Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Reader questions (do not fit into other categories)
Clothing hitch-hikers?
(5 posts)-
OutOutDarnBugs
member
Joined: Feb '09
Posts: 164
Posted 7 months ago
Mon Mar 30 2009 19:48:06
#
Login to Send PM
Just found this on the Cornell website and wanted to see what you guys thought of it:
12. Will bed bugs actually travel on me?It’s unlikely that a bed bug would travel on you or the clothes you are wearing. You move too much to be a good hiding place. Bed bugs are more likely to be spread via luggage, backpacks, briefcases, mattresses, and used furniture.
-----
Now, I knew about the bugs not traveling directly on your body, but I thought they would hitch-hike on your clothes...? -
paulaw0919
oldtimer
Joined: Jul '07
Posts: 997
Posted 7 months ago
Mon Mar 30 2009 21:05:19
#
Login to Send PM
Good question and I think it's a bit controversial to a point. I think that if you had in infestation for a while, didn't realize it....definitely yes, they travel on the clothes you are wearing. We had a family member that used to visit often. I seen on more than one occasion a bug crawl up the collar of their coat when outside having a cigarette. I tried to catch it once but missed it and then couldn't find it. This was a few months before either of us new we were infested. I think this is more common to those in infestations that are pretty spread out and people don't react (or have little reaction) to the bites. (the inside cover of this persons ironing board in this persons coat closet was unfortunately loaded with bugs.)So, yes, they travel on clothing.
I think that during treatment bugs move around more and can crawl onto your hanging clothes, or clothes in a drawer. Maybe it depends on how bad the infestation is and type of treatment? Maybe an expert can weigh in on that one.
Because bed bugs are such good hitchhikers one or more can be brought home on your clothing from a local restaurant, movie theater(if infested) or where ever people frequent.
Maybe much of the answer to the question depends on how bad your infestation is and what type of treatment plan you are on. As for being out in public, it's all free game. I was told that they aren't everywhere but could be anywhere. Depending on the situation the answer to that question from Cornell can possibly be a bit misleading?.?.
-
The answer is YES. They will and do travel on your clothes. Up the shoes, into the socks, or pants, or undies. And when you are on the move you won't notice them....much or at all, but when you stop moving...chomp.
I've also seen them hide in pockets.
-
I found about a dozen bugs in my bra yesterday and my stomach had several bites. they were also in my socks and I got a huge bite on my foot.
It is really scary how they can travel. -
BugsInTO
member
Joined: Aug '08
Posts: 197
Posted 2 months ago
Fri Sep 18 2009 17:04:33
#
Login to Send PM
Hi cc:
That's too many bedbugs for sure. It indicates a very active and heavy level of infestation. I hope all efforts are being made to combat it.
A lot of people wash and dry their clothes and seal them in plastic bags and then put them on just before going out. This helps to reduce bedbugs spreading by hitchhiking.
Are you getting bedbugs in your clothing during the day (ie. there weren't any bedbugs in your bra when you put it on?)
I never found any bugs lodged in my clothing, but our infestation was quite light by comparison. But, I stopped wearing a bra around the house when I was alone anyway. (see other threads for discussion on bedbugs & bras.)
Reply
You must log in to post.
