ย 15% discount on all bed bug heat treatment services.
30 Days Complete Eradication Guarantee*
ย 15% discount on all bed bug heat treatment services.
30 Days Complete Eradication Guarantee*
Youโve probably heard it all when it comes to bed bugsโhow they hide in mattresses, sneak into your furniture, and even hitch a ride on your belongings. But can they live in your clothes? Itโs a common worry, especially if youโve had a run-in with bed bugs or travelled somewhere with an infestation. After all, the last thing you want is for these unwelcome guests to set up camp in your wardrobe.
At Thermopest, weโve dealt with every kind of bed bug situation imaginable. The good news is that while bed bugs can be found on clothing, they donโt live in your clothes the way they do in beds or sofas. That being said, they can still travel on your clothes and cause an infestation in your home if youโre not careful. Letโs dive into the details and, more importantly, how you can prevent them from creeping into your wardrobe.
First things first: bed bugs are called bed bugs for a reason. They prefer to live close to where you sleep because they feed on blood, and humans are their ideal meal. They tend to hide in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and even furniture, where they can tuck themselves away during the day and come out at night.
While they might hop onto your clothing from time to time, bed bugs prefer cracks, seams, and other tight spaces that offer shelter. Clothing isnโt their first choice, but it can happen under the right circumstances.
Technically, bed bugs donโt live in your clothes like they do in a mattress. Theyโre not interested in staying on clothing long-term because they prefer dark, stable environments. However, bed bugs can and do hide in clothes, especially if your clothing is left in a pile for a while or stored in places like a wardrobe or drawer that theyโve already infested.
The bigger concern is that bed bugs can hitch a ride on your clothes, allowing them to move between locations. This is especially common after staying in a hotel, visiting someone with an infestation, or using public transport where bed bugs might have been lurking.
Bed bugs are experts at travelling, and one of their favourite methods of transport is hopping onto your clothing or bags. They canโt jump or fly, but theyโll crawl onto your items, ride along, and eventually make themselves at home in your house. Here’s how it often happens:
If youโve been to an infested place, bed bugs can attach themselves to your clothing, especially items like jackets, scarves, or even backpacks. You might not even realise theyโre there until they make it back to your home.
Once theyโre on your clothes, bed bugs can move from one place to another. This is how many infestations spreadโfrom your workplace to home, or from your luggage after a holiday. Theyโre small and sneaky, making it hard to notice them until itโs too late.
While bed bugs donโt typically live in your clothes, they can infest wardrobes or drawers if theyโre already in your home. If theyโve made their way into your bedroom, theyโll hide in the dark corners of closets or among folded clothes, waiting for their next meal.
The best way to deal with bed bugs is to prevent them from getting into your home in the first place. Hereโs what you can do to keep your clothesโand your homeโfree from these pests.
Bed bugs canโt survive high temperatures. If youโve been travelling or suspect bed bugs might be hiding in your clothes, wash everything on a hot cycle and tumble dry it on the highest setting. This is a quick and easy way to kill any bed bugs or eggs that might have hitched a ride.
When travelling, consider storing your clothes in sealed plastic bags inside your suitcase. This creates a barrier between your clothes and any bed bugs that might be hiding in the room. At home, keeping clothes in sealed containers or zippered bags can help keep them safe if youโre worried about an infestation.
Make it a habit to check your wardrobe, drawers, and closets for signs of bed bugs. Look for tiny black spots (which could be bed bug faeces), shed skins, or even the bugs themselves. Itโs a small step that can prevent a larger issue down the line.
Clutter gives bed bugs more places to hide. Keeping your wardrobe organised not only makes life easier but also removes potential hiding spots for bed bugs. Plus, it makes it easier to notice any signs of an infestation early on.
So, what if youโve done everything right, but you still think bed bugs have made their way into your clothes? Hereโs what to do next:
If you think some of your clothes have been exposed to bed bugs, donโt mix them with your other laundry. Put them in a sealed plastic bag and keep them away from the rest of your home until you can wash them.
Use heat to kill the bed bugs. Wash the suspected clothing on a high heat setting and dry it for at least 30 minutes on high. This will ensure that any bugs or eggs are thoroughly destroyed.
Donโt stop with your clothesโif bed bugs are in your wardrobe, they might have spread elsewhere in your room. Inspect your bed, furniture, and carpets for any signs of an infestation and treat them accordingly.
Itโs unlikely, but not impossible. Bed bugs prefer to lay their eggs in more stable environments, like mattresses, cracks in walls, or between floorboards. They donโt typically choose clothing, but if clothes are left in a pile for a while or stored in an infested area, bed bugs might lay eggs there. Thatโs why itโs so important to wash clothing regularly and keep your home clean and organised.
If youโve tried everything and bed bugs are still hanging around, itโs time to call in the experts. DIY treatments can help in the early stages, but bed bugs are notoriously hard to eliminate. At Thermopest, we offer professional treatments that tackle the problem head-on, ensuring bed bugs donโt spread to your clothes, home, or anywhere else.
Bed bugs may not live in your clothes like they do in mattresses or furniture, but that doesnโt mean your wardrobe is safe. With a few simple precautionsโlike washing your clothes on high heat, regularly inspecting your wardrobe, and storing your items carefullyโyou can keep these pests at bay.
And if you ever suspect that bed bugs have infiltrated your clothing or home, donโt waitโreach out to Thermopest. Weโre here to help you get rid of bed bugs for good, so you can keep your home (and your clothes) pest-free.
