What Kind of Bugs Live in a Mattress?

A mattress is one of the most common places for an insect infestation. Many people who have stayed in seedy hotels or college dorm rooms know the feeling of something crawling up their leg at night. Although bed bugs are the most common, there are a couple of others you should look out for before climbing under the covers.

  1. Bed Bugs

    • Bed bugs are found all over the world because of humans traveling. Bed bugs live in mattresses and come out to feed off of human and animal blood. Bed bugs can grow to 3/8 of an inch to 1/4 of an inch long. They are usually brown or yellowish. Pesticides are the main treatment for bed bugs, but they can live anywhere from 6 months to a year without food.

    Fleas

    • Fleas are another bug that can burrow into a mattress. Although many people think that pets are the primary means of travel, fleas also jump on humans. Having one flea in the home is enough for concern. Fleas can burrow inside the mattress and lay eggs. With just one flea, you could be looking at 10,000 or more after the eggs have hatched and the reproductive cycle has occurred. Methods of getting rid of fleas include the use of pesticides, dry vapor steam cleaning, vacuuming floors and furniture, washing all bedding, and treating all house members, including pets. Other methods include the use of food-grade diatomaceous earth and borax powders -- anything to dry them out since they can't live in dry environments. Dehumidifiers also work in areas of high humidity.

    Dust Mites

    • Dust mites are some of the worst bugs to have infested in your mattress. Dust mites live in mattresses, pillows and sheets. They feed off of the dead skin cells we give off every day. They also feed on hair that is dispersed in the bedroom. Dust mites can cause asthma and allergies. Dust mite season varies in different areas; there can be more of them over the summer months in warm, humid climates, but they also can cause problems in the winter and fall months when people are indoors more. The best way to handle dust mites is to use a mattress cover and wash your sheets and pillows in hot water. Dry vapor steamers also are effective.

    Ants

    • The ant is another bug that can burrow inside of your mattress. Ants find a way into the home during the summer months when the house is expanding. This allows them to crawl through cracks in the floor and walls. Ants come inside the home in search of food. One of the best ways to get rid of ants is to use citrus flavors around your mattress and in the corners of your bedroom. Ants hate citrus and bay leaves, so the smell keeps them away.