How to find bed bugs in a pillow? - briefly
Examine the pillow by removing its cover and checking seams, stitching, and the interior for tiny reddish‑brown insects, pale exoskeletons, or small dark fecal spots. Use a flashlight and gently shake the pillow over white paper to reveal any concealed bugs.
How to find bed bugs in a pillow? - in detail
Detecting bed bugs inside a pillow requires systematic visual and tactile examination, followed by targeted testing if initial signs appear.
First, remove any pillowcase and wash the cover according to manufacturer instructions. Inspect the fabric for tiny reddish‑brown spots, which are fecal stains, or small pale shells that indicate molting. Use a bright LED flashlight to illuminate the surface; the light reveals the insects’ flat bodies and the dark spots they leave behind.
Second, feel the pillow surface with clean fingertips. Bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed; they can be felt as tiny, hard bumps. Pay special attention to seams, folds, and any decorative stitching where the insects may seek shelter.
Third, if the pillow is removable‑cover or has a zippered enclosure, open it carefully. Gently press the pillow to expose the inner filling. For feather or down pillows, shake the contents over a white sheet to spot any moving insects. For memory‑foam or synthetic pillows, use a magnifying glass (10×) to scan the interior surface for eggs, which appear as translucent ovals, or for adult bugs.
Fourth, apply a non‑toxic adhesive trap or double‑sided tape to the pillow edges. Leave the trap for 24–48 hours; any captured specimens confirm an infestation.
Fifth, consider professional detection methods when visual cues are ambiguous. Trained detection dogs can sniff out bed bugs in bedding. Alternatively, place a portable heat‑detection device near the pillow; bed bugs emit a distinct thermal signature when disturbed.
If bugs are found, isolate the pillow immediately. Wash the entire pillow (if fabric permits) in hot water (≥ 60 °C) for at least 30 minutes, then tumble‑dry on high heat for 30 minutes. Non‑washable pillows should be sealed in a heavy‑duty plastic bag and exposed to heat in a dryer or a professional heat‑treatment chamber.
Regular monitoring reduces the risk of re‑infestation. Keep a small inspection kit—flashlight, magnifier, adhesive trap—by the bedside and repeat the examination weekly for the first month after treatment.