Did you know that bed bugs can technically live in your clothes? It’s unlikely that a bed bug would live in the clothes that you’re actually wearing due to the fact that you move a lot and they tend to prefer a stationary habitat. However, it’s possible that bed bugs could set up camp in an unpacked suitcase, backpack or something along those lines.

Content updated: February 12, 2026

Key takeaways

  • Bed bugs are hitchhikers that latch onto your clothes, suitcase or purse and enter your home where they start reproducing and spreading.
  • Bed bugs have been found to carry pathogens but there is no evidence that they spread disease to humans. Their bites can be itchy and cause allergic reactions in some people.
  • Bed bugs can come from many places such as airports, public transportation, movie theaters, hotels and more.
  • Bed bug control is better left to the experts. Skip the bed bug DIY treatment and call a professional for treatment that is thorough and effective.

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Bed bugs generally don’t live in clothes long term, but they do use clothes, either the ones you’re wearing, or the ones packed in a suitcase or a backpack, to catch a ride home with you. Once they’re inside, bed bugs will go in search of a more permanent habitat like furniture or your bed to get easy access to a food source (you) and start reproducing. Learn more about where bed bugs come from and what to do if you find them in your home.

Of course, the insects would eventually have to set out in search of nourishment, but that just means they might move onto your headboard or furniture so they’re in closer proximity to their meals, which you provide.

Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?

Bed bugs are pretty good hitchhikers. They have no issue catching a ride on your coat, suitcase or purse. To put it simply, you can pick up a bed bug almost anywhere you sit still or rest for a while if they’re present there. At the same time, house guests or visitors can also bring bed bugs into your home.

It’s possible for a bed bug to hitch a ride on you from almost anywhere, including:

  • Public transportation and transport stations
  • Airports
  • Movie theaters and libraries
  • Retail clothing stores
  • Apartments, hotels, hostels and guest houses

Do Bed Bugs Spread Disease?

There are about 48 different pathogens that have been found inside bed bugs. However, there is no current evidence to suggest that their bites transmit pathogens that can cause disease in humans.

That doesn’t mean they can’t affect your health, though. Bed bug bites are known to cause itchy welts on some people that they bite, and when humans itch, we scratch. After a while, all that scratching could potentially lead to infection.

How to Help Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are well-known for being incredibly difficult to control. In addition, they’re very productive breeders, meaning an infestation can go from small to unmanageable in a short window of time. Because of this, relying on do-it-yourself bed bug control  is typically not a good idea.

If you happen to spot a bed bug — or any other signs that bed bugs may be in your home — your best course of action is to immediately contact a bed bug control professional, like Terminix®.

A trained Terminix technician can come out to your home and perform a thorough inspection of the areas where bed bugs are known to rest, including beds, headboards, furniture and linens. If bed bugs are found, then your technician will work with you to create a customized treatment solution that’s tailored to the specifics of your problem and the needs of your household.

Terminix offers free bed bug inspections, so don’t lose another night’s sleep worrying about whether or not the bed bugs are going to bite you. Schedule your inspection today.


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