Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human or animal blood. They are mostly found in bedrooms, where they can hide in bedding, mattresses, and furniture. Despite their name, bed bugs can also be found in other places, such as movie theaters, public transportation, and hotels. One of the most common questions people ask about bed bugs is whether they can hitch a ride on their outfit. In this article, we’ll explore this question in detail, and provide you with some useful tips to avoid bringing these pesky insects home with you.
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that feed on blood. They are about the size of an apple seed, and are reddish-brown in color. Bed bugs usually come out at night to feed on their hosts, and can leave itchy, red welts on the skin. Bed bugs can also be identified by their distinctive, musty odor.
What are the signs of a bed bug infestation?
The signs of a bed bug infestation include: bites on the skin, blood spots on bedding or furniture, a musty odor, and the presence of bed bug skins or fecal droppings.
Can bed bugs travel on your clothes?
Yes, bed bugs can travel on your clothes, especially if you are in an infested area. Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, and can easily crawl onto your clothing or other belongings without being noticed. They can stay on your clothes for a long time, and can travel with you to other locations, such as your home or workplace.
How do bed bugs attach to clothing?
Bed bugs can attach to clothing in a number of ways. They can crawl onto your clothes while you are sitting or standing near an infested area, or they can be picked up from an infested item, such as a coat or a suitcase. Bed bugs can also hitch a ride on other people’s clothes, such as your friend’s or your co-worker’s.
How can you prevent bed bugs from traveling on your clothes?
Inspect your clothing
Before leaving an infested area, inspect your clothing and other belongings for any signs of bed bugs. Look for live bugs, fecal stains, or shed skins. If you find any signs of bed bugs, immediately remove and isolate the infested items in a sealed plastic bag.
Use a bed bug spray
You can also use a bed bug spray to kill any hitchhiking bed bugs on your clothing or other belongings. Look for a spray that contains pyrethoids, which are insecticides that are effective against bed bugs.
Wash your clothes
If you suspect that your clothes or other belongings have been exposed to bed bugs, wash them in hot water (at least 120°F) and dry them on high heat. This will kill any bed bugs or eggs that may be hiding in your clothing.
Store your clothes in sealed bags
If you are traveling or staying in an infested area, store your clothes in sealed plastic bags to prevent bed bugs from getting inside. You can also use a portable garment steamer to kill any bed bugs that may be hiding in your clothing.
Conclusion
Bed bugs are a common problem, especially in crowded areas like hotels and public transportation. While it is possible for bed bugs to hitch a ride on your clothes, there are several steps you can take to prevent this from happening. By inspecting your clothing, using a bed bug spray, washing your clothes, and storing them in sealed bags, you can reduce the likelihood of bringing these pesky insects home with you.
FAQs
- Can bed bugs live on clothes you’re wearing?
- What should you do if you find bed bugs on your clothes?
- Can bed bugs travel on shoes?
- Can bed bugs survive in the washing machine?
- Can bed bugs survive in the dryer?
Bed bugs can hide on clothing, but they cannot live on clothing. They need to feed on blood, which they can only obtain by biting the skin.
If you find bed bugs on your clothes, immediately remove and isolate the infested items in a sealed plastic bag. Wash your clothes in hot water (at least 120°F) and dry them on high heat. Use a bed bug spray on any other belongings that may have been exposed to bed bugs.
Yes, bed bugs can also hitchhike on shoes. They can crawl onto the bottom of your shoes and stay there for a long time, until they find a new host.
Yes, bed bugs can survive in the washing machine, unless the water temperature is at least 120°F. If you suspect that your clothes or other belongings have been exposed to bed bugs, wash them in hot water (at least 120°F) and dry them on high heat.
No, bed bugs cannot survive in the dryer, as long as the temperature is at least 120°F. You should dry your clothes on high heat for at least 30 minutes to kill any bed bugs or eggs that may be hiding in your clothing.
References
1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Bed Bugs: Get Them Out and Keep Them Out.” Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Bed Bugs FAQs.” Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/bedbugs/faqs.html