Many people do not realize that their clothing can be a carrier of unwanted bugs in their homes. From small bed bugs to stubborn fleas, these pests can catch a ride on fabric fibers without you realizing it and be more than welcome in your home. This silent invasion can go unnoticed until a full-blown infestation occurs, resulting in health risks and property destruction. Knowing the risk is vital so that we can keep our environments pest-free.
But if you are dealing with stubborn pest problems that just would not go away no matter how much you try to prevent them, then it might be time to call in professional Exterminator Services in Naperville to locate and kill those hitchhikers before they spread all over your house.
Can Pests Come On Your Clothes Without Knowing?
Absolutely. Some pests are master hitchhikers that can cling to your clothing undetected. Bed bugs can live without a meal for as long as 5 months. For this reason, they make especially durable hitchhikers for clothing items.
Bed bugs may be the most famous clothing hitchhiker. These tiny, flat bugs are hiding in the seams and crevices of your clothing — particularly after you’ve been in an infested place (a hotel room, a set of pre-owned furniture, etc.). Their flattened bodies give them a particular prowess in concealment.
Another common passenger on clothing is fleas. These parasites usually hop onto your pants, legs, or socks as you walk through infested grass or visit homes that have not treated pest infestations. One hitchhiking flea can become a problem, as a single female flea can lay as many as 50 eggs in a day.
Ticks commonly crawl onto clothing during outdoor activities in wooded areas. They gradually migrate up, and then, once they find skin to latch onto, they usually go undetected for hours.
Less common but still represent pests include carpet insects, clothing moths, and even cockroach eggs, which may actually cling to you after exposure in the infected premises and travel to your home unknowingly on your body or personal items.
Tips to Avoid Carrying Pests on Clothes
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Immediate Clothing Treatment
After returning from areas where infestations are a concern, strip off and seal away clothing in bags until it can be washed. Washing clothes in very hot water (at a temperature of 130° F or above) helps to kill most pests and their eggs.
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Proper Laundry Practices
New clothes should be washed before wearing, too, because they can carry pest eggs from storage centers. Wash and dry at high temperatures — preferably hot water for washing and high heat for drying — for a minimum of 30 minutes to kill any potential pests.
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Outdoor Clothing Checks
Inspect clothing for ticks after hiking or other outdoor activities, paying particular attention to seams and folds. Remove visible insects by brushing off clothing before entering the home.
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Travel Precautions
When in hotels, keep luggage on racks and away from beds and upholstered furniture. When you travel, it may help to use protective luggage covers to minimize exposure.
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Storage Solutions
Pack away seasonal clothing in tightly sealed plastic containers and not in cardboard boxes that can serve as a hiding place for pests. Toss cedar blocks or lavender sachets into storage containers to keep pests at bay.
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Regular Inspections
Regularly inspect clothing storage areas for signs of pests as tiny droppings, shed skins, or eaten fabric.
Locate a Pest Control Service In Your City
If you experience unexplained skin issues like red welts, itchy patches, or persistent irritation, see a health professional right away. These symptoms suggest that pest bites need special treatment. And beyond treating the physical symptoms, addressing the root cause of the issue is important for getting long-term relief.
So, an effective extermination requires professional pest control. Pest control professionals look for signs of where you are being infested and can either recommend or perform the treatment and preventative measures that are right for your situation. T
