What they look like: Hard, smooth, often oval or teardrop-shaped. May have a visible seam or pointed end.
How to tell: Rinse one under water. If it feels hard and doesn’t dissolve, it’s likely a seed.
Solution: Check for nearby houseplants that might be dropping seeds. Brush pets before they jump on the bed.
4. Dry Skin or Dander Balls
What they are: Small balls of shed skin cells, dust, and body oils that roll together.
What they look like: Tiny, pale, soft balls that can be easily crushed between fingers. Often found near pillows.
How to tell: Rub one between your fingers—it should crumble into dust.
Solution: Wash sheets weekly. Shower before bed. Use a humidifier if your skin is dry.
5. Flea Dirt or Tapeworm Segments (The One That Needs Attention)
What they are: Flea dirt is dried flea feces (digested blood). Tapeworm segments are flat, rice-like pieces that come from your pet (or you—but that’s rare).
What they look like:
Flea dirt: Tiny black or dark brown specks that turn reddish-brown when wet
Tapeworm segments: Flat, white or pale yellow, about the size of a grain of rice. They move (slowly) when first expelled.
How to tell: Place a suspected segment on a damp white paper towel. If it turns reddish-brown, it’s flea dirt. If it looks like a flat rice grain and moves slightly, it’s a tapeworm segment.
What to do: Check your pets for fleas. Take them to the vet. Wash all bedding in hot water. Vacuum thoroughly.
6. Carpet Beetle Larvae Sheddings
Read more on the next page
