How Bed Bugs Travel on Clothes: Risks, Prevention, and Actionable Solutions

By Rebecca WilliamsLast Updated July 31, 2025

Understanding the Risk: Can Bed Bugs Travel on Clothes?

Bed bugs are notorious for their ability to move from one location to another, often going undetected until an infestation has taken hold. One of the most common concerns is whether bed bugs can travel on clothing, and if so, how easily this happens and what steps can be taken to avoid bringing these unwelcome pests home.

According to pest control experts, bed bugs do not live on clothing in the way that lice or fleas might. Instead, they use clothes as a convenient means of transportation, hitching a ride from infested environments to new locations [1] . They prefer dark, stable hiding places like mattresses and furniture, but if you leave your clothes in an infested area, bed bugs can crawl onto them and travel with you [1] [4] .

How Bed Bugs Use Clothing to Spread

Bed bugs are not able to jump or fly. Their movement relies entirely on crawling, making human activity one of the primary ways they spread between homes, hotels, public transportation, and workplaces [4] . When you visit an infested area, such as a hotel room or a friend’s home, bed bugs may attach themselves to your clothing, luggage, or personal belongings [5] . They are especially likely to hide on items that are left undisturbed for extended periods, such as jackets, scarves, or suitcases [1] .

While bed bugs do not seek out your skin or hair, they can remain on clothing for several hours, and sometimes up to a full day if the conditions are right [2] . However, they do not generally stay on a moving host for long, preferring to find a secure hiding spot once you arrive at your destination.

Real-World Examples and Common Scenarios

Consider the case of a traveler staying in a hotel with a known bed bug problem. If clothing is placed on the bed or floor, bed bugs may crawl onto these items and remain there until the clothing is packed away. When the traveler returns home, the bugs can move from the suitcase or laundry into closets, drawers, or even beds [3] . Similar scenarios occur in public transport, college dormitories, or workplaces where infestations may not be immediately obvious.

In another example, secondhand clothing or furniture brought into the home without proper inspection can introduce bed bugs. These pests are adept at hiding in seams, folds, or dark corners, making them difficult to spot until their numbers grow.

Step-by-Step Guidance to Reduce the Risk

If you believe you have been in an environment where bed bugs are present, there are specific steps you can take to minimize the risk of bringing them home:

Inspect Clothing and Luggage: Before leaving a hotel, friend’s house, or any infested area, examine your clothing, luggage, and other personal items for signs of bed bugs. Look for small brown or reddish insects, dark spots (excrement), or shed skins [3] .
Handle Laundry Carefully: Upon returning home, immediately place potentially exposed clothing in a sealed plastic bag. Wash clothes in hot water (at least 120Â°F/49Â°C) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes, as high temperatures are effective at killing bed bugs and their eggs [3] .
Use Luggage Stands: When traveling, avoid placing your suitcase or clothing on beds or floors. Use a luggage rack or keep bags off the ground to reduce the chance of bed bugs crawling onto your belongings.
Declutter and Store Properly: Keep closets, drawers, and storage areas organized and free from clutter. Bed bugs are less likely to infest areas that are regularly disturbed and cleaned [4] .
Inspect Secondhand Items: If you purchase used clothing or furniture, thoroughly inspect and, if possible, treat these items before bringing them inside.
Use Sealed Containers: Store off-season clothing or linens in tightly sealed plastic containers to reduce hiding places for bed bugs.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

One challenge many people face is that bed bugs are extremely difficult to detect in small numbers. Their ability to hide in tiny crevices means that even a careful inspection can miss some bugs or eggs. To address this, consider the following solutions:

Professional Inspection: If you suspect an infestation, contact a reputable pest control company for a thorough inspection. Professionals are trained to spot signs of bed bugs and can recommend effective treatment options [4] .
Regular Monitoring: Use bed bug interceptors under bed legs and inspect them regularly. These devices can help detect early infestations before they become severe.
Ongoing Prevention: Maintain a regular cleaning routine, pay attention to travel habits, and educate others in your household or workplace about bed bug prevention.

Alternative Approaches and Additional Strategies

In addition to the steps above, there are alternative approaches that can help minimize the risk of bed bugs using clothing as a means of travel:

Portable Heating Units: Some travelers use portable heating devices specifically designed to treat luggage and clothing, which can offer additional peace of mind after visiting high-risk areas.
Protective Covers: Encase mattresses and box springs in protective covers designed to prevent bed bugs from taking up residence. This doesn’t stop them from traveling on clothes but can help contain infestations [3] .
Shared Laundry Precautions: If you use shared laundry facilities, transport clothes in sealed bags and remove them from dryers immediately. Fold clothes at home to limit exposure [3] .

What to Do If You Suspect Exposure

If you think you may have brought bed bugs home on your clothes, act quickly:

Isolate potentially infested clothing in sealed bags.
Launder all items on high heat as soon as possible.
Inspect luggage, purses, and personal items thoroughly.
Monitor your home for additional signs of bed bugs, such as bites or visible insects in bedding and furniture.

If you discover an infestation, contact a licensed pest control professional. You can find certified providers by searching for “local pest control bed bug specialists” or by contacting your state’s department of agriculture or consumer protection agency for recommendations. If you live in an apartment, notify your landlord or property manager promptly, as building-wide infestations may require coordinated treatment.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Bed bugs are skilled hitchhikers, capable of traveling on clothing for several hours and using this method to spread between locations. While they do not live on clothes long-term, the risk of transport is real, especially after visits to infested areas or when handling secondhand items. Proactive inspection, careful handling of laundry, and swift action at the first sign of exposure are the best ways to prevent bed bugs from making your home theirs. If you suspect an infestation, seek professional help and follow all recommended steps to contain and eliminate the problem.