Bed bugs are one of the most dreaded pests for homeowners and property managers, and the number of infestations seems to grow every year. Despite this, there are still several myths concerning bed bugs that we frequently encounter.
Bed bugs incite a lot of fear in people and, in turn, lead to a lot of false information being spread. Because there are so many bed bug myths out there, it’s important to learn how to separate fact from fiction in order to better prepare yourself for an infestation down the line.
Common Bed Bug Myths
Bed bugs are a result of unsanitary conditions in the home or apartment.
FACT: Bed bug infestations have nothing to do with the cleanliness of the home or the people living there. While cleaning up excessive clutter and frequent vacuuming can prevent large-scale infestations, the truth is that bed bugs don’t discriminate. Infestations can happen anywhere.
The only way I can tell if I have bed bugs is if I am bitten.
FACT: Regularly inspecting your room is a good way to avoid a full-blown infestation, because adults, nymphs, and eggs are all visible to the naked eye.
Adult bed bugs are about the size, shape, and color of an apple seed. They are oval-shaped, flat, and about ¼ inch in length. Nymphs are translucent and are about the size of a pinhead. Eggs are the size, shape, and color of a half grain of rice.
Additionally, most people don’t actually show signs of bites, and for those who exhibit symptoms, it can take two to four weeks for them to appear.
Sleeping with the light on will prevent me from getting bitten.
FACT: Bed bugs’ activity level has nothing to do with the amount of light in a room. Instead, bed bugs adapt their activity level to the schedule of the host to amplify their feeding time. For example, the bed bugs present in someone’s home who works third shift will be active during the day and inactive at night, while the opposite would be true for someone who works first shift.
Bed bugs spread diseases.
FACT: While they are a huge nuisance, causing itchiness, irritation, and a loss of sleep, bed bugs are not known to spread disease. The biggest problem they inflict upon people is psychological in nature. Being feasted upon at night is something that disturbs most people and can cause loss of sleep.
Because bed bugs feed on blood, there’s a common belief that they can transmit disease, just like mosquitoes and ticks can.
If I am being bitten in my bed, sleeping in a different room of my house will offer some relief.
FACT: Bed bugs will follow their food source, and this would just result in spreading the infestation to more rooms of your home, making treatment more difficult. They are likely living or hiding in belongings that you would take to the new room as well, or they can migrate on their own. Alternatively, bed bugs can go into a dormant state and live up to nine months without feeding, only to reemerge when you reenter the room.
I can take care of the problem with over-the-counter products.
FACT: We strongly recommend not using a DIY treatment. Nearly 90% of bed bugs are genetically resistant to common household insecticides. Only professionals can access the products and training necessary to control bed bugs, and an over-the-counter insecticide could cause the bed bugs to disperse to multiple rooms, making effective treatment more difficult.
Once I’ve gotten the infestation treated, I’m in the clear.
FACT: Bed bugs can re-infest a building just like the original infestation. You still need to remain vigilant and frequently inspect critical areas. As with other pest issues, it is extremely beneficial to be as proactive as possible and contact a bed bug control professional as soon as possible.
Bed bugs only feed at night.
FACT: These pests are active when their hosts are at rest. This usually means overnight, but they are not nocturnal. Bed bugs are able to adjust their schedule to feed whenever you are at rest.
Bed bugs only infest my bedroom.
FACT: Contrary to their name, bed bugs infest more than just your bed. They’ve been known to infest chairs, sofas, cracks in the wall, and even power outlets.
Bed bugs are more likely to infest messy homes.
FACT: Not at all. Anyone is prone to a bed bug problem, regardless of whether your home is clean or messy.
Bed bugs can jump and fly.
FACT: Unlike fleas and ticks, bed bugs have underdeveloped wings. To get from one place to another, they crawl.
I need to dispose of infested furniture.
FACT: Definitely not. Moving around infested furniture can actually spread bed bugs to other areas of your home.
I can get rid of bed bugs by myself.
FACT: No, DIY bed bug treatment is never a viable solution. A bed bug infestation requires professional treatment to exterminate.
What You Can Do
Bed bug problems can happen to anyone. Thankfully, there are several ways to possibly avoid a problem:
- Always be wary of buying used furniture unless you inspect it for bed bugs first.
- Take caution while traveling. This includes inspecting your hotel room for bugs and being careful when unpacking your suitcase.
- Get regular inspections from a professional pest control company that knows exactly how to spot early signs of bed bugs and other pest problems.
Let the Professionals Handle Infestations
The team at Batzner is here for you. We’ve been handling bed bugs, and other infesting pests, since 1946. When you call, one of our technicians will inspect your space, put together a tailored plan, and apply treatment to eradicate bed bugs.
Contact our team today to get started with a service quote!
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