Can Bed Bugs Travel on Clothes?

While the thought of bed bugs might bring up images of cheap hotels and used furniture, these persistent pests can hitch a ride and get into your home in various unexpected ways. Here at Bed Bug Specialist, we understand the anxiety these blood-sucking insects can cause. Not to mention that although bed bugs don’t transmit disease, their bites can still cause serious health issues. So, can bed bugs travel on clothes? The answer is yes, but with proper precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of bringing them into your home.

Bed bugs are crafty hitchhikers capable of infiltrating your home through various means. While hotels and used furniture are common culprits, bed bugs won’t hesitate to jump onto clothes if presented with the opportunity. Here are some everyday situations where your clothes could become unwitting carriers:

• Hotels and vacation rentals: Hotel rooms, especially older establishments with high turnover, can harbour hidden bed bug populations. These pests can easily crawl onto luggage or clothing left on beds, chairs, or the floor.
• Offices: Shared workspaces with fabric chairs and cubicles can provide hiding spots for bed bugs. If you suspect an infestation at your office, be cautious about hanging your coat on potentially infested furniture.
• Shared laundry facilities: Blocks of flats or laundromats with shared washing machines and dryers can harbour bed bugs. Leaving your clothes unattended for extended periods in these areas increases the risk of bed bugs transferring from infested laundry to your belongings.
• Gyms and locker rooms: Gym lockers and benches can serve as temporary havens for bed bugs. Storing your clothes in a gym locker for long periods can increase the risk of them becoming infested.
• Vintage stores: While vintage finds can be treasures, they might also come with unwelcome hitchhikers. Be wary of purchasing second-hand clothes, suitcases, or purses that show signs of wear and tear, as these could harbour bed bugs. The same applies to used furniture.
• Moving and relocation: Used cardboard boxes and dirty transportation vans can harbour bed bugs. Thoroughly inspect any used boxes before packing your belongings, and consider cleaning the rental moving van before loading your clothes and furniture, especially if it has been used for multiple relocations.
• Storage units: If you need to store belongings in a storage unit, be cautious about the cleanliness of the facility. Check the unit for signs of bed bugs before placing your items inside.
• Public transportation: While less likely than other scenarios, bed bugs can potentially crawl onto clothing from infested seats on public buses, trains, or aeroplanes.
• Movie theatres and libraries: Though uncommon, bed bugs can crawl onto clothes from infested seats in movie theatres or libraries.

Unfortunately, this list isn’t exhaustive. Bed bugs are opportunistic pests and can exploit any situation where they can access a potential food source (human blood).

Read also: What Do Bed Bugs Look Like

While bed bug activity is on the rise in London, there’s no need to panic. There are still ways to protect your clothes and prevent infestations. Here are some proactive steps you can take:

• Inspect your hotel room: To avoid bringing bed bugs home when travelling, always check for any signs of bed bugs upon arriving at a hotel. Look for live bugs, shed skin, or dark spots on mattresses, box springs, headboards, and furniture seams. If you see anything suspicious, request a different room or consider alternative accommodation.
• Pack clothes in sealed bags: When travelling, pack your clothes in sealed plastic bags. This creates a barrier against potential hitchhikers and provides additional peace of mind.
• Be careful at work: If you work in an office with shared furniture, consider keeping your jacket or coat in a garment bag to minimise contact with potentially infested furniture.
• Protect your luggage at hotels: Avoid leaving your bags directly on the floor or in wardrobes. Instead, keep them on a luggage stand away from the wall and bed.
• Protect your laundry in shared facilities: Don’t leave your clothes unattended for extended periods. Wash and dry your laundry as soon as the cycle finishes and transfer them to a sealed bag.
• Quarantine vintage finds: If you purchase vintage clothing, consider quarantining it in a sealed plastic bag for a few days in a secluded space. Check the item for signs of bed bugs, and wash it at high temperatures before integrating it into your wardrobe.
• Washing and ironing at high temperatures: Always wash your clothes on a hot cycle (ideally above 50°C) after travelling or using shared laundry facilities. Ironing your clothes in a high-heat setting can also provide added reassurance.
• Unpack your luggage with caution: Upon returning home from a trip, unpack your luggage on a white sheet in a well-lit area, preferably outside the house. You can use your bathroom if you don’t have a suitable outdoor space. The light surface makes it easier to spot any bed bugs that might have hitchhiked a ride.

Read also: How to Inspect Second-Hand Furniture for Bed Bugs?

Even with the best precautions, there’s always a chance of bed bugs entering your home on clothes, luggage, or second-hand items. Here are some additional steps to prevent a full-blown infestation:

• Maintain a clean and tidy home: Clutter provides ideal hiding spots for bed bugs. Regularly declutter your home and vacuum thoroughly, paying close attention to furniture, mattresses, and baseboards.
• Inspect your home regularly: Don’t wait until you suspect an infestation to check for signs of infestation. Look for signs of bed bugs, such as live insects, shed skins, bed bug droppings on mattresses, and a musty odour, particularly around sleeping areas.
• Be careful with new arrivals: Whether it’s a new second-hand purchase or a package delivery, consider quarantining these items before bringing them into your home because bed bugs can survive surprisingly long without food. Also, check all packages and boxes for tears, cracks, and unusual smells — this can save you a lot of trouble, not only with bed bugs but also with other pests.

Even with the best precautions, bed bugs can still find their way into your home. A single adult female can lay thousands of eggs, leading to a more serious problem.

If you notice any signs of a bed bug infestation, don’t hesitate to contact Bed Bug Specialist London. We are certified by Basis PROMPT and the National Pest Technician Association, and we use safe and efficient methods to eliminate bed bugs and prevent future infestations. We’ll provide a thorough inspection, develop a customised treatment plan and valuable advice on preventing reinfestation.