Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown parasitic insects that survive by feeding on human blood. These pests are known for hiding in mattresses, furniture, and clothing, making them difficult to detect and eliminate. Unlike other household pests, bed bugs do not fly or jump but spread quickly by attaching themselves to fabrics, luggage, and personal belongings.
When bed bugs infest clothing, they can be especially troublesome. Removing them requires more than a simple wash since they hide in seams, folds, and pockets. If left untreated, bed bugs can continue spreading to other areas of your home.
Can Bed Bugs Live in Clothes?
Bed bugs can hide in clothing but not permanently live there. Unlike mattresses and furniture, where they find stable hiding spots, clothing is a temporary refuge for bed bugs, especially when left in cluttered piles, suitcases, or laundry baskets.
Where Bed Bugs Hide in Clothing
Bed bugs prefer tight, hidden spaces in fabrics where they are less likely to be disturbed. Common hiding spots include:
- Seams and stitching of garments
- Folds, cuffs, and collars of shirts and jackets
- Pockets and linings of pants, coats, and bags
Since bed bugs are nocturnal and avoid light, they often settle in areas where clothing is stored rather than actively worn.
How Long Can Bed Bugs Survive on Fabric?
Bed bugs can survive without feeding for several weeks to months, depending on the temperature and humidity. While they typically feed every 5 to 10 days, they can endure up to a year in extreme conditions without a blood meal.
Do Bed Bugs Lay Eggs on Clothes?
Bed bugs prefer to lay eggs in the crevices of furniture, walls, and mattresses. However, they may deposit eggs on clothing in severe infestations, particularly in dark, undisturbed areas such as stored garments, folded laundry, or dresser drawers. Each female bed bug can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime.
Identifying Bed Bugs in Clothes
Bed bugs are small and excellent at hiding, making them difficult to detect in clothing. However, their presence leaves visible signs, which can help confirm an infestation.
Signs of Infestation
If bed bugs are hiding in your clothes, you may notice the following:
- Tiny black fecal spots – Small, dark stains caused by digested blood.
- Blood stains on fabric – Reddish-brown spots from crushed bed bugs.
- Shed skins and eggshells – Translucent exoskeletons left behind as bed bugs grow.
- A musty odour in infested clothing – A distinct, unpleasant smell caused by bed bug pheromones.
These signs are often more noticeable on light-coloured fabrics, making early detection easier.
How to Check for Bed Bugs in Clothes
To determine if your clothing is infested, follow these steps:
- Inspect seams and folds – Focus on stitching, cuffs, and hidden creases where bed bugs can hide.
- Use a flashlight for hidden areas – Shine a light to detect movement or small clusters of bed bugs.
- Shake garments over a white surface – This helps dislodge any bed bugs, making them easier to spot.
How to Remove Bed Bugs from Clothes Step by Step
Once you have identified bed bugs in your clothing, immediate action is necessary to eliminate them effectively. Follow these step-by-step methods to ensure your clothes are completely bed bug-free.
Step 1: Separate and Contain Infested Clothes
Before handling infested clothing, take precautions to prevent the spread of bed bugs:
- Use sealed plastic bags to transport clothing to the laundry. This prevents bed bugs from escaping and infesting other areas.
- Do not shake clothes indoors, as this can dislodge bed bugs and spread them to furniture, carpets, and bedding.
- Sort clothes based on fabric type to prepare for the appropriate treatment (washing, freezing, or steaming).
Step 2: Wash Clothes at High Temperature
Heat is one of the most effective ways to kill bed bugs in clothing.
- Use hot water (at least 60°C or 140°F) to destroy both bed bugs and their eggs.
- Add detergent and optional insecticidal laundry additives for enhanced effectiveness.
- Avoid overloading the washing machine to ensure even heat distribution.
Step 3: Dry Clothes on High Heat
While washing kills bed bugs, drying clothes at high temperatures is even more effective.
- Tumble dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes to eliminate any surviving bed bugs.
- Extend the drying time to 60 minutes for thicker fabrics.
- Do not air-dry infested clothes, as bed bugs can survive in damp fabric.
Step 4: Freeze Non-Washable Clothes
For delicate fabrics that cannot withstand high temperatures, freezing is a safe alternative.
- Place clothes in sealed plastic bags before putting them in the freezer.
- Keep items at -18°C (0°F) or lower for at least 4 days to kill all bed bugs and eggs.
- Do not remove items immediately—allow them to reach room temperature gradually to prevent fabric damage.
Step 5: Use Steam Treatment for Tough Fabrics
Some fabrics, such as coats and upholstery, may not be suitable for washing or freezing. In this case, steam treatment is an effective method.
- Use a steam cleaner that produces heat above 120°F (49°C) to kill bed bugs instantly.
- Move the steam cleaner slowly over clothing to ensure prolonged heat exposure.
- Avoid excessive moisture, as damp fabrics can develop mould if not dried properly.
Step 6: Store Clean Clothes Properly
To prevent re-infestation, take these storage precautions:
- Seal clean clothes in vacuum bags until the infestation is fully eliminated.
- Store clothing in a different location from the previously infested area.
- Regularly inspect storage spaces for any signs of lingering bed bugs.
Preventing Bed Bugs from Infesting Clothes Again
Preventive measures are essential to stop future infestations even after successfully removing bed bugs from clothing. Bed bugs can easily spread through travel, second-hand clothing, and cluttered storage areas. Here are effective ways to keep them away from your clothes.
1. Regularly Wash and Heat-Dry Clothes
- If you live in an infested area or suspect exposure to bed bugs, wash and dry clothes at high temperatures frequently.
- To kill potential bed bugs, use a hot water setting (60°C or 140°F) and high-heat drying.
- Avoid leaving piles of clothes on the floor, as this provides hiding spots for bed bugs.
2. Store Luggage and Clothes in Sealed Bags When Traveling
- Bed bugs often spread through hotels, airplanes, and public transport.
- Keep your luggage in sealed plastic bags or bedbug-proof covers when travelling.
- When returning home, unpack outside or in a laundry room, and wash travel clothes immediately.
3. Inspect Second-Hand Clothing Before Bringing It Home
- Thrift stores, garage sales, and donated clothes can sometimes carry hidden bed bugs.
- Before purchasing second-hand clothing, inspect seams, pockets, and folds for signs of bed bugs.
- Wash and heat-treat any second-hand clothes before storing or wearing them.
4. Use Bed Bug-Proof Laundry Hampers and Storage Bins
- Store clothes in sealed plastic bins or vacuum-sealed bags to prevent bed bug access.
- Use bed bug-proof laundry hampers made of smooth materials to reduce hiding spots.
- Avoid using fabric laundry baskets, as bed bugs can easily hide in the weave.
When to Call a Professional Exterminator?
Professional intervention is necessary if bed bugs have spread beyond clothing to mattresses, furniture, or carpets. While DIY methods may eliminate bed bugs from clothes, persistent infestations often indicate hidden colonies in walls, electrical outlets, or upholstery. If bed bugs keep returning despite repeated treatments or if multiple rooms are affected, our licensed pest control experts in Toronto can provide targeted solutions like heat treatments or fumigation to ensure complete eradication.
If bed bug bites cause severe allergic reactions, skin infections, or discomfort, seeking professional help is the safest option. Our experts can identify the extent of the infestation and apply specialized treatments that are more effective than household methods. Early extermination prevents the infestation from worsening, saving time, effort, and potential health risks.
