Where to look for bed mites? - briefly
Inspect mattress seams, tags, and the edges of the box spring, as well as the headboard, bed frame crevices, and nearby upholstered furniture; also examine floor carpets, rugs, and cracks in walls or baseboards where dust accumulates. These locations commonly harbor the microscopic arthropods that infest sleeping areas.
Where to look for bed mites? - in detail
Bed mites inhabit the same micro‑habitats as dust mites, thriving in warm, humid environments where skin flakes accumulate. To locate an infestation, examine the following areas carefully:
- Mattress surface and seams, especially around the edges and the piping that holds the mattress together.
- Box‑spring fabric and any zippered covers; the interior of the box‑spring is a common reservoir.
- Bed frame joints, slats, and any upholstered headboards.
- Pillowcases, pillow protectors, and the pillow interior, particularly if the pillow is down or feather‑filled.
- Bed sheets, blankets, and duvet covers after several washes; mites may remain in the fabric weave.
- Upholstered furniture adjacent to the sleeping area, such as armchairs or a sofa, focusing on cushions and crevices.
- Carpets and rugs at the foot of the bed, where dust and skin debris settle.
- Wall-to-floor baseboards and the underside of the bed, where moisture can collect.
Inspect each site with a flashlight and a magnifying lens, looking for tiny, translucent organisms or their fecal specks. Vacuum the surfaces with a HEPA‑rated filter, then wash removable fabrics at temperatures above 60 °C (140 °F). Repeating the inspection after cleaning confirms whether the population has been reduced.