Can You Bring Bedbugs Home on Your Clothes?
Bedbugs are small pests that can cause a lot of damage if they invade a home. Unfortunately, bedbugs can also infest clothes and be transported from place to place on them. Here’s what you need to know about bedbugs, your clothes, and how to prevent an infestation.
Bedbugs: What You Need to Know
Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) are small parasites that feed on the blood of animals, including humans. They are nocturnal, meaning they are more active at night. Bedbugs are known to hide in furniture, bedding, mattresses, bed frames, and clothing.
Can Bedbugs Live in Clothes?
Bedbugs commonly infest clothing and can live in them while they await their next meal. Bedbugs can live up to two months without food, so they can remain in clothes for that amount of time.
How to Prevent Infestation on Your Clothes
If you think you may have come into contact with bedbugs, there are ways you can protect your home from infestation:
- Wash your clothing immediately. It’s important to wash your clothing immediately to stop any bedbugs from hitching a ride on them. Use hot water (at least 120 degrees) and the highest heat setting on your dryer for at least 20 minutes.
- Vacuum your luggage. Vacuuming your luggage with a powerful handheld vacuum will remove any bedbugs that may have traveled with you.
- Inspect furniture, mattresses, and bedding. Bedbugs can easily hide in furniture, mattresses, and bedding, so it’s important to inspect them while they’re on your clothing.
- Steam your clothing. Bedbugs are killed by heat, so steaming your clothing is a good way to make sure all of the pests are killed.
Conclusion
It’s possible to bring bedbugs home on your clothes, so it’s important to take steps to prevent an infestation. Wash your clothing immediately in hot water, vacuum your luggage, inspect furniture, mattresses, and bedding, and steam your clothing to prevent bedbugs from infesting your home.