Types of Bugs That Could Be Biting You in Bed 

 Learn What Types of Bugs Could Be Living in Your Mattress & How to Get Rid of Them  

When people think of intrusive and unpleasant pests, bed bugs tend to come to mind first.  

And with good reason.  

There are approximately 90 species of bed bugs. Fortunately, only three species are a threat to people. The blood-sucking pest has been known to bite animals, but they do prefer humans.  

Yet they aren’t the only pest that could be interrupting our sleep.  

There are other critters that prey on humans while we are getting shuteye, too. But there are also ways to remedy the situation, and it starts with identification of said critters.  

Different Species of Mattress Pests 

Finding marks on your body or stains on the bedding can be cause for concern.  

It’s Imperative to understand which type(s) of pest could be infesting your home. 

Bed Bugs 

It is not crucial for you to know which type of bed bug is inhabiting your home, as do-it-yourself efforts are often fruitless. But having an understanding of the pest and how it can become an issue is vital.  

But a pest and wildlife technician will be able to identify the species. And the type of bed bug in your home will largely depend on where you live.  

C. hemipterus and C. lectularius are most commonly found throughout the United States and in Europe. These types of bed bugs will congregate in hiding places like mattresses, curtains, behind picture frames on a wall, bed frames, and many more.  

L. boueti is another bed bug species that can be a concern for people, but it is only found in tropical climates. Those who live in the New England area don’t have to worry about this particular species unless they visit areas like South America. 

Bed bugs typically feed at night, leaving behind itchy welts on the host. 

Fleas 

Creases or seams in mattresses and box springs are also a great place for fleas.  

The pest enjoys warm, moist environments and can thrive off the blood of animals or humans.  

An adult flea can survive for 12 months while consuming the blood of its host, leaving behind small, red bite marks. A flea bite can be slightly raised with a small, red dot in the center, surrounded by a halo. 

In addition to mattresses, fleas can be found living in carpets, drapes, furnishings, and even indoor plants. If you spot signs of fleas in your bedroom, it’s time to call for professional flea-removal services. 

Ticks 

When we think of pests crawling in our beds, ticks don’t always come to mind.  

But it is possible to wake up to a tick or two in your bed hoping to make you their next meal.  

Ticks will feed off their hosts, which can include humans, household pets, and even livestock animals. 

After feeding, ticks will typically fall off the host, leaving behind a bite that resembles a bullseye. Ticks can spread diseases such as Lyme disease.  

Hitching a ride with a friend, family member, or pet, ticks will hide in a variety of places like bedding or box springs. These places are preferred as it means easy access to their next meal for the pest.  

Since ticks can be quite problematic for people and animals, professional tick-control services are essential. 

Mites 

Mites are small insects that are usually thought of as living on rodents or other small animals.  

And even though it’s rare that a mite will transmit a disease to a human, the pest can still be a cause for concern. 

If left on the skin long enough, a mite could bite their host. But typically, mites will just cause skin irritations or rashes if the reaction is severe.  

 

The pest will typically eat decaying organic matter or mold, so if the conditions are ideal, a mite infestation is possible.  

The pest could find its way inside your home if there was a recent rodent infestation, or if another animal infested with mites was present.  

Clover Mites  

Although clover mites do not bite people or animals, the pest can invade houseplants and homes causing skin irritations or allergic reactions.  

Named for their love of grasses and clover, the red-colored pest prefers to eat plants. This doesn’t make a clover mite infestation any less of a concern for homeowners, however.  

Clover mites can appear in large numbers and prefer temperatures ranging from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and begin to emerge as the climate becomes warmer.     

Eliminating the Mattress Pests Plaguing Your Home  

Many of these pests can be hard to find with the naked eye — especially if you aren’t trained to look for signs of an infestation or know what you’re looking for.  

Keeping your family safe and home pest-free is essential whether it’s a pest that is out for blood or one that is looking for something else to consume — or just a place to spend the night.  

Efforts like washing the bedding frequently or even vacuuming the mattress can help to reduce the chances of an infestation. But these efforts aren’t always going to be guaranteed to work without issue — especially if the pest has already moved in. 

Therefore, it is important to consult a team of pest control professionals determine and effectively eliminate the bed pest that is infiltrating your home.  

To learn how our pest control technicians can help remedy the issue plaguing your home so you can rest easily at night, contact us right away.