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How to Get Rid of Bed Worms Permanently - Mattress Worm Guide

how to get rid of bed worms

You may have never heard of bed worms, but chances are you've seen them before. Bed worms are small, white parasitic insects that live in the cracks and crevices of beds, mattresses, and other furniture.

These pests are not dangerous to humans, but they can be very annoying. Although this may appear to be the stuff of nightmares (and many who have encountered bed worms will agree), these little vermin are one of the most frightening things you'll see lurking in a bed after a full-fledged bed bug infestation.

Before learning how to get rid of bed worms, it is important to understand what they are and how to identify them.

What are Bed Worms?

Most of these worm-like insects are actually the larvae of other bugs, such as moths or carpet beetles. And contrary to popular belief, they are not found only on beds.

Bed worms are a problem for many homeowners because they're difficult to spot and they can quickly multiply.

These insects end up in your bed to eat the bed sheets as they feed on natural fibers such as silk and wool. Though they may be unsettling, these pests are not harmful unless you're allergic to their bites.

What Do Bed Worms Look Like?

Bed worms are small, reddish-brown insects that measure up to 1/4 inch in length. They have long, slender bodies.

Adult worms are tiny, typically measuring only 5 to 10 millimeters (mm) in length. They're white or tan in color and resemble little bits of thread.

These worms have a lifespan of up to 6 weeks.

These pests are most active at night when they climb out of their hiding places in mattresses and bedding to feast.

Different Types of Bed Worms

While there are many different types of bed worms, the most common in North America is the carpet beetle larvae.

These pests are attracted to dirty areas and will often infest homes that are not well-maintained. There are 3 common types of bed worms.

1. Carpet Beetle Larvae

carpet beetle larvae

Carpet beetle larvae are tiny moths between 1/8 and 1/4 inches long with a brown or black body that is often covered in small hairs that can be found in your bed or clothing.

The carpet beetle eggs hatch and the larvae crawl up to your bed to feed on the fabric. The larvae are very small, about ¼ of an inch long, and have fine bristles on their bodies.

The small black or brown bugs in your bed are carpet beetle larvae. Some larvae may have an orangish hue mixed with brown or black.

The most common signs of a carpet beetle larvae infestation are small, threadbare spots on fabrics, and molted skin on or near infested fabrics.

Many people mistake the molted skin of carpet beetle larvae for bed bug shells.

2. Clothes Moth Larvae

clothes moth larvae

The larvae of clothes moths are particularly fond of eating fabric. In fact, they will feed on anything from natural fibers that are stored in your chest of drawers to furniture that is covered with upholstery insect control sprays!

However, they often leave behind a clue that can help you identify them.

Like the adult carpet beetle, adult cloth moths get inside your home to lay eggs and eat clothes made of animal fibers.

Adult carpet beetles and adult cloth moths both enter your home in order to lay eggs and eat clothes made of animal fibers.

Most clothes moth larvae are no longer than 1/2 inches long and have a creamy white body with a brown head.

They leave trails of silk webbing and line tunnels through your fabrics with silk.

3. Pinworm

pin worm

Pinworms are small, parasitic white worms that come out of the anus at night to mate and lay eggs on bedding.

They can be seen as small white dots or thin threads, but what makes them so dangerous is how easily they can infect people who come into contact with their excrement.

If you have a pinworm infection, you may experience itching around your waistline or lower abdomen (where the worms like to live).

Some people also have muscle pain caused by inflammation.

Are Bed Worms Dangerous or Harmful?

Bed worms are common household pests that can be found in beds, furniture, and carpeting.

While they are not known to transmit disease, they can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people.

If you suspect you have bed worms, it's important to take steps to control them.

Do Bed Worms Bite?

Bed bugs typically don't bite humans, with the exception of flea larvae. They can, however, irritate and produce skin rashes when they come into touch with human skin.

If you have bed bugs, common symptoms include itching, redness, and swelling around the bites.

What Causes Bed Worms on Your Mattress?

mattress bed

There's nothing quite as disconcerting as finding bed worms in your mattress. These small, brownish-red insects are not only a nuisance, but they can also be dangerous to your health.

So, what causes bed worms? Let's take a look at the three main culprits.

1. A Dirty Bed

The first and most common cause of bed worms is a dirty bed. Whether it's your sheets, blankets, or the mattress itself, if your bed isn't clean, it will attract bed worms.

A dirty bed provides the perfect environment for bed bugs to hide and lay their eggs.

Once the eggs hatch, the larvae will start to feed on your blood, which can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

If you suspect you have bed worms, it's important to call a pest control professional immediately.

2. Damp Kitchen & Bathroom

Another common cause of bed worms is damp kitchen and bathroom spaces. These areas are often humid and provide the perfect environment for bed bugs to thrive.

Since bed bugs are attracted to warmth, they will often lay their eggs in these damp areas.

Once the eggs hatch, the larvae will start to feed on your blood, which can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

3. Hiding Fleas

The third and final cause of bed worms is hiding fleas. Fleas are small, wingless insects that live off the blood of animals and humans.

While they typically don't bite humans, they can lay their eggs in carpeting, bedding, and other fabric-based materials.

Once the eggs hatch, the larvae will start to feed on your blood, which can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

5 Ways How to Get Rid of Bed Worms on The Mattress

No one wants to find out they have bed worms. Not only are they gross, but they can be quite a nuisance.

If you think you may have bed worms, don't panic. There are several things you can do to get rid of them.

1. Air Your Laundry

Washing bed garments, clothes, and towels in hot water and use high heat to dry them. This will kill any bed worms and their eggs that might be hiding in your fabrics.

You should also launder any other items in your bedroom that can be washed, like plush toys or throw pillows.

2. Vacuum Your Bed

vacuum mattress

Another way to get rid of bed worms is to vacuum your bed. This will remove any bed bugs that may be in your mattress or on your bed frame.

Be sure to vacuum the entire surface of your bed, including the sides and the corners.

3. Spray Between the Cracks

You can also get rid of bed worms by spraying between the cracks. This will kill larvae and eggs that are hiding in small crevices.

Be sure to spray all of the cracks in your bed, including the ones in the headboard and footboard.

4. Clean the Entire Bedroom

Wiping down all surfaces in your bedroom with an antsy solution like Dyna-Shield Ant & Roach Killer will help get rid of any stray bugs that might have been missed during vacuuming or spraying.

Pay special attention to areas where pets sleep or where people sit for long periods of time, like chairs or couches.

5. Sprinkle Essential Oils

Essential Oils

Not only do essential oils smell nice, but they can also help repel bedbugs. Try sprinkling some lavender oil on your mattress or putting a few drops on a cotton ball and placing it under furniture legs.

You can also find essential oil blends specifically designed to repel insects like lemongrass oil or citronella oil.

How To Prevent Bed Worm Infestation

You may think that bed worms are a thing of the past, but unfortunately, these pests are making a comeback.

If you think you may have bed worms, it's important to act fast and take steps to prevent an infestation. We'll give you some tips on how to prevent bed worm infestation.

1. Identify the early signs of bed worm infestation. 

The first step in preventing an infestation is to be able to identify the early signs. Look for small, brownish-red bugs in your bedding or on your skin.

You may also notice itching, redness, and welts on your skin. If you see any of these signs, it's important to take action immediately by getting rid of their food source or those things that attract bed bugs.

2. Vacuum regularly and wash your bedding frequently.

One of the best ways to prevent an infestation is to vacuum regularly and wash your bedding frequently in hot water.

This will help to remove any eggs or bugs that may be lurking in your home.

3. Keep your home clean and clutter-free. 

Bedbugs love hiding in cluttered areas, so it's important to keep your home clean and clutter-free if you want to avoid an infestation.

Be sure to declutter regularly and vacuum all areas of your home, including under furniture and in corners.

4. Inspect secondhand furniture before bringing it into your home.

If you're planning on purchasing secondhand furniture, be sure to inspect it carefully before bringing it into your home.

Check for any signs of bedbugs, such as small brown spots or eggs. If you do find anything suspect, do not bring the piece of furniture into your home.

Hire a Professional Pest Control Company

If you're still seeing signs of bed worms after taking all of the above prevention measures, it's time to call in a professional pest control company.

A professional will be able to identify the extent of the infestation and recommend the best course of treatment.

They will also be able to provide you with tips on how to prevent future infestations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get rid of worms in my bed?

There are a few different ways to get rid of worms in your bed. You can vacuum your bed, spray between the cracks, and clean the entire bedroom.

You can also sprinkle essential oils around your bed to help repel bedbugs.

How do you get worms in your bed?

Worms can get into your bed in a few different ways. They can hitch a ride on your clothes or pet, or they can come in through cracks in the floor or walls.

Do bed bugs ever look like worms?

No, bed bugs do not look like worms. Bed bugs are small, brownish-red insects that can be found in your bedding or on your skin.

Worms are long and thin, and they are usually white or light-colored.

Final Thoughts on How to Get Rid of Bed Worms

If you think you may have bed worms, it's important to take action immediately. These pests can quickly multiply and cause an infestation in your home.

By following the tips in this blog post, you'll be able to get rid of bed worms permanently.

And if all else fails, be sure to call in a professional pest control company to help get rid of these pests for good.

We hope this blog post has been helpful in teaching you how to get rid of bed worms.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below! Thanks for reading!

About The Author:

Meet Mark Calhoun, a seasoned pest control expert in the realm our pest control company. With over 10 years of dedicated experience and Managing Editor. His primary mission is to furnish you with precise and invaluable DIY insights, ensuring your home remains pest-free while aiding you in distinguishing various household pests.
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