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If you love thrifting, you already know the feeling. You’re digging through racks, spotting something amazing for a few dollars, and thinking about how much you just saved.

But there’s also that small, nagging thought most people don’t say out loud: What else could be coming home with this?

It’s not an overreaction. Bed bugs are one of the biggest concerns people have when buying secondhand, and for good reason.

So, can you actually get bed bugs from thrift store clothes?

Yes, it’s possible, but it’s not as common as people fear.

Bed bugs don’t live on clothing the way they live in mattresses or furniture, but they can hitch a ride. If an item has been stored, transported, or donated in close contact with an infested environment, there’s a chance a bug (or eggs) could be hiding in seams or folds.

That said, most thrift store clothing is relatively low risk compared to other items. The bigger concern is usually upholstered furniture, bedding, or anything with padding and deep crevices.

Why thrift store items can carry bed bugs

Bed bugs are incredibly good at hiding, and they don’t need much space to do it. They’re small, flat, and can fit into tight spaces like stitching, pockets, or the seams of a jacket.

They’re also built to survive. These pests can go months, sometimes close to a year, without feeding, which means they can stay hidden in stored or donated items long enough to be passed from one place to another.

They don’t jump or fly. Instead, they travel by hitchhiking, which is why secondhand goods can occasionally become a vehicle for them.

What to look for before you buy

If you’re going to thrift regularly, it helps to know what to watch for. You’re not just looking for bugs themselves, you’re looking for signs.

Check for things like:

Tiny black or brown specks that look like pepper (droppings)
Rust-colored stains on fabric
Pale shed skins or casings
Small white eggs tucked into seams

Take a few seconds to inspect clothing, especially around seams, cuffs, and inside pockets. For bulkier items like coats or blankets, give them a quick shake and a closer look.

If anything seems off, it’s not worth the risk; just put it back.

What to do as soon as you get home

Bring thrifted clothing straight to the laundry area; don’t set it on your bed, couch, or anywhere you relax. Wash everything using your normal detergent, then dry it on high heat for at least 30 minutes.

Heat is what actually kills bed bugs and their eggs, and dryers get hot enough to do the job effectively. Even items that look perfectly clean should go through this process.

If something can’t be washed, running it through a hot dryer cycle alone can still help eliminate any potential hitchhikers.

The bottom line

Yes, you can get bed bugs from thrift store clothes, but the risk is fairly low if you’re paying attention and taking simple precautions.

The key is to inspect before you buy and clean everything before it enters your home. Once you make that part of your routine, thrifting becomes much less risky and much more enjoyable.

You still get the deals, the unique finds, and the satisfaction without bringing home anything you didn’t bargain for.