As a homeowner, one of the most important questions I have is “how long do bed bugs live on clothes?” Knowing the answer to this question can be essential in identifying and eliminating a bed bug infestation. In this article, I’ll discuss the lifespan of bed bugs on clothes and what you can do to prevent them from infesting your home and clothing.
What are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, flat, wingless insects that are brown in color and have an oval-shaped body. They feed solely on the blood of humans and animals, and are typically active at night when people are asleep. Bed bugs measure about the size of an apple seed and can be found in mattress seams, sheets, box springs, and other places where people sleep. They can also live in furniture, baseboards, and other cracks and crevices.
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | About the size of an apple seed |
| Shape | Flat and oval-shaped |
| Color | Brown |
| Food | Blood from humans and animals |
| Habitats | Mattress seams, sheets, box springs, furniture, baseboards, and other cracks and crevices |
Bed bugs are most active at night when they come out to feed on the blood of humans and animals. They typically enter a home through clothing, bedding, luggage, or furniture, and they can quickly spread from room to room. They usually hide during the day and come out at night to feed.
How do Bed Bugs Get on Clothes?
Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers and can easily get onto a person’s clothing. They can attach themselves to clothing while people are traveling on public transportation, staying in hotel rooms, or visiting friends and family. Bed bugs can also crawl onto clothing when people sit on furniture or beds that have bed bugs. These small bugs can then be transferred to other locations and infestations can spread quickly. In addition, bed bugs can be brought into a home on second-hand clothing and furniture, as they are capable of living in items for a long time.
To avoid bringing bed bugs into the home, it is important to inspect second-hand items and to check hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs, such as shed skins, eggs, and fecal spots. Clothing should also be washed immediately after returning from a trip, as this can help to remove any bed bugs that may have attached themselves to the fabric.
Bed Bug Life Cycle
- I begin life as an egg, which I lay in cracks and crevices near a food source. The egg hatches into a nymph, which is similar in appearance to an adult, but much smaller.
- As a nymph, I must molt five times before reaching adulthood. After each successful molt, I become larger and develop darker coloration.
- Once I reach adulthood, I am capable of reproducing. I feed on human blood and can live up to 12 months if I have a consistent food source.
- I typically feed every five to ten days, but I can go longer without feeding if necessary.
- I can lay up to 200 eggs in my lifetime, and the eggs hatch into nymphs in about 10 days.
Bed bugs are resilient pests that can survive for long periods of time without food. They can live on clothes for several days, depending on the temperature, humidity, and the availability of a food source.
How Long Do Bed Bugs Live on Clothes?
Bed bugs are known to live anywhere from 1 to 6 months on clothes. The amount of time they can survive on clothes depends on the temperature, humidity, and the type of fabric. Clothes made of natural fibers like cotton tend to be more hospitable for bed bugs and they can live longer on them than on synthetic fabrics like polyester.
At room temperature, bed bugs are able to survive for up to a month on clothes. If the temperature is cooler, they can live up to six months. The higher the humidity, the longer they can survive. Bed bugs need moisture to survive and thrive, so the more humid it is, the longer they can survive on clothes.
Bed bugs can also survive on clothes that are stored away in closets and drawers. They can live for several months in these places if there is enough food and moisture. It’s important to keep clothes in sealed plastic bags or containers to keep bed bugs from accessing them.
Ultimately, the key to preventing a bed bug infestation is to be vigilant about checking for signs of bed bugs in your home. Regularly inspect your clothes for any signs of bed bugs, such as tiny spots of blood or droppings. If you find any, take immediate action to exterminate the bugs before they can spread.
Factors That Affect How Long Bed Bugs Can Live on Clothes
Bed bugs have the ability to survive on clothes for a certain period of time depending on certain factors. Here are some of the factors that affect how long bed bugs can live on clothes:
- Temperature: Bed bugs can withstand temperatures up to 113°F, but they will die at temperatures above 120°F. Lower temperatures will also cause them to go dormant, which will slow down their metabolism and lengthen their lifespan.
- Humidity: Bed bugs require a certain level of humidity in order to survive. If the humidity is too low, they will dehydrate and die. If the humidity is too high, they will be unable to breathe and die.
- Fabric Type: Different fabrics provide different levels of protection from bed bugs. For example, bed bugs can live on cotton for up to 10 days, but they will die on wool within a few hours.
- Airtightness: Bed bugs require air to survive, so if the clothing is sealed in a plastic bag or container, they will not be able to survive for long.
- Insecticides: Insecticides are effective in killing bed bugs on clothing. However, some insecticides may be ineffective against certain bed bug species, so it is important to use the right insecticide for the job.
By taking these factors into account, it is possible to determine how long bed bugs can live on clothes.
How to Check Your Closet for Bed Bugs
Before dealing with bed bugs, it’s best to confirm their presence. To check for bed bugs in your closet, here’s what you should do:
Start by looking for signs of the insects. Bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed and are reddish-brown in color. They can be found on clothing, in seams, and around buttons or zippers. Inspect around windows, doors, and the edges of your closet. Also, look for small dark spots of bed bug excrement on your clothing.
Next, check for bed bug eggs. Bed bug eggs are about the size of a pinhead and are white or off-white in color. They are usually found in tight places like around baseboards, in the crevices of furniture, and in the folds of clothing.
Finally, it’s important to note that bed bug infestations are not always visible. If you suspect an infestation, consider hiring an exterminator to confirm.
By checking your closet for bed bugs, you can determine if you have an infestation and take the necessary steps to get rid of them.
Tips to Prevent Bed Bugs from Living on Clothes
- Keep your clothes clean and dry. Wash and dry your clothes regularly, especially after travelling.
- Store clothes in sealed plastic bags or containers. This will help prevent bed bugs from getting in and laying eggs in the fabric.
- Vacuum your closets regularly. Vacuuming will help remove any bed bugs that may be living in the fabric.
- Inspect your mattress and bedding for bed bugs. Check for any signs of bed bugs or their eggs and treat the area accordingly.
- Get rid of any clutter that could be a hiding place for bed bugs. Clutter can provide an ideal environment for bed bugs to hide and breed.
- Avoid bringing second-hand clothes and furniture into your home. Bed bugs can easily hitch a ride on these items and start an infestation.
- Check your clothes for bed bugs after travelling. Bed bugs can easily hide in suitcases and clothing, so check your luggage and clothing for any signs of bed bugs.
- Wash and dry all clothes at a high temperature to kill any bed bugs. The heat from the washing machine and dryer will kill any bed bugs that may be living on your clothing.
- Keep an eye out for any signs of bed bugs. Look for small, reddish-brown bugs or tiny dark spots on your clothing or other fabric items.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my clothes have been infested by bed bugs?
Bed bugs leave behind certain signs to indicate an infestation. Look for small, rust-colored spots on bedding and mattresses, as these are bed bug droppings. You may also find bed bug eggshells, which are tiny and white. Check your clothes for small, brown or reddish bugs or look for live or dead bed bugs in the seams of your clothing. If you suspect an infestation, contact a pest control specialist to inspect and treat the area.
What steps should I take to prevent bed bugs from infesting my clothes?
Regularly wash and dry clothes on the highest heat setting to kill any bed bugs or eggs. Vacuum suitcases, bags, and other items that have been in contact with bed bugs. Keep clothes off the floor and avoid second-hand furniture. Inspect bedding and furniture regularly for signs of bed bugs. Install bed bug-proof covers on mattresses, box springs, and pillows. Vacuum and steam clean carpets regularly.
Are there any signs of bed bugs that I should look for on my clothes?
Bed bugs can leave small blood spots on clothing, which can be hard to distinguish from other stains. Look for small, rust-coloured spots on clothing that may be bed bug excrement. Bed bugs also leave skin casts or yellowish eggs on clothing. It is important to check clothing, bedding, and furniture for any signs of an infestation.
Can bed bugs survive on clothes for a long period of time?
Bed bugs can survive on clothes for extended periods of time due to their unique ability to enter an inactive state when food or other resources are not available. This means they can remain dormant in clothing for long periods of time, and become active again when food is available. This is why it is important to completely clean and dry clothes before storing them, as bed bugs may become active again once the items are disturbed.
Are There Any Treatments I Can Use To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs On My Clothes?
Heat treatment is the most effective method to get rid of bed bugs from clothes and other items. Items can be placed in a dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be washed should be placed in a plastic bag and placed in a freezer for 4 days. Vacuuming can also help remove bed bugs, although it is not a guaranteed method of elimination. Insecticides may also be used, but should be used as a last resort.
Conclusion
Bed bugs are capable of living on clothes for several days, usually up to five days, depending on the temperature and humidity. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly inspect any clothing or bedding that may have been exposed to bed bugs and act quickly to prevent an infestation. Washing clothing and bedding in hot water and drying on a high heat setting are effective ways to kill bed bugs and prevent them from spreading. It is also important to vacuum any infested area to prevent the spread of bed bugs.
