Ants in Beds and Bedding: Causes and Fixes

Waking up to ants crawling over your sheets is unpleasant, and a little worrying. It is rarely a sign of poor hygiene. Ants end up in beds because something attracts them, or because the bed sits on their route.

This guide explains the causes and the fixes.

The short answer

Ants get into beds because of food crumbs and sugary residues from eating in bed, spilled drinks or sweet cosmetics, because the bed touches a wall, curtain or floor that gives them a bridge, because bedding hangs to the floor, or because a nest is nearby in a wall or furniture. To fix it, remove food from the bed area, wash bedding, keep the bed and bedding off the floor and walls, find and treat the trail or nest with bait, seal gaps and avoid spraying the bed. Check for bed bugs too if you have bites.

Common causes

• Crumbs, sweets and drinks in bed or on bedside tables.
• Bedding or bed skirts touching the floor, which ants climb.
• The bed against a wall with an ant trail.
• Honeydew or sweet residue from nearby plants.
• Damp from leaks or condensation.
• A nest in a nearby wall, cupboard or floor.

Immediate steps

1. Strip the bed and shake out bedding outdoors.
2. Wash sheets and covers, and dry them well.
3. Vacuum the mattress and bed frame.
4. Wipe the bed frame, headboard and bedside table.

Stop them coming back

• No eating in bed: Keep food and sweet drinks out of the bedroom, or clean up carefully.
• Break the bridges: Keep the bed a little away from walls, and do not let bedding or curtains touch the floor.
• Find the trail: Follow the ants and mark where they enter or nest.
• Use bait: Place ant gel bait along the trail, away from the bed and out of reach of children and pets.
• Seal cracks: Close gaps in walls, skirting and around windows.
• Fix moisture: Repair leaks and dry damp walls.
• Bed legs: A barrier such as a smooth moat tray or tape on the legs can help, if the bed is otherwise isolated.

What not to do

• Do not spray insecticide on the mattress or bedding.
• Do not use powders or chalk on or near the bed.
• Do not use heavy chemicals in rooms where children sleep.

Is it ants, or something else?

• Small bites in lines or clusters, dark spots on sheets and a musty smell suggest bed bugs.
• Itching without visible insects can have other causes.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor for bites that become infected, or for a strong allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or breathing difficulty. Seek urgent help for severe symptoms.

When to call a professional

If ants keep returning to the bed despite these steps, call a professional to find the nest.

Frequently asked questions

Do ants like clean beds?

They follow food and trails, not dirt. A clean bed can still be on their route.

Will washing bedding remove ants?

Yes, along with crumbs.

Can ants bite in bed?

Some species do.

Are red ants in the bed dangerous?

Their bites can be painful. See our guide on red ant bites.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on ant control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full ant control guide for Bangalore.