Do Bed Bugs Live in Clothes?
Do Bed Bugs Live in Clothes?
Bed bugs are small, blood-sucking insects found to infest homes and other living spaces, such as bedding and furniture. Modern day methods of travel have resulted in the quick spread of bed bug infestations; in severe cases, they may even be found in clothes.
Bed Bugs in Clothes: How it Works
Bed bugs are incredibly resilient insects able to live in virtually any climate. As such, it is not uncommon for bed bugs to find their way onto clothing.
Once on clothing, bed bugs can travel in bags, on bodies, and in fabrics until they find a place to settle. They often use clothing as a hideaway and have the ability to live in shoes, hats, and other accessories, as well as clothing items such as sweaters and pants.
Signs of Bed Bug Infestations in Clothes
If bed bugs infest your clothing, there are certain signs to look for in order to uncover the problem:
- Small red blood spots – Bed bugs are known to leave small red blood spots where they’ve dined.
- Tiny black spots – These spots are generally their feces or dried blood.
- Egg shells and egg clusters – Bed bugs reproduce quickly, and the shells from their eggs are often found in the folds of clothes and within the seams of clothing items.
- A strong musty odor – Bed bug infestations give off a strong musty odor, which may be most evident with clothes and items near infestation sites.
Preventing Bed Bugs from Infesting Clothes
The best way to prevent bed bugs from infesting your clothes is to be aware of the signs and take preventive action against them. Be extra careful when handling any clothing items that may have come in contact with bed bugs and inspect them thoroughly before bringing them into your home.
As an added precaution, you can machine-wash or dry-clean all of your clothes regularly on the low heat setting. This will help to kill any bed bugs that may be living in the fabrics. Additionally, store all of your clothes off the floor, in sealed plastic bins, or in another secure form to avoid infestation.
Bottom Line
Bed bug infestations can happen anywhere, and that includes on clothing. Keep an eye out for telltale signs of bed bugs in clothing items and take precautionary measures to ensure that you don’t bring any of these pesky insects into your home.
