Last night, we found something crawling in our bed — and my husband and I are freaking out. Just a few days ago, we noticed a tiny, strange-looking bug on our child’s clothes, but we brushed it off. Now, seeing one right where we sleep has us panicking. What could it be, and how do we make sure they’re gone for good?
Step 1: Identify the Bug
Before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to identify what you’re dealing with. The most common household pests found in bedding or on clothing include:
- Bed bugs: Small, reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple seed. They hide in mattress seams, bed frames, and even behind wallpaper. You might also notice small blood stains or black dots (their droppings) on your sheets.
- Carpet beetles: Tiny, round insects that can appear brown or black with varied patterns. Their larvae are fuzzy and feed on natural fibers — meaning they might be found on clothing, bedding, or carpets.
- Clothing moths: If you find tiny beige moths fluttering around your closet, they might lay eggs in fabrics, especially wool or cotton.
- Fleas: If you have pets, fleas might be the culprit. They’re small, jumpy, and bite humans as well as animals.
If possible, capture the insect in a small plastic bag or jar and compare it to online pest ID photos, or show it to a local pest control expert.
Step 2: Inspect Your Home
Once you know what you’re dealing with, do a full check of:
- Mattresses and box springs: Look along seams, tags, and under the bed.
- Baseboards and furniture crevices: Bed bugs and carpet beetles often hide here.
- Closets and laundry baskets: Clothing pests love dark, undisturbed spaces.
- Pet bedding: Fleas often start here.
Step 3: Clean and Contain
A deep clean can go a long way:
- Wash all bedding, clothes, and linens in hot water and dry them on the highest heat setting.
- Vacuum thoroughly, including around bed frames, under furniture, and along baseboards. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately.
- Seal items you can’t wash (like stuffed animals or delicate fabrics) in airtight bags for at least 2 weeks to starve out pests.
Step 4: When to Call a Professional
If you’re seeing multiple bugs, bites, or can’t pinpoint the source, it’s best to call a licensed pest control expert. Bed bugs and carpet beetles can be extremely persistent, and professional treatment may be necessary to completely eliminate them.
Step 5: Prevent Future Infestations
- Regularly inspect and vacuum mattresses.
- Use protective mattress covers.
- Keep clothing and bedding clean and avoid leaving piles of laundry around.
- Be cautious when bringing in secondhand furniture or clothing — inspect everything carefully first.
Final Thoughts
Finding bugs in your bed is unsettling, but you’re not alone — and it’s fixable. The key is early identification, thorough cleaning, and quick action. Whether it’s bed bugs, carpet beetles, or another household pest, tackling it promptly will help you rest easy again.
