Indeed, can you get bed bugs from a pillow? The simple answer is yes. Bed bugs can easily hitch a ride on pillows and bedding, spreading to various areas of your home.
Although it may seem unlikely at first, these pesky creatures are experts at hiding in soft furnishings.
Understanding how they get there, what signs to look for, and how to get rid of them is critical.
This article will guide you through these details and offer tips on how to protect yourself from bed bug infestations in Australia.
Let’s get straight to the point
Yes, bed bugs can live in pillows, although they’re more commonly found in mattresses and other soft furnishings.
They enter homes through luggage, second-hand furniture, or clothes and hide in pillow seams.
Signs of bed bugs include bloodstains, faecal spots, eggs, shells, a musty smell, and bites. To eliminate them, wash pillows in hot water, use encasements, or apply chemical treatments.
For severe infestations, professional pest control may be necessary. Prevent infestations by inspecting regularly, storing pillows properly, and being cautious while travelling.
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How Do Bed Bugs Get Into Pillows?
How DoEnd Up in Pillows?
You might wonder how bed bugs could possibly get into pillows. Bed bugs can infiltrate almost any fabric surface, and pillows are no exception. These pests are often introduced to homes through luggage, second-hand furniture, or even clothes.
Once inside, they make their way to beds, sofas, and pillows, particularly because these areas provide them with easy access to human blood, which is their primary food source.
Bed bugs are masters of concealment and can hide in the seams of pillows, pillowcases, and mattresses, only coming out at night to feed on your blood while you sleep.
Why Pillows Are Vulnerable to Bed Bugs
Pillows, especially those made from soft materials like feathers and memory foam, provide an ideal habitat for bed bugs.
Their small size and nocturnal habits make it easy for them to go unnoticed, especially since they are adept at hiding during the day.
Furthermore, pillows are a high-traffic area where bed bugs can quickly settle in, particularly if the infestation has already spread to your mattress or nearby furniture.
Signs of Bed Bugs in Pillows
Physical Signs of Bed Bugs
So, how do you know if bed bugs are in your pillow? There are several signs you should look for:
- Bloodstains: Bed bugs feed at night, and if one is crushed during your sleep, you might notice small blood spots on your pillowcase or sheets.
- Faecal spots: Bed bugs leave dark, rust-coloured faecal stains on fabric surfaces like pillows.
- Eggs and shells: Bed bug eggs are tiny, white, and oval. If you find these or shed skins in your bedding or pillow seams, you may have a bed bug infestation.
- A musty odour: Bed bugs release a sweet, musty smell when present in large numbers, which can sometimes be detected around your pillows and bedding.
Bed Bug Bites
Another telltale sign is waking up with multiple bites on your skin, especially around exposed areas like your neck, arms, or face. These bites are often in clusters or lines and can cause itching, swelling, and irritation.
Can You Get Bed Bugs From A Pillow?
Can Bed Bugs Live in All Types of Pillows?
Bed bugs can infest any type of pillow, whether it’s a standard pillow, memory foam, or feather pillow.
They prefer the outer cover of the pillow, where they can easily hide and move, rather than the internal filling.
While memory foam pillows may not offer as many hiding spots, they can still become infested if the bugs find their way into the seams or fabric.
Can You Get Bed Bugs From Hotel Pillows?
If you’re staying in a hotel, there’s a chance you could encounter bed bugs in the pillows or bedding.
Hotels are common hotspots for bed bug infestations, and these pests can be transferred through your luggage or clothes if you’re not careful. Always inspect hotel pillows and bedding for signs of bed bugs before settling in.
How To Eliminate Bed Bugs From Your Pillows
Step 1: Laundering
If you suspect bed bugs in your pillow, the first step is to wash and dry your pillows on high heat.
Bed bugs cannot survive extreme heat, so this can be an effective first line of defence. Make sure to wash pillowcases, sheets, and other bedding at the same time to prevent the bugs from spreading.
- Wash pillows and pillowcases in hot water (at least 60°C).
- Dry the pillows on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Encasement
To prevent re-infestation, consider using a bed bug encasement for your pillows. These specially designed cases trap bed bugs inside and prevent new ones from entering.
Pillow and mattress encasements are widely available and can be an excellent preventative measure for bed bug infestations.
Step 3: Chemical Treatment
While washing and encasement can help reduce the infestation, chemical treatments may be necessary if the problem persists. Professional-grade sprays, such as Flex 10-10 or Gentrol IGR, can be used to treat pillows, mattresses, and surrounding areas.
- Apply a chemical insecticide like Flex 10-10 to kill bed bugs on contact.
- Use a combination of Gentrol IGR (Insect Growth Regulator) to disrupt the life cycle of bed bugs and prevent them from reproducing.
For a comprehensive solution, it’s a good idea to contact a pest control professional to assess the extent of the infestation and apply more potent treatments if necessary.
Preventing Bed Bug Infestations in Pillows
Regular Inspections
Preventing bed bugs from entering your home is crucial. Regularly inspect your pillows, mattress, and surrounding furniture for any signs of bed bugs, especially after travelling or bringing second-hand items into your home.
Proper Storage
When not in use, store your pillows and bedding in airtight bags to reduce the chances of bed bugs making their way inside.
When travelling, avoid placing luggage directly on hotel beds or floors, as this can transfer bed bugs from the room to your belongings.
Professional Pest Control
In Australia, bed bug infestations are relatively common due to the warm climate. If you suspect a bed bug problem, it’s always best to consult with a local pest control expert.
They can provide an inspection and offer tailored solutions to address the issue effectively.
Conclusion
The answer is a resounding yes. Bed bugs can live in pillows, and while they are more likely to be found in mattresses or other soft furnishings, pillows are still a common hiding spot. If you suspect that bed bugs are present in your home, don’t panic.
By inspecting your bedding, using heat treatments, applying chemical solutions, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can get rid of bed bugs in pillows and prevent them from spreading further.
If you’re in Australia and dealing with a bed bug issue, consider contacting a professional pest control service for an inspection and effective eradication plan.
Keep your home safe, and act quickly at the first signs of an infestation to minimise the impact on your home and health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Old Pillows Spread Bed Bugs?
In reality, bed bugs can live almost anywhere with a human or animal host. It includes pillows. They hide most of their lives and only come out at night to find blood to eat.
How Long Can Bed Bugs Stay Alive In Pillows?
If you see white oval eggs on your pillow, on the undercarriage of the pillow covers, or anywhere on the mattress, this is a bad sign.
Bed bugs mate and a female bed bug can lay about 200 to 250 eggs over her lifetime. A bed bug that has grown up can live between 2 and 6 months.
Could There Be Bedbugs In Pillows?
Bed bugs hide in your pillow because it’s an excellent place to lay their eggs. Keep an eye out for white eggs that are very small and oval-shaped. Check the cushion, the inside of the pillowcase, and the mattress and sheets.
Can Bed Bugs Be Washed Out Of Pillows?
Start by putting your pillows in a bag that you can’t open. Please put them in the washer and wash them on high heat with regular shampoo.
Then dry your cushions in the dryer if you can. The heat, water, and detergent should kill all bed bugs and their eggs.
How Do I Know If Bed Bugs Are On My Pillow?
You can find bed bugs in places with small, dark spots of their waste. Infested pillows, mattresses, or sheets may also have a sweet, musty smell. If you wash, bed bugs may be momentarily gone from your mattress and pillowcase.
