Do Buckwheat Pillows attract Bugs?
Despite rumors and lots of half knowledge out there in online forums, pillow review websites, YouTube and so on, buckwheat hull pillows do not attract bugs nor do they contain bugs when you buy a new one.
The chances of bugs in your buckwheat pillow are super slim. And mostly it comes down to TWO THINGS that effect those chances:
1.) Cleaning Process off the Buckwheat Hulls
Bugs seek Food so if the Buckwheat Hulls are not properly cleaned, and contain debris of the buckwheat grain, then that is like a magnet for bugs. But in general the hulls (the hard outer shells of the buckwheat groats) used in pillows are not a food source for bugs, as they usually are clean and don't provide any nutritional value.
2.) Environment where the finished pillow is store, or where the hulls are stored
If the hulls or the pillow itself is constantly exposed to moisture, little critters might end up in the pillow. Not for the purpose of seeking food, but more for the purpose of seeking shelter.
The type of bugs that can get into improperly cleaned buckwheat hulls or pillows stores in humid climates, are usually rice bugs or similar.
What about bed bugs?
False Alarm as well.
Buckwheat husk pillows are also not a breeding ground for bed bugs either. This is a big misconception and mostly misinformation spread by companies trying to sell you their expensive memory foam pillows or other items they promote.
How to keep a buckwheat pillow bug free?
Quality of Buckwheat Hulls:
Bugs are more likely to infest pillows that use improperly cleaned or de-hulled buckwheat groats.
A High-quality Japanese pillow is filled with hulls that are thoroughly cleaned, reducing the chances of a bug infestation.
Processing options to further reduce chances of bugs getting into the pillow include screening the hulls (to remove debris), heat treatment (to kill bug eggs), and washing the hulls. UV Treatment is another option to kill off any critters that may have chosen to call buckwheat hulls their home.
Cleaning processes for hulls vary widely between manufacturers. Some manufacturers also fumigate their buckwheat shells to kill bugs, which is not ideal considering that you want a "natural pillow" for a reason.
Proper Maintenance and Cleaning of the Pillow:
An expert tip to a bug-free buckwheat pillow is proper cleaning and periodic maintenance of the cushion.
These bed pillows require cleaning ideally on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to keep the filling fresh, moisture-free, and to improve its overall lifetime.
This is even more important for people living in humid climates like Florida, Hawaii, or other southern states in the US.
Humidity is a breeding ground for all sorts of critters. Keeping a buckwheat pillow dry is crucial.
Constant exposure to humidity invites bugs to make it their home. This applies not just to buckwheat pillows but to all types of bed pillows.
Many women go to bed with wet hair, unaware that this can cause damage in the long run. Avoid exposing the pillow to moisture if you want to keep it free of bugs.
Learn to maintain and clean a buckwheat pillow in our other articles, many of which include a step-by-step video.
What to do if your buckwheat pillow has bugs?
Option 1 (Sunlight):
Empty all the hulls into a wide, open container. Place it outside in direct sunlight for a couple of days. This will usually get rid of any bugs.
Option 2 (Freezer):
Without removing any hulls, place the pillow in the freezer for a day.
Wrap it in a plastic bag for protection before placing it in the freezer.
What not to do:
Do not microwave the pillow. Microwaving can destroy the buckwheat hulls and the pillowcase.
CAUTION: Never microwave a pillow with a metal zipper, as it can cause a fire or damage the microwave.