Can bed bugs stay on your clothes? It seems like such a simple question, but the answer is more complicated than expected. Bed bugs are small insects that exclusively feed on blood, and we find them in many different areas of homes and businesses, including clothing.
We will go into why you may find bed bugs in your clothes and how to prevent them.
These creatures have been around since 1500 BC, and you’ll find them lurking in beds, couches, chairs, fabric, and clothing. Unfortunately, nobody has figured out how to eradicate them from our lives completely. Read here: to learn more about where bed bugs come from.
Read on to discover all about these awful parasites – what attracts them to our clothes and how to protect ourselves against their infestations. Plus if you are wondering what to wear to prevent bed bug bites: check here.
You’ll gain greater insight into why bed bugs may or may not remain in fabric items. Then you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions regarding safeguarding against these troublesome critters!
Introducing the Bed Bug Debate – Is it True or False: “Do Bed Bugs Stay on Clothes?”
Is it true or false: do bed bugs stay on clothes? This question has been widely debated among homeowners, apartment dwellers, hotels, and beyond.
Those who have had a bed bug infestation know only too well just how difficult they are to get rid of. And that they can quickly get on your clothes. However, unlike body lice, they are not known to stay on our clothing for long.
So do bed bugs STAY on clothes? Usually, they are not the type of parasite that lives on us. However, keep reading for reasons you might pick up bed bugs on your clothes. (plus how to avoid it) ????
We have an entire article dedicated to Learning more about the differences between lice vs bed bugs.
Top Reasons Why You’ll Find Bed Bugs on Clothes
If one crawls onto your clothes, you may wonder, “Can bed bugs bite through clothes?” The simple answer is “no”; however, you must read the above article to understand the possibilities thoroughly. Here are some main reasons you might see bed bugs on your clothing.
Below are a few reasons to get your brain flowing in the right direction on getting bed bugs on your clothes.
Folding Laundry On A Bed
If you have a known bed bug issue and fold your clothes on the bed, there is a high chance that a bed bug nymph will crawl into your clothes.
Folding laundry on your bed is also a popular reason you can unknowingly put bed bugs into your drawers and closets.
Putting Luggage on a Hotel Bed
The best thing to do when you get home from any hotel, Airbnb, VRBO, or other short-term rental is to act as if your belongings have bed bugs.
Never place luggage on a hotel bed. When you get home, always put your belongings into the high-heat dryer or bedbug oven. I use the Thermal Strike bed bug oven weekly!
Putting a Jacket on A Friend’s Bed
If you are at a friend’s house and place a jacket on their bed, you can accidentally get a bed bug on your clothes.
Putting your jacket, hoodie, or backpack on someone’s bed is never a good idea. No matter how well you know them.
About 30% of the population does not react to bed bug bites, so it’s easy for someone to have them and not know.
Bad Infestation
Over the years, I have seen some horrible infestations. Often, I see someone so heavily infested they have bed bugs crawling on their shirt, pants, or shoes.
Recently I entered an apartment because the management company was trying to understand why some neighbors kept getting bed bugs. The person who answered the door had a tank top on with bed bugs crawling on the shoulder straps.
In this case, I did not bring the bed bug-sniffing dog in; I just got some photos of the infestation for my report. The management company was able to get them some help.
You Sit Down in a Public Place That Has Bugs
You can sit unknowingly in a movie theatre, doctor’s office, or any other public space with bed bugs. When arriving home, the best way to prevent this is always to put your clothing into the high-heat dryer. If you don’t have easy access to a dryer, bag your clothing until you can visit a laundry mat.
Your Uber or Lyft Has Bed Bugs
A car seat can easily hide a bed bug infestation due to the often dark-colored seats with plenty of hiding spots. Last year one of my clients called me in tears; he explained that he and his wife had just gotten out of an Uber ride that lasted an hour.
They had six-bed bugs crawling on their coat and collars upon returning home. They only noticed it because 2 of the bugs fell off in their apartment entryway. Luckily they took a good photo, and I could immediately ID them as adult bed bugs!
Underbed Storage
If you store clothes under your bed and don’t have them sealed in air-tight bins like the Rubbermaid storage below, then you are at risk of bed bugs on your clothes.
If you are dealing with an infestation, then the risk of bed bugs crawling into the clothes and hiding out there until they are ready to feed is high. Use plastic bins with snap lids like these:
- MADE IN USA: Durable, BPA-free plastic storage totes made in the USA, designed for long-lasting use
- IMPACT RESISTANT: Bins are made with impact-resistant plastic that helps prevent cracking or breaking under normal use
- EASY ACCESS: Durable, clear plastic bins make it easy to locate and access frequently used items, thin design and wheels fits under most bed frames
- SECURE LATCHING STORAGE: Snap-tight lids keep items protected from dust and dirt; recessed lids allow for secure stacking
- EXTRA STORAGE: Straight wall design provides up to 14% more storage space compared to other clear plastic bins; nests neatly when not in use. Dimensions: 43.1'' L x 19.5'' W x 6.6'' H
Close Encounters On Public Transportation
If you take a subway, Metro, BART, bus, or your city’s version of these modes of transportation, be aware that bed bugs can hitch a ride on your clothing. I’ve seen this firsthand many times over the years.
Significantly, if the train is crowded, you must be up against other people. A bed bug can easily crawl from one person’s clothing onto yours. Always put your clothing through the high-heat dryer upon returning home.
Understanding the Lifecycle of a Bed Bug
Did you know that bed bugs are among the most challenging pests to eradicate? They are a tricky pest to get rid of because you cannot bait them since they only drink blood.
With roaches, you can set out baits for them to eat and bring back to the nest. While with bed bugs, the only way to kill them is by direct contact with heat, pesticides, freezing, or the fungus Beauveria bassiana. Learn more about what kills bed bugs instantly here.
To effectively eliminate them, it’s essential to understand their lifecycles. Bed bugs have three stages: egg, nymph, and adult.
Female bed bugs are prolific breeders and, once impregnated, can lay eggs for a while. With this kind of reproductive capability and their hidden habits, bed bugs can quickly multiply if not dealt with appropriately. As nymphs, bed bugs go through five molting phases as they develop before adulthood and mating.
Knowing a bed bug’s natural lifecycle helps prepare you for preventing or eliminating an infestation in your home or business.
How Long Can They Survive on Clothing and Other Fabrics
Bed bugs attach themselves to surfaces like clothing and other fabrics. They are known as “hitchhikers,” hiking a ride on your clothing from one place to the next.
Did you know that roaches can also hitch a ride on clothing? Learn more here.
So, how long can they survive on your clothes? If you put your clothing into a high-heat dryer daily, any bed bugs will die. Ultimately, there is no easy answer to this question of how long bed bugs stay on clothes. It all depends on why the bed bug is on your clothes in the first place.
But it’s important to know that if a bed bug finds its way onto your clothing, it’s easy to kill with heat.
What Are the Best Practices for Preventing Bed Bugs On Your Clothes
Keeping bed bugs off your clothes is essential in not spreading these awful pests to other people. The best way to do this is to be mindful of the clothes you bring into your home and regular laundering.
A popular question we often ask is, “does washing clothes kill bed bugs?”. It’s important to realize that the dryer kills bed bugs, not the washer.
To avoid getting bedbugs, try using the high-heat dryer regularly. Additionally, you already have evidence of bed bugs in your house. In that case, it’s essential to check for any signs of these pests on all fabrics, including clothing, to prevent further infestations.
Regularly vacuuming (be sure to check out our list of best bed bug vacuums) and steaming all areas of your home can also help remove these pests before they take over.
Finally, store all clothing items in sealed plastic containers or bags if you suspect bed bug activity in the area. With these best practices in mind, you can rest assured your clothes will remain mainly pest-free!
What You Should Do If You Find Signs of Bed Bugs in Your Clothes
Bed bugs in clothing can be a scary thought. But it’s essential to remain calm and take the steps necessary to deal with the situation. By understanding how bed bugs move, what bed bugs look like, and bed bug behavior, you can take steps to remedy the situation.
It is generally recommended that you launder your clothing that’s come into contact with bed bugs. Remember that with the steps taken quickly, you can avoid any potential bed bug issues.
Final Thoughts for Do Bed Bugs Stay on Clothes? What’s the Real Truth?
Even though bedbugs may stay on clothes temporarily, there are still ways to prevent them from making a home in your wardrobe. The thing to keep in mind is that bed bugs need to feed on blood and prefer to crawl back to a crack or crevice after feeding.
They are not the type of parasite that likes to live on us; instead, they live near us. Overall, it’s essential to take note of any signs that may indicate a bedbug problem, such as eggs, casings, or live bugs.
It’s also important to regularly vacuum, launder items at high temperatures, and inspect the furniture for feces that could indicate the presence of bed bugs.
So the final answer: Do Bed Bugs Stay on Clothes? Yes and no–it depends on the environment and how fast you can identify and eliminate the problem!
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