Can Bed Bugs Live in Clothes, Shoes & Luggage? | How to Spot (Updated 2025)

Bed bugs are sneaky, persistent pests known for hitchhiking into homes unnoticed. While most people associate them with beds and mattresses, you might be surprised to learn they can also hide in your clothes, shoes, and luggage. Let’s explore how bed bugs spread, where they hide, and how you can spot and prevent infestations before they take over your space.

???? Can Bed Bugs Live in Clothes?

Yes, bed bugs can live in clothes—but they don’t live there in the same way they do in mattresses. Clothes provide a temporary hiding place, especially if left in piles or stored near infested areas. Bed bugs tend to cling to seams and folds where they feel secure.

Important: Bed bugs don’t like movement, so they're less likely to stay on the clothes you're wearing, but they can easily hide in your dirty laundry, bags, or clothes stored near infested areas.

???? Can Bed Bugs Hide in Shoes?

Yes, shoes are perfect hiding spots—especially if they’re not worn often or stored in dark, undisturbed areas. Bed bugs can tuck into:

• Inside the heel or toe

• Under insoles

• In seams or creases

This is especially common if shoes are kept under or near infested beds, furniture, or luggage.

???? Can Bed Bugs Live in Luggage?

Absolutely—luggage is one of the most common ways bed bugs spread from place to place. Hotels, public transport, and airports are prime pickup points. Once inside your luggage, they can easily move into your home.

Pro Tip: Always inspect your hotel bed and use luggage racks. Keep your suitcase off the floor and bed when traveling.

???? How to Spot Bed Bug Infestation in Clothes, Shoes & Luggage

Look for these signs:

• Tiny black spots (bed bug feces)

• Rusty or reddish stains (crushed bugs or blood)

• Shed skins or white eggs (size of a pinhead)

• Musty odor (from bed bug scent glands)

• Live bugs: small, flat, reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple seed

✅ How to Prevent Bed Bugs from Infesting Clothes, Shoes & Luggage

While Traveling:

• Inspect hotel beds, mattresses, and headboards

• Keep luggage elevated (on a rack, not the floor)

• Store dirty clothes in sealed plastic bags

• Avoid unpacking into hotel drawers

At Home:

• Wash clothes immediately after travel in hot water

• Dry clothes and shoes on high heat for 30+ minutes

• Vacuum luggage thoroughly and store away from beds

• Regularly check closets, drawers, and under beds

???? What to Do If You Suspect an Infestation

1. Isolate infested items in sealed bags

2. Wash and dry on high heat

3. Use a steamer for shoes or delicate items

4. Vacuum thoroughly and dispose of vacuum bags immediately

5. Call a professional pest control expert if the problem persists

???? Final Thoughts

Bed bugs may be small, but the problems they cause can be huge if left unchecked. By knowing where they hide and how to stop them from spreading, you can protect your clothes, shoes, luggage—and your peace of mind.