Can Bed Bugs Bite Through Clothes?
Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed on our blood while we sleep and can cause unpleasant, itchy bites. But can they bite through clothes?
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small parasitic insects found worldwide. They feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded hosts such as humans, birds, and other mammals. Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown, and about the size of a lentil. They hide in mattresses, cracks and crevices in the walls, furniture, and other places when not feeding.
Do Bed Bugs Bite Through Clothes?
Bed bugs can bite through clothes in some instances, but that doesn’t mean that they always will. While they can bite through certain fabrics, they often prefer exposed skin. They can also bite through thin fabrics such as t-shirts and lightweight sheets.
However, thicker fabrics like denim and flannel are harder to bite through, making them more effective at preventing bites. Though typically, bed bugs will travel along the seams of clothing rather than directly through the fabric.
Preventing Bed Bug Bites Through Clothes
If you’re worried about bed bug bites, there are some steps you can take to make sure they stay away. Here are some tips for preventing bed bugs from biting through your clothes:
- Wash clothes regularly. Wash any clothes that may have been exposed to bed bugs in hot water and dry them on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Use bed bug repellent when traveling. There are sprays, powders, and other insect repellents specifically designed to keep bed bugs at bay.
- Check hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs before unpacking. If you find any, request a different room or move to a different hotel.
- Seal any cracks or crevices in your home where bed bugs could hide. You can also use bed bug interceptors, which are specially designed to trap bed bugs as they try to climb up onto your bed.
Conclusion
Bed bugs can bite through some fabrics, but usually prefer exposed skin. To reduce your risk of getting bitten, make sure to wash your clothes regularly, use insect repellent when traveling, check hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs, and seal any cracks in your home.