Bed Bugs Lurking In Your Pillows? Here's How To Get Rid Of Them

Let's set the scene. You're just about to drift off into dreamland when you feel a suspicious tickle on your neck. You brush it off and tell yourself it's nothing, but deep down, you know better. Could bed bugs be lurking in your pillows? The thought alone is enough to keep anyone up at night, and unfortunately, it's not just a nightmare. Bed bugs can make a cozy home in your pillows, and if left unchecked, they can turn your peaceful slumber into a nightly horror show.

When bed bugs infest your pillows, they bring with them a host of unwelcome problems. These tiny bloodsuckers can cause itchy red bites, allergic reactions, and even disrupted sleep. You might notice tiny rust-colored stains on your pillowcases, which are bed bug excrement, or even spot the little critters themselves crawling about. The moment you notice these signs, you'll want to act fast to evict the unwanted guests. The first order of business is to wash your bedsheets, pillowcases, and even your pillows themselves.

Start by tossing every piece of fabric plus pillows, pretty much everything that touches your bed, into the washing machine. Use the hottest water setting your fabrics can handle, followed by the highest dryer setting as heat helps kill bed bugs and their eggs. Once everything is thoroughly laundered, place it all in plastic bags and stash it far away from your bedroom. The goal of washing your linens, especially your pillows, is to kill off any possible bed bugs and their eggs, which they tend to deposit in dark, warm, safe spaces that offer easy access to humans. Essentially, your pillows are the perfect spot — warm from your body and dark from the pillowcase.

Next, spray your room with a spray targeted for bed bugs. This EcoRaider spray has promising reviews on Amazon and proclaims to be non-toxic. If chemicals aren't a concern, you can use something like Flex 10-10 or Raid (also available on Amazon). After that, you'll need a combo of some sort of Insect Growth Regulator, such as the high-rated Ortho Home Defense, mixed with the insecticide concentrate; spray the mix anywhere bed bugs might be hiding on your bed. This duo not only gets rid of adult bed bugs but also disrupts their life cycle, making it impossible for them to reach maturity and reproduce. 

The final phase involves the use of a contact insect spray and bug powder, such as D-Fense Dust. Spray the insect spray into all the nooks and crannies of your room, focusing on areas like baseboards, corners, and behind furniture to create a lethal barrier that bed bugs can't cross. For areas where you can't use liquid sprays, such as electrical outlets or tiny cracks, apply D-Fense Dust. This fine powder sticks to the bugs, slowly dehydrating them until they can't survive.

With the immediate threat taken care of, how can you make sure your pillow doesn't become a breeding ground for bed bugs in the future? First of all, you should be washing your bed pillows, and not just the covers, regularly. Just like with bedding, regularly washing your pillow in hot water can help kill any potential bed bugs hiding inside. Be sure to use the highest heat setting on both the washer and dryer to ensure they are eliminated, but check the care instructions on your pillows first. For example, using hot water for cleaning memory foam pillows isn't a good idea, so these should be thoroughly vacuumed as well as washed in cold water. 

Next, use protective covers. Using bed bug-proof pillow protectors can help prevent any infestations as these covers are specifically designed to keep bed bugs out while still allowing for a comfortable sleep experience. Also, avoid placing your pillow on the floor. Bed bugs are skilled hitchhikers and can easily make their way onto your pillow if it's left on the floor. Try to keep your pillow elevated and away from potential sources of bed bugs.

Finally, be cautious when purchasing used pillows. While it may seem like a bargain, buying a used pillow can also mean bringing home unwanted bed bugs. Inspect the pillow thoroughly before purchasing and make sure you wash it on a high heat setting before use.