Ranking 7 Common Bedroom Pests From Not-So-Bad to Nightmarish

Ranking 7 Common Bedroom Pests From Not-So-Bad to Nightmarish

When you think of the rooms that are commonly invaded by pests, the first ones that likely pop up are the garage and the kitchen, followed closely by the bathroom. Surprisingly, the bedroom can also see its fair amount of pests if they find the conditions to be favorable. It makes sense when we think about it: a bed that is frequently slept in with dust particles and potential food crumbs, clutter on the floor, and a window to the outdoors. But these reasons also make it frustrating to experience a pest infestation in this room, as it should be the most relaxing and happy place in the home. Pests can unfortunately make their way into any room of the home that they want, once they’re inside, but there are definitely some that love the bedroom for various reasons, none of which include helping us get a good night’s sleep.

Why the Bedroom?

This is likely the question that popped in your head when you read the title. There are a few general answers to this, and the rest will be answered with each pest we discuss. The most common reason is the presence of any kind of clutter. This can include clutter on the floor, under the bed, in the closet, around the dresser, or even on the bed itself. Pests like to hide in the mess, and some of them doubly benefit by finding food of some kind amidst the clutter. We’ll talk about the importance of keeping the clutter under control later, but for now, just remember that a clean bedroom is less likely to attract pests. It is not invincible to them, but it greatly helps to not have more hiding spots for these invaders. 

Some other reasons for pests in the bedroom involve the specific items or beings found in there. It’s fun to have our cats or dogs sleep in the same room as us, but there is a larger risk of pests hitching a ride on them into our sleep space. Fleas, ticks, and other biting pests are famous for hiding on pets until it’s too late to prevent them. Also, the closet is a common place for pests to hide in corners and on shelves. They can be attracted to the residue on shoes and worn clothing stored in there. Finally, if there is a bathroom attached to the bedroom, there is a chance that bathroom pests may choose to explore the next room. 

None of these facts are meant to scare you into sleeping on the couch, but they are just some things to keep in mind. Now, let’s dive into our subjective ranking of common bedroom pests, from “not too terrible” to “I am sleeping with one eye open forevermore.” 

7. Spiders

For anyone with arachnophobia, this would easily be in the number one spot. But besides being immensely creepy, most house spiders don’t do much. The spiders found in bedrooms are almost always just there to build webs and stay there while they catch their prey. Spiders seek out food and warmth in every place they go, both of which can be found in a bedroom. They prefer to be hidden from us as much as possible. The popular hangout (literally) spots include corners of the room or ceiling, under the bed and other furniture, and near the window. These are the places they are most likely to catch the most meals and be hidden from the residents of the home. Speaking of the window, this is also a common way that spiders use to come inside the home. Any gaps in the window screen or cracks around the actual window are enough for a willful spider to get through. 

Most spiders are harmless and can be easily squished (if you are brave enough), but two spiders you do not want to mess with are the brown recluse and black widow. These ones aren’t typically found in the bedroom, as they tend to stay outside where they are safer and can find more food. But in case they do mistake your bedroom for their new home, contact pest control services to handle it. The venom from either bite can have dangerous consequences for humans and animals, so it is not worth the risk to try squashing it with a simple tissue.

6. Ants

The only reason we rank ants higher than spiders is because of the quantity that can appear in a home. Some colonies have hundreds of thousands of workers! Spiders are independent pests, but ants are the embodiment of teamwork. Most ants, besides fire ants and some other biting species, are completely harmless. They are food-driven pests, so any crumbs and food remnants are enough to draw them in. If you snack or enjoy beverages other than water in your bedroom, there is a higher risk of an ant invasion than if you did not. Tiny crumbs may not seem like a big deal to us, but they are a worthy meal to the tiny ant. They use pheromones to lead the rest of their worker buddies to the food source, which can mean literally going from 0 to 100 in terms of ant numbers. 

If the bedroom is next door to the kitchen, there is also a slight risk here since the largest food source is nearby. Keeping all food sealed and properly stored is the best way to keep ants out of your snacks. Also, ants love sugar the most in any form that it takes. Enjoying a sugary coffee or soda in your bedroom is fun, but just make sure to take the cup out to the kitchen and properly clean or dispose of it before ants find the last few drops of the drink. Ants do like to make their nests outside, usually in the grass and dirt, so their nest may be just outside the bedroom if it’s on the first floor and faces a secluded part of the yard. They are definitely not the scariest pest, but the idea of counting ants instead of sheep is not a fun one.

5. Fleas

This one is more common with pet owners, but it is still possible to have a flea invasion otherwise. They just need to live in a soft place with access to warm blood, so they do not necessarily live on someone at all times. Fleas can survive on pets, in carpet, and in bedding for a time. They are tiny black bugs that are easy to miss if you aren’t looking for them. They are even more hidden in a cluttered space, as they can hide under dirty clothes, blankets, books, and boxes until someone walks by and they can hop on. Fleas need blood to reproduce, which means they can lay a lot of eggs if they find a reliable food source. Talk about a full house!

The only reliable way to know if you are dealing with a flea infestation is the appearance of bites on you or your pets. These bites are small, itchy, and red. The bump and red area is smaller than that of a mosquito, but it is still irritating. Fleas can also bite the same host many times, which is how your pet or someone in your family can go from having one bite to having a bunch of small red bumps. Some flea bites can be infected with harmful diseases, like typhus or plague, but not every flea carries these things. Still, it is a good idea to get any bites checked out by a doctor to be sure that there is nothing lurking beneath the surface. Many pest control companies do not treat for fleas, as medication and preventative measures from the veterinarian are often enough to combat these tiny pests.

4. Wasps

This may seem like a mistake, since wasps and stinging pests aren’t often deemed “indoor pests.” But there have been cases where wasps find their way inside somehow, and may not be the happiest campers when they are found by the residents. The common cases of wasps being found in the bedroom is when they slip through gaps in the window screen, holes in the house exterior, or a gap in the whole-house-fan. There are a couple of reasons wasps can be found in a bedroom after they confusedly make their way inside. One is that they were seeking shelter while out hunting for food, and they somehow found themselves inside. This is often the case when the weather is turning a little chillier, as wasps like to be warm. Another reason is that their nest may be closer than we would prefer. If their nest is under the house eaves or on a nearby tree, they are already near the bedroom and may be enticed to see what’s inside. 

Wasps are not an everyday indoor pest, but it is quite the scare when they are inside the home. Hornets are the most aggressive kind, but any wasp will sting repeatedly if they feel threatened. Any nest on the house or in the yard should be removed immediately, as they are also one of the most territorial pests. It’s best to have a pest control professional remove the nest, as they have the equipment and protection required to keep anyone from being stung. If you find a wasp in your bedroom, there is a good chance that their colony is close by and the nest is somewhere in the immediate area. Trust us, stepping on a wasp in your bedroom is the last thing you want to do while getting ready for the day.

3. Bed Bugs

You’re probably surprised this pest isn’t in the number one spot. While bed bugs are not the most dangerous bedroom pest, they are definitely the most common. Their favorite spot is given away in their name, as they like to live on the mattress and in the sheets of a frequently-used bed. But bed bugs are not confined to this popular spot. They can also live in curtains, luggage, clothing, wallpaper, wall outlets, carpet, couches, bed frames, and backpacks. Since they do not have wings, bed bugs have to hitchhike on people or objects to get to a new destination with more food options. It is more common to experience bed bugs after traveling and staying in a hotel or vacation home than everyday life. Make sure to check your suitcases and clothing when you come home, just to be positive that there are not any tiny hitchhikers inviting themselves inside. 

A cluttered room is also the best friend of a bed bug. They can hide amidst the mess and find their food sources later, especially if their hiding place happens to be clothing or blankets that will be used. They also reproduce quickly, so they can lay eggs in the clutter as well. As if you didn’t need another reason to shudder at the thought of bed bugs, their eggs are too small for us to see! And since bed bugs are positively ectothermic, they can squeeze into the tightest of spaces and remain hidden for a long time. If you or your family find multiple red bites all over your bodies, contact pest control immediately. As small as they are, bed bugs are no joke and require the pros in order to be fully eradicated.

2. Roaches

These top two spots are very close, but roaches just barely fall into second place. They are what many people consider to be the worst pest, and for good reason. They reproduce unbearably quickly, carry all kinds of diseases, heighten allergy and asthma symptoms, contaminate everything they touch, and are just plain ugly. Roaches are also nocturnal, which is how they manage to escape our findings as we go about our days. They love moisture and clutter, both of which can be found in a bedroom in various circumstances. A messy room is a roach’s paradise, which is all the cleaning motivation we need. This is another case where having a bathroom attached to the bedroom can be bad news in this scenario, as curious roaches can venture from the bathtub or sink into the bedroom. 

Roaches may be the garbage disposals of the pest world, but they are not much cleaner than the real deal. They can cause diseases like E. coli, strep, and salmonella, just by contaminating food or water with their waste. Roaches are disgusting pests in general, and some of them are too big for our comfort. But one thing to keep in mind is that they do not only invade “dirty” places. They love clutter and mess for the food and shelter, but roaches infest anyplace that they can. Just because you don’t have a lot of clutter on your bedroom floor does not mean it is impervious to pests. If you hear scurrying noises, hissing, or find any evidence of roaches, contact pest control immediately. Where one roach is, many more are sure to follow, as the saying goes.

1. Rodents

We have arrived at the coveted number one spot, taken by the infamous rodents. Rats and mice are arguably the worst bedroom pests for a number of reasons. They also reproduce quickly, but the babies stay in the nest with the mother for a time before they venture off. Rats and mice love clutter for this reason, as it provides materials for their nests and a hidden shelter. Another reason that rodents are the worst is because of just how much they eat and chew on while in our homes. In addition to feeding their ever-growing family, rodents need to constantly gnaw on items in order to keep their teeth down to a healthy length. There’s nothing like finding a bunch of teeth marks on your papers or clothing! They also carry a number of harmful pathogens and diseases, which can be transmitted in a number of ways. Even though they cannot see very well, rodents are stealthy and observant with their hearing and smell. This is how they get around and find the many food sources they live off of. 

Rodents like to stay hidden, which is bad news if they find their way into your bedroom. They tend to live in the walls (how scary is that?), in boxes, and amidst clutter. The worst one is definitely the walls, as it creates a whole new world of problems. The rodents can then eat insulation, which is a health hazard and a safety concern. Maybe they think it tastes like cotton candy? But the other concern is much worse, as rats and mice famously like to chew on wiring. Many house fires have started because rodents chewed just a little too much on some wiring in the walls. If you hear squeaking and scratching, find rodent droppings, or see shreds of paper randomly near the walls, there are rodents in the vicinity that need to be removed.

Pest Control is the Solution You’ve Been Dreaming Of!

There are some everyday tasks you can do to prevent bedroom pests as much as possible. Doing a bit of cleaning every day or every other day prevents the chores from becoming overwhelming later on. Avoid eating and drinking beverages other than water in the room, for one. Food remnants and spills are some of the most common attractors of any pest, so it is a surefire way to draw pests in to the bedroom. If you don’t want to give up snacking in bed (we get it), make sure to clean up all crumbs and tightly seal the food away from your bed. Also, keep all dirty clothes in a hamper or laundry basket. It is easy to just discard the shirt you wore onto the floor after a long day, but this can quickly accumulate into a pile of clothes that can hide pests. If any clothing has food stains, try to treat them as soon as possible before pests sniff out the food residue. Try to wash your bedding somewhat often, like every couple of weeks, and use hot water to kill any bacteria or scents that could attract bloodthirsty pests. Finally, if you have any pets that spend extensive time both inside and outside, try to check them for fleas and other tiny hitchhikers often. All it takes is your beloved dog or cat bringing in a couple of fleas to make sleeping in the bedroom a nightmare.

Pest control services are not just for emergencies. Our treatments and inspections solve pest problems and eliminate infestations over time, but we also help prevent pests from invading in the first place. The easiest way to treat pest issues is to stop them from inviting themselves inside at all! Our EPA-approved treatments prevent pests without using dangerous chemicals, so you don’t have to worry about harmful pesticides being used inside your home. Contact us to learn how we can solve your pest concerns so you can finally get a good night’s sleep!

Citations

Common bedroom insects. (n.d.). Pest World. Retrieved on September 26, 2022, from https://www.pestworld.org/pest-in-the-house/bedroom/ 

Common bedroom pests. (2020, February 5). Maggie’s Farm. Retrieved on September 26, 2022, from https://maggiesfarmproducts.com/blogs/bug-help/common-bedroom-pests 

David. (n.d.). 7 gross pests that live in a messy bedroom (and how to get rid of them). Pest Strategies. Available at https://www.peststrategies.com/learning-center/7-gross-pests-that-live-in-a-messy-room/ (Accessed on September 26, 2022).