If you love thrifting, you already know the feeling. You’re digging through racks, spotting something aFinding a great piece of clothing at a thrift store is hard to beat. You spot a jacket, sweater, or pair of jeans for just a few dollars and walk away feeling like you scored a bargain.
Then a question pops into your head: Could this be bringing bed bugs home?
It’s a common concern, and it’s one that keeps some people from shopping secondhand altogether.
The short answer is yes, it’s possible, but the risk is lower than many people think.
Bed bugs don’t live on clothing the way they hide in mattresses, couches, or upholstered chairs. They prefer places where people spend long periods of time. Still, they can occasionally hitch a ride on clothing if those items were stored or transported in an infested area.
Clothing is generally considered much lower risk than things like used furniture, bedding, or padded items with lots of seams and hiding places.
Why Thrift Store Clothing Can Occasionally Carry Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are experts at staying out of sight. Their flat bodies allow them to squeeze into tiny spaces, including folds of fabric, pockets, cuffs, and stitched seams.
They’re also surprisingly resilient. An adult bed bug can survive for months without feeding, which means one hidden inside donated clothing could remain alive while the item is packed, shipped, or sitting on a store rack.
Unlike fleas, bed bugs don’t jump. They don’t fly either. They spread by hitching rides on belongings that move from one place to another. That’s why secondhand items can sometimes become part of the problem.
Related: 10 Things Thrift Stores Charge Too Much For
What to Check Before You Buy
You don’t need to inspect every shirt with a magnifying glass, but taking a quick look can give you peace of mind.
Pay extra attention to heavier clothing like coats, jackets, sweaters, blankets, and bags. Look closely at seams, collars, cuffs, pockets, and folded areas where insects could hide.
Watch for signs such as:
- Tiny black or dark brown spots that resemble pepper.
- Rust-colored stains on the fabric.
- Pale shed skins.
- Small white eggs tucked into seams or folds.
If something looks questionable or has an unusual odor or visible staining, it’s best to leave it behind. There are always more thrift store finds waiting.
Related: The Smart Way to Thrift: Avoid These Clothing Shopping Mistakes
What to Do Once You Get Home
A simple routine makes thrifting much less stressful.
Instead of placing newly purchased clothing on your bed, couch, or other upholstered furniture, take it straight to the laundry room.
Wash the items according to their care instructions, then dry them on the highest heat the fabric can safely handle for at least 30 minutes. The dryer is the most effective part of the process because high heat kills both bed bugs and their eggs.
For items that can’t be washed, a hot dryer cycle alone may still be enough if the fabric can safely handle the temperature. If an item can’t go in the dryer either, sealing it in a plastic bag until you can clean it professionally is another option.
Is It Safe to Shop at Thrift Stores?
For most shoppers, yes.
Millions of people buy secondhand clothing every year without bringing home bed bugs. A little awareness goes a long way toward keeping the risk low.
Taking a minute to inspect what you’re buying and washing everything before wearing it quickly becomes second nature. Those small habits let you enjoy the savings, unique styles, and one-of-a-kind finds without worrying about unwanted surprises.
Shopping secondhand doesn’t have to be something you avoid. With a little care, you can keep filling your closet with great bargains while leaving bed bugs behind.
