Where are bedbugs found in clothing?

Where are bedbugs found in clothing? - briefly

Bedbugs conceal themselves in garment seams, folds, pockets, and any creases where they can attach to fabric. They also inhabit travel‑related clothing and luggage fabrics that have contacted infested areas.

Where are bedbugs found in clothing? - in detail

Bedbugs commonly inhabit seams, folds, and pockets of garments because these areas provide shelter and protect the insects from light and disturbance. The insects are especially attracted to the warm, moist environment created by the body’s heat and sweat when clothing is worn.

Typical locations within clothing include:

  • Stitch lines and seams – tight stitching creates narrow crevices ideal for hiding.
  • Pockets – depth and limited airflow make pockets a frequent refuge.
  • Collars and cuffs – proximity to the skin supplies a constant source of warmth.
  • Buttons, zippers, and Velcro strips – mechanical components generate small gaps where bugs can lodge.
  • Layers of fabrics – stacked garments, such as jackets over shirts, produce multiple hidden spaces.

When garments are stored in closets or luggage, bedbugs may also be found on the interior surfaces of hanging rods, shelves, or in the fabric of stored items that have not been recently laundered.

Inspection should focus on these specific zones, using a bright light and a magnifying device to detect the tiny, oval-shaped insects or their shed skins. Prompt removal of infested clothing, followed by high‑temperature washing (≥ 60 °C) and thorough drying, eliminates the pests and prevents further spread.