Can Bed Bugs Be in Clothes?
Bed bugs are tiny, parasitic insects that feed on human blood. They often hide in furniture, mattresses and other areas of the home. But can they also be found in clothes?
Do Bed Bugs Crawl into Clothing?
Bedbugs don’t usually live in clothing. However, they can crawl into fabric and fabrics like wool, silk and linen can give them a hiding spot. This means that it is possible for bedbugs to end up in your clothing.
How to Tell if Clothes Have Bed Bugs
If you think that your clothes may have bedbugs, there are a few ways you can tell. Firstly, look closely at the fabric and check for signs of small blood spots. Be sure to look in any creases or folds in the fabric, as this is where the bugs will hide. Secondly, check for small, dark spots on the fabric, which indicate bedbug droppings.
Preventing Bed Bug Infestations in Clothing
There are a few steps you can take to prevent bed bugs from entering your clothing:
- Check second-hand clothing: Always inspect second-hand clothing closely before bringing it into the house. Bedbugs may have been introduced to fabrics in this way.
- Vacuum regularly: Vacuuming your home regularly can help reduce the number of bedbugs in the house.
- Wash clothes regularly: Regularly washing clothes at a high temperature – above 55°C – can help get rid of bed bugs.
- Regularly check your clothes: Checking your clothes for signs of bed bug infestations can help you spot any issues early on.
In conclusion, bed bugs can sometimes find their way into clothing, but there are steps you can take to prevent and get rid of infestations. Regularly vacuum, wash and check your clothing to ensure that your home is free of bed bugs.