Can Bed Bugs Live on Clothes?
Question: So I had Orkin to my apartment on Saturday and they determined we have bed bugs. I am currently scheduling an appointment to have this problem taken care of. I have followed the preparation sheet but there is no information concerning the clothes in the bedroom. I was told to move everything away from walls and vacuum and to box up any clutter. What do I do with the clothes? Do they remain in the room? And if so, should they be boxed/bagged? Or do I remove them from the room?
Answer: Yes, bed bugs can hide in clothing, especially if garments are stored near infested areas or left in piles on the floor. While they don’t live on your body or in your clothes long-term like lice, they can cling to fabric and use it as a way to travel from one place to another. This is why clothing can be a major factor in spreading bed bugs between rooms or even homes.
How Bed Bugs Use Clothing to Travel
Bed bugs are skilled at moving from place to place by hiding in everyday items, especially clothing. They don’t jump or fly, but they can crawl into seams, cuffs, and folds where they remain hidden. Clothes left on the floor, draped over furniture, or packed in bags can easily become vehicles for these pests. Once tucked away in fabric, bed bugs can travel unnoticed into homes, hotels, schools, and other locations. They often hide in:
-
Luggage and suitcases
-
Gym bags and backpacks
-
Folded clothes in drawers or laundry baskets
-
Clothing left near beds or upholstered furniture
Can bed bug eggs be found in clothes?
Yes, bed bug eggs can be found in clothes, as they are tiny, white, and sticky, making them easy to overlook and difficult to remove. Eggs can be laid in the seams of clothing, especially if the clothes have been sitting undisturbed in an infested area. Washing alone may not always remove them unless high heat is used.
How to Get Bed Bugs Out of Clothes
To eliminate bed bugs and their eggs from clothing:
-
Sort and bag clothes near the infested area before moving them.
-
Wash in hot water (at least 120°F) to kill bed bugs and eggs.
-
Dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
-
Store clean clothes in sealed plastic bags or containers until the infestation is resolved.
Avoid using insecticide sprays directly on clothing, as they can be harmful and are often ineffective.
Related Question
Question: I have bed bugs! I don't believe I have an infestation, and my furniture and apartment have been sprayed multiple times, but I am throwing much of my furniture out anyway, and moving out.
My question is this—I need to wash all of my clothing so that I can take them with me without the risk of bringing the bed bugs. How can I do that? I know they need very hot water. Will a normal wash and dry at a laundromat do? Is there any way to treat (spray, fumigate…) the clothes before washing them?
Answer: Regular washing and drying of the clothes at high temperatures will be fine, no treatment of clothing is needed.
More Resources on Bed Bugs
Can You Use Moth Crystals In Luggage For Bed Bugs?
While some suggest using moth crystals in luggage to deter bed bugs, this method has limitations and potential risks. For safe and effective bed bug prevention, consult with an Orkin Pro.
What Is The Main Cause Of Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are primarily spread by hitchhiking on infested items like luggage, used furniture, and backpacks. Understanding how they travel can help reduce the risk of bringing them into your home.
Bed bugs spread by hiding in everyday items like bags, clothing, and furniture. Their ability to move discreetly from place to place makes them difficult to detect and easy to transport.
How To Prevent Bed Bugs When Traveling
Travelers can unknowingly bring bed bugs home in luggage, clothing, or personal items. Learn how to inspect hotel rooms and pack smart to avoid unwanted hitchhikers.
Get expert tips from Orkin on how to keep bugs and rodents away from your next party. This guide walks you through preparation, outdoor setup, and cleanup strategies to help ensure your guests stay comfortable and your event goes off without a hitch.