Do Bed Bugs Live In Shoes? [How To Get Rid Of Them]

Bed bugs in shoes sound like a nightmare. Well, I know how difficult it is to deal with bed bugs.

Some people think that bed bugs are mostly found in bedding and furniture. However, they are correct.

But have you heard about bed bugs in your shoes? If not then you must read this post.

Yes, bed bugs can live in your shoes. You can get rid of them by washing your shoes in the washing machine or spraying them with bed bug spray. But before you apply anything, you should read the shoe manual.

If you also have bed bugs in your shoes then this post is for you.

Today, we’ve put together this helpful guide to why bed bugs get into your shoes. It also includes what are the right treatments to get rid of them.

How Do Bed Bugs Get Into Shoes?

bed bugs can crawl on any surface because they have six legs. These insects hitch a ride on clothing, luggage, or other items and end up in your shoes.

Most teens also keep their shoes under the bed. This is an invitation for bed bugs to enter their shoes.

As we know that bed bugs are attracted to heat and human odor, which means that if you keep your shoes under an infested bed, chances are high that bed bugs will be attracted to your shoes.

Bed bugs can also get on your shoes from the floor. There is no doubt that bed bugs can live on wood and carpeted floors. These bugs can get into your shoes if you leave them near infested areas on the floor. The corners and crevices of your floors are the most suspect areas.

Why Are Bed Bugs Attracted To Shoes?

Bed bugs are tiny bugs that are always looking for blood and warm places to hide. And shoes are one of the places where bed bugs can easily find all these environments.

One of the things that attract bed bugs to your shoes is your smell. Well, I’ve mentioned many times that bed bugs are attracted to human scents.

And I’m not talking about your everyday deodorant. I mean human natural fragrance. Many studies have found that bed bugs can smell humans and that is why they bite you at night when it is completely dark.

In addition, bed bugs are highly attracted to heat, blood, and CO2, which is why shoes are an ideal place to find all of these things.

When you wear shoes, your feet generate heat and moisture, which makes them an attractive hiding place for bed bugs.

Can Bed Bugs Live In Shoes?

Bed bugs are very dangerous pests. Because they are highly resistant to all conditions, they are extremely difficult to eradicate.

And if we talk about shoes…

It is true that bed bugs can also live in shoes. As long as they get a proper blood meal every day, it is possible. However, bed bugs can live for several months without being eaten, so sometimes even worn shoes can become infested.

Bed bugs can also lay their eggs in shoes, which can lead to a larger infestation over time. bed bugs are mostly found in cloth shoes.

Although bed bugs can also lay eggs in leather shoes, cloth is their preferred material. Because they can easily lay eggs on the surface of the cloth.

Signs Of Bed Bugs In Your Shoes

Here are some bed bug signs.

Presence of live bed bugs: If you spot a bed bug or two around your shoes, it is imperative to check your shoes immediately. bed bugs are one of the most obvious symptoms of infestation. If you see one, kill it immediately and look for other evidence.

Reddish-brown feces: bed bugs leave small dark red or black drops of feces wherever they are infested. It is very easy to see these stools. Several studies have suggested that bed bugs leave these droppings around their nests to help them identify their home. If you see bed bug feces around your shoes, it means they have infested your shoes.

Dead Bed Bugs Shells: bed bugs shed their skin as they grow, and peeling skin can be seen on infected shoes. Most sheds are found in deep crevices and corners. But in shoes, they can be found around the soles. Those fallen shells on your shoes indicate that bed bugs have been around for a long time.

Unexplained bites: If you have unexplained bites on your feet or ankles that appear in a linear pattern, this could be a sign of bed bugs in your shoes or elsewhere in your home.

Bed bug bites are very itchy: People also feel the effect of burning. But sometimes we ignore such sensations in our feet. So, next time you experience something like this, you should check your shoes.

Can Bed Bugs Cause Infection On Feet?

It is very clear from studies that bed bug bites contain no virus. However, bed bug bites can cause red bumps on your skin that are extremely itchy and painful.

If you have very sensitive skin or are allergic to bed bugs, it is obvious that you will see some skin issues like severe redness or acne.

Read More: Does Bed bugs Give You Scars?

However, this is very uncommon. The most effective way to protect your feet is by protecting your shoes from bed bugs.

Below I have given some easy ways to get rid of bed bugs.

How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs In Your Shoes?

Here are some steps that will help you to kill bed bugs in shoes:

Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine: 

Washing is the most effective way to goodbye bed bugs. Bed bugs cannot swim, jump and fly. This means if you put them in a washing machine they will not survive. Use hot water and an effective detergent because this will kill bed bugs and their eggs plus get rid of dirty smells from your shoes.

Remove the laces or inserts from the shoes before washing them. After washing the shoes put them in direct sunlight. This process is for fabric shoes and is not recommended for 

Use Sealed Bags

If you keep your shoes near an infected area, you should use sealed bags to protect your shoes. Bed bugs are very tiny bugs and their nymphs can easily pass through a cloth. But, plastic bags create a barrier that prevents bed bugs from getting inside and hiding in your shoes. Plus, bed bugs are incapable of climbing or penetrating plastic bags. This will protect your shoes while traveling.

Read More: Can You Make Bed Bugs Suffocate?

Keep Shoes Off The Floor

Avoid placing shoes directly on the floor or near infected areas. Instead, store your shoes on shelves or shoe racks off the ground. One of the most effective things you can do to store your shoes is to put them in plastic bins. These will help you protect your shoes not only from bed bugs but also from dirt and other insects.

Use Bed Bug Spray

Spray your shoes with bed bug spray before putting them back in their place. Be sure to use a shoe-safe spray. some spray can ruin your shoes, as it uses harsh chemicals. Especially leather shoes. The product is natural and kills bed bugs instantly without any spray.

Read More: Does Zevo Kill Bed Bugs?

Vacuuming The Shoes

One of the most famous ways to kill bed bugs is by vacuuming frequently. The best part of vacuuming is you remove all bed bugs and their eggs easily.

But make sure to vacuum the entire shoe, including the sole and heel. After vacuuming, you must throw the vacuum bag outside your house. Because bed bugs can easily climb in and out of the bag and reinfest other places in your house.

Use Bed Bug Deterrent

Bed bug deterrents can be placed under the legs of your shoe cabinets and other furniture to trap any bed bugs that may be trying to climb into your shoes.

Be Careful When Traveling

When staying in hotels, movie theaters, or other accommodations, put your shoes in sealed bags and inspect the room for bed bugs before bringing your shoes inside.

Final Words:

Bed bugs can live in your shoes. However, this is very unlikely. Also if you find a nest in your shoes, it means that your home is seriously infested with bed bugs. But don’t worry, the most effective way to say goodbye to bed bugs is to wash your shoes or apply bed bugs spray. But before applying anything, you must read the shoe manual. If you found this article helpful, please share it with your family and friends.