Can Bed Bugs Hide in Clothes?
Bed bugs are a notorious nuisance and can cause embarrassment, discomfort and sleepless nights. Typically, when we think of bed bugs, we think of living in our beds—but do they also hide in our clothes? Here’s what you need to know.
Do Bed Bugs Hide in Clothes?
Yes, bed bugs can hide in clothes. Bed bugs are small and flat which makes them well suited to hide in tiny cracks and crevices, such as the seams of your clothes. Additionally, they like to hide close to where their food source is and since people spend a lot of their time in clothes, they can be a great hiding spot.
Where Do Bed Bugs Hide in Clothes?
Bed bugs are able to easily take advantage of clothing because of its many hiding spots. They can hide in the seams, folds, and pockets of garments, as well as within the fibers of the fabric itself. Additionally, if the garment has been sitting idle for a substantial amount of time, such as a rarely worn coat or an item stored in a dark area for a long time, these can be great favorites for these bugs to inhabit.
How Can You Look for Bed Bugs in Clothes?
Bed bugs are small, elusive and difficult to find. It is best to inspect clothes periodically in order to catch any signs of an infestation. To do this, search through the crevices of the seams and folds of the clothing, making sure to check between the buttons. Additionally, look for signs of eggs, droppings or dead bugs. If any of these are spotted, it is a sign of an infestation, and the article of clothing needs to be inspected more carefully.
Signs of Bed Bugs on Clothes
There are several tell-tale signs of a bed bug infestation in your garments. Because bed bugs feed off of human blood, look for any dark-colored spots, as these could be signs of dried blood from their meals. Additionally, if you’re noticing a sweet musty smell, this could be coming from the bugs’ pheromones.
The Bottom Line
Bed bugs can hide in our clothes and lead to an infestation. Therefore, it’s important to take the necessary steps to prevent them from entering our homes and to regularly inspect our clothes for signs of them. If you do happen to notice any signs of bed bugs, you should take preventive actions and seek the help of a professional right away.