There are plenty of frustrating things you have to deal with when going to the laundromat. People leaving their clothes in the dryer, the dispenser running out of soap, your change getting stuck in the machine.
But one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is pests.
If you’ve recently brought your clothes to the laundromat and suddenly feel itchy (or notice small red bumps on your skin), you might be wondering if the laundromat is to blame. Can you get bed bugs from the laundromat?
In this post, we’ll tell you exactly how bed bugs spread, and what steps you can take to protect yourself.
Can You Get Bed Bugs From the Laundromat? What Science Tells Us
Before we tell you some of our favorite tips for keeping yourself free from bed bugs, let’s talk about what the science says.
First, know that bed bugs, as a whole, are stealthy hitchhikers. They can’t fly, like some other pests, but they can easily cling to clothing, luggage, furniture, and, yes, even the seams of your laundry bag. Once they arrive at a new location, they waste no time in seeking out new places to hide. Not to mention new hosts to feed on.
Since laundromats see a lot of traffic with clothes coming and going, it is possible for bed bugs to transfer between clean and dirty laundry, baskets, or even the chairs people use while they’re waiting for their wash cycles to finish.
It’s not a guarantee that you’ll pick up bed bugs from a laundromat, but the risk does exist, and just knowing that this possibility exists is the first step to avoiding it.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Spotting bed bugs can be tricky, as these bed bugs are tiny and do a great job at staying hidden. With that said, there are some common signs you’ll want to watch out for.
The first, and perhaps most obvious, is a series of bites. Bed bug bites typically appear in rows or in clusters on exposed skin areas.
You’ll also notice small, rust-colored stains on your clothes or fabric. These are the remnants from the crushed-up bugs. You may find dark spots or smudges, which might look like ink on your fabric and are likely the result of bed bug droppings.
In some cases, you may even be able to spot bed bug eggs. These are extremely difficult to spot with the naked eye, but if you do happen to spot them, they’ll be white and about the size of a pinhead. You might spot these in the seams of your clothes, within furniture crevices,s or even in laundry bags.
How to Protect Yourself From Bed Bugs While Doing the Laundry
You have enough to think about when you head to the laundromat. Did you bring enough change? Are there going to be any empty dryers? Will there be space for you to fold your clothes? But you should also have bed bug prevention at the forefront of your mind.
The Environmental Protection Agency has several tips that they recommend people follow when they visit the laundromat. First, use sealed plastic bags to transport your laundry to and from. Unpack the bags directly into the washer, and when you’re done, wash the bags, too. This will help keep your laundry protected from any potential contamination.
Before you throw your clothes into a washer or dryer, take a moment to pause and inspect the area. Look inside the machines and check the tables or chairs you’re using. Be on the lookout for any signs of bed bugs, like dark spots or tiny moving insects.
While you’re at the laundromat, avoid placing any items directly on the floor. It might seem like an easy spot to park your laundry (or even your purse), but it’s also prime territory for bed bugs. Use elevated, clean surfaces whenever possible.
Use high heat to clean your clothing. Not only will this get them cleaner, but bed bugs hate heat. Temperatures of 120°F or above will kill them along with their eggs. Wash and dry your clothes on the highest heat setting that’s safe for your fabrics.
Last but not least, double-check your baskets and bags for bed bugs before you bring them back on. A quick inspection before you leave could save you a world of trouble later on!
What to Do if You Suspect a Bed Bug Infestation
Now, imagine you didn’t follow all these steps to a T, and you’ve discovered you have a bed bug infestation upon arriving home. It’s not a good situation to be in, but you don’t need to panic.
First, catch and identify the bug, if it is at all possible. You can use your smartphone to photograph it for identification, but do your best to make sure it is indeed bed bugs you’re dealing with. Bites alone aren’t always a good enough indicator that it’s bed bugs amiss instead of some other pest.
Then, take the time to thoroughly inspect your home. Check your bedding, furniture, and any areas where fabric meets other surfaces. You may need to use a flashlight to spot these tiny pests.
If you’ve determined that it is, in fact, bed bugs, and believe the laundromat is where you picked them up, notify the laundromat management immediately. They may not be able to do anything to help you in your unique situation, but notifying them will help them address the issue and prevent further spread to other customers.
Then, get in touch with pest control (more on why this is such a smart move below). The sooner you start treating bed bugs, the easier it will be to manage the problem on your own.
Why Professional Help is Always Best in the War Against Bed Bugs
So, to recap: can you get bed bugs from the laundromat? The answer is, unfortunately, yes.
Now, how do you get rid of them? The problem with bed bugs, especially compared to other types of pests, is that they can be tough to eliminate with DIY measures alone. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate without professional treatment.
That’s the bad news, but the good news is that, living here in the DC, Virginia, and Maryland region, you have access to one of the best pest control companies in the country: Connor’s Pest Pros.
We specialize in keeping homes pest-free and can get rid of even the toughest case of bed bugs. Our team and its eco-friendly approach guarantees fast, effective results, so you can get back to living comfortably.
Keep Your Clothes Fresh and Your Home Bed-Bug Free
Going to the laundromat is enough of a chore as it is. It doesn’t have to be another source of stress.
With the right precautions (and a whole lot of vigilance), you can keep both your clothes and your home free from bed bugs.
And if you do run into trouble, Connor’s Pest Pros is here to help. Contact us today for same-day service and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that bed bugs won’t bring you (or your fresh, clean laundry) down.
