised when bugs are detected.
Common misconceptions about pillow bugs
There are some common fallacies regarding bugs in pillows:
- Myth: Only dirty homes get infested.
Fact: Clean homes are equally at risk of acquiring pillow bugs. - Myth: Bugs cannot live in synthetic pillows.
Fact: Bed bugs and some other species can inhabit any pillow type. - Myth: Washing pillows prevents any future infestations.
Fact: Washing only kills current bugs – reinfestation can still occur. - Myth: Drying pillows on high heat is sufficient to kill bugs.
Fact: Washing before drying is recommended to dislodge bugs. - Myth: Sprays and powders will get rid of all pillow bugs.
Fact: Most cannot penetrate inside pillows to completely eliminate infestations.
Understanding the types of bugs that infest pillows and their prevention can help you keep these unwanted bedfellows from sharing your sleeping space.
Conclusion
A variety of insects can find their way into pillows and use them as nesting grounds and food sources. While unpleasant, most pillow-dwelling bugs do not transmit diseases or pose major health risks. Frequent washing, inspecting, and encasing pillows are the best ways to limit bugs. Address any infestations swiftly by freezing, washing, or replacing pillows. Being proactive helps ensure your pillows only harbor hypoallergenic fibers rather than any creepy crawlies.