Can Bed Bugs Stay on Your Clothes All Day?
WouterIf you suspect that you have a bedbug infestation, it’s important to wash your clothes right away. If you haven’t done so, be sure to sort them into piles before you put them in the washing machine. If possible, sort them by category so you don’t mix them up. You should also run the clothes through the dryer for at least 30 minutes. Afterward, you can either take them to a dry cleaner or store them in plastic bags. Once the clothes are in plastic bags, make sure to seal them, as this will keep the bedbugs from moving. Also, follow the washing instructions and select the highest temperature and appropriate cycle for your clothes.
Unlike mosquitoes, bedbugs can’t bite through pajamas. Their mouths are similar to those of mosquitoes and are designed to reach the blood vessels under the skin. While the bugs can’t penetrate the fabric of your pajamas, they can feed on the carbon dioxide in your sweat. In addition, tight pajamas tend to rumple when you sleep, exposing more skin than you might realize. So, if you have tight pajamas, you should consider wearing a pair that is looser. This way, the bugs can’t easily hide in your pajamas.
If you’re not able to remove bedbugs from your clothes, you don’t have to toss them. But you should make sure to identify any places where they’ve been living, and inspect your clothes carefully. If you’re traveling, be sure to avoid bringing your clothes on planes or trains if possible. Make sure to check your bag before you leave the house, and avoid touching anything that might be contaminated with bedbugs.
