Bed bugs’ flat bodies are built for hiding in tight spaces: mattress seams, bed frames, baseboards, and yes, the folds and seams of clothing. Find out how to spot the signs of bed bugs on your clothing, and what to do if you think you have bed bugs.
Bed bugs don't live on your body the way lice do. They prefer to stay close to a food source (you) but retreat to a dark hiding spot after feeding. Clothing left on the floor, draped over a chair, or packed in a suitcase near an infested area can easily become a temporary refuge. From there, they hitch a ride to wherever you go next. Most people don't realize they're transporting them until an infestation has already taken hold somewhere new.
Signs that bed bugs may be present in your clothing or luggage include:
If you're also waking up with small, itchy bites in a line or cluster on exposed skin, that's another sign worth taking seriously. It is extremely difficult to identify bed bugs by their bites, though. A professional inspection can help confirm the presence of bed bugs.
Call now to book your free inspection.
If you think you've been exposed to bed bugs — after travel, a hotel stay, or a visit to anywhere with an infestation — there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of bringing them home.
These steps can help reduce the risk of bringing bed bugs home, but they're not a guarantee. If bed bugs have already entered your home or business, Ehrlich can help. Our technicians are experts in bed bug control and commercial pest management.
So if you think you’ve spotted bed bugs, book a free inspection today. Our technicians can help confirm the presence of these pests and propose a tailored bed bug control solution.
Bed bugs don't typically set up a permanent home in clothing. They prefer stable, undisturbed hiding spots close to where people sleep. However, clothing stored in an infested room can harbor bed bugs for extended periods.
It's possible, but not very common. Bed bugs can crawl from one person's clothing to another's if people are in close contact in an infested area. They don't jump or fly, so direct transfer requires close proximity.
Hot water washing followed by a high-heat dryer cycle can help kill bed bugs on clothing. The heat is the key factor — cold or warm washes are less reliable. For a confirmed infestation, washing clothes alone won't resolve the problem; professional treatment is needed.
Check your luggage and clothing carefully after any trip. Look for small dark spots, shed skins, or live bugs in seams and folds. If you develop unexplained bites after returning home, it's worth arranging a professional inspection.
There's no set time limit — a bed bug can stay on your clothing for hours if it's undisturbed. That said, bed bugs don't jump or fly, and they prefer stillness and darkness over a moving host. Bed bugs are unlikely to cling to clothes you’re actively wearing, unless you remain still for an extended period of time.
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