Bed bugs are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are a nuisance pest that can be very difficult to get rid of once established in a home. Bed bugs do not have nests like ants or bees, but tend to live in groups in hiding places. They are often found in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and other areas around beds. But can bed bugs also live on blankets? Here is a quick overview:
Yes, bed bugs can live on blankets, but they prefer areas close to a human host. Blankets, sheets, comforters, and other bedding can harbor bed bugs, but they will not stay there indefinitely without a blood meal. Blankets and sheets also lack the cracks, crevices, and protected locations that bed bugs prefer. So while they can survive on blankets, bed bugs will seek out better hiding spots close to human hosts.
In the rest of this article, we will go into more depth on where bed bugs like to live, how blankets fit into their habitat preferences, and what you can do to eliminate bed bugs from blankets and stop them from spreading in your home.
Where Do Bed Bugs Like To Live?
Bed bugs like to hide in dark, undisturbed areas close to where people sleep or rest. Their flattened bodies allow them to fit into tiny cracks and crevices. Some key areas where bed bugs are often found include:
– Mattress seams, tufts, and edges
– Box spring encasements and interior
– Bed frames and headboards
– Behind baseboards and moldings
– Inside furniture cracks and joints
– Behind wall hangings and artwork
– Under loose wallpaper
Bed bugs prefer tight hiding spots with easy access to host blood meals. They do not like direct sunlight or high temperatures. Since blankets and sheets get shifted often, they do not offer ideal long-term harborages. But bed bugs can hitch rides on blankets to get closer to hosts.
Can Bed Bugs Live on Blankets?
Yes, bed bugs can survive on blankets, sheets, comforters, and other bedding. But they likely won’t stay there permanently without a blood meal. Key facts about bed bugs living on blankets:
– They can cling to folds and fibers, hiding out temporarily.
– Eggs can be laid along blanket seams and edges.
– Blankets left on the floor can pick up bed bugs from an infested room.
– Bed bugs can crawl onto blankets draped over infested furniture.
– They can feed on occupants at night then crawl back to other harborages.
– Bugs may drop off blankets if they get shifted or disturbed.
So while blankets are not their ideal habitat, bed bugs can survive on them for periods of time. Blankets left on the floor, touching walls/furniture, or not regularly washed are at higher risk of picking up bed bugs.
Signs of Bed Bugs on Blankets
Look for these signs that bed bugs may be living on blankets or fabric items:
– Dark stains from bed bug droppings/waste. When crushed, these leave a rusty red smear.
– Light tan or off-white egg shells. Eggs may be glued along seams or folds.
– Small blood stains from squished bugs. You may see this after rolling over onto one.
– Live bugs. Look along the piping, under labels, and in folds. Inspect at night or in a dark room.
– Shed exoskeletons. Look for clear, pale, or brownish molted “skins” from juvenile bed bugs.
If you see any of these signs, it’s important to inspect mattresses, box springs, frames, and surrounding areas to find the main infestation. Bed bugs often spread outward from beds to things like blankets and clothing.
How to Remove Bed Bugs from Blankets
If you suspect bed bugs have spread to blankets, clothing, or other items, take action right away:
1. Wash in hot water and dry on high heat. This kills all stages of bed bugs. Wash and dry on the hottest settings safe for the fabrics.
2. Dry clean. Dry cleaning also kills bed bugs. This works for non-washable blankets, sheets, stuffed animals, etc.
3. Seal in plastic bags. Bagging items for 2-3 weeks can trap and kill live bugs. Without a blood meal, they cannot survive.
4. Consider freezing. Killing bed bugs by freezing takes longer, but can work if done right. Seal items in bags and freeze below 0°F for at least 4 days.
5. Apply high heat. Place infested items in a clothes dryer on medium heat for 20 minutes, or use a portable heater to carefully raise temperatures to 115°F for 30 minutes.
Be sure to also inspect and treat mattresses, bed frames, furniture, and surrounding areas to fully eliminate an infestation. Prevent bed bugs from crawling onto cleaned blankets by encasing mattresses, using interceptors under furniture legs, and keeping beds pulled away from walls.
Preventing Bed Bugs on Blankets
To avoid introducing bed bugs onto blankets and sheets, be cautious when staying in hotels, using secondhand furniture, and buying used items. Other tips include:
– Inspect bedding after traveling and wash/dry on hot before use.
– Use a protective mattress encasement. Zippered encasements trap bugs and make early detection easier.
– Check blankets touching floors or furniture for bugs. Don’t let bedding drape onto the floor or touch infested furniture.
– Wash and dry blankets regularly. Frequent hot water drying reduces the chance of bugs.
– Store unused blankets sealed in plastic bins. This protects clean items from picking up bugs.
– Dry clean or freeze blankets before annual storage. This prevents overwintering bugs from spreading later.
With vigilance and proper treatment, bed bugs can be eliminated from blankets, clothing, and other items. The key is finding and stopping infestations before they become established and spread.
Conclusion
While bed bugs prefer harborages in mattresses, furniture, and other hidden spots near their hosts, they can temporarily survive on blankets. Bedding touching infested areas may pick up bed bugs, although they are unlikely to stay there for long periods without a blood meal. With caution, vigilance, and proper treatment methods like heating, washing, and drying, bed bugs can be eliminated from blankets, preventing further spread in the home. Key steps include hot water washing and drying, dry cleaning, freezing, and sealing items in plastic for extended periods. Stopping bed bugs on blankets and clothing also requires inspecting and treating all potential hiding spots in the bedroom. Addressing the full infestation is important to gain control and prevent bed bugs from continually spreading back to blankets and linens.