There’s no doubt about it- everyone hates bed bugs. They are small, nasty, and creepy. The phrase, “sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite” can haunt you once you’ve experienced an infestation. No need to worry, however; bed bugs only exist in conditions of pure filth and dirty hotel rooms, right? Learn why this myth along with many others, are oh so false.
- Myth 1: Bed bugs only exist in unclean or unsanitary living conditions.
FALSE! Bed bugs are not attracted to filth, but rather warmth, blood, and carbon dioxide. Even highly regarded multi-unit establishments in the USA have had bed bug infestations lately, mostly due to domestic and international travel.
- Myth 2: You can easily get rid of bed bugs yourself.
FALSE! Bed bugs are difficult if not impossible to treat on your own. Often times, it is best handled by a professional.
- Myth 3: You can sleep in a different room or vacate the structure to get rid of bed bugs.
FALSE! This is not a solution and can make the problem more difficult to eliminate as bed bugs migrate.
- Myth 4: You can’t see a bed bug.
FALSE! You should be able to see adult bed bugs, nymphs and eggs with your naked eye.
- Myth 5: I have not been anywhere that has bed bugs, so I am not at risk.
FALSE! Travel is not the only source of bed bugs. Bed bugs can easily be brought into your home on bed bug-infested items such as second-hand furniture or luggage. You may have visited a bed bug-infested location such as a hotel, movie theatre, or work place, and not known it.
- Myth 6: If you have bed bugs, you need to get rid of infested clothing and furniture.
FALSE! Clothing can be laundered in hot water to kill bed bugs. In most cases, furniture can be treated as well to eliminate bed bugs.
- Myth 7: Bed bugs won’t come out if there is light.
FALSE! While bed bugs prefer darkness, keeping the light on at night won’t keep bed bugs from biting.
- Myth 8: Bed bugs are only found on the bed.
FALSE! Bed bugs are commonly found in beds, on sofas, in chairs and areas near where people sleep or lounge.
- Myth 9: Pesticide applications alone will easily eliminate bed bug infestations.
FALSE! Bed bug control can only be maintained through a treatment strategy that includes a variety of techniques and monitoring. Proper use of pesticides may be part of the strategy, but will not by itself eliminate bed bugs. Bed bug populations in different areas of the country have developed resistance to the ways many pesticides work to kill pests. If you’re dealing with a resistant population, some products and application methods may only make the problem worse. It is a good idea to consult a Batzner pest management professional if you have bed bugs in your home.
- Myth 10: You can only tell you have bed bugs if everyone in the house has bites.
FALSE! Everyone reacts differently to bed bug bites. If two people share a bed and are both bitten, it is possible that only one person will break out with welts or sores as a result of bed bug bites, while the other person will not.