Common Bed Bug Myths Debunked
10 Common Myths about Bed Bugs & What to KNow
At Advanced Bed Bug Preparation, we understand how overwhelming and frustrating it can be to deal with bed bugs. These pesky invaders are notorious for causing stress, sleepless nights, and discomfort. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about bed bugs that can make dealing with them even more challenging.
To help you navigate through the confusion, we’re here to debunk some of the most common bed bug myths, to help ensure you have the right information to tackle an infestation effectively!
Myth 1: Bed Bugs Only Infest Dirty Homes
One of the biggest myths is that bed bugs are attracted to filth or poor housekeeping.
The truth is, bed bugs don’t care if your home is clean or dirty. What they are drawn to is warmth and the carbon dioxide we exhale, which makes any space where people sleep or rest a potential target.
Luxury hotels, pristine homes, and public transportation are just as susceptible to bed bugs as any other environment. This means that regular cleaning is important, but it won’t prevent bed bugs from finding their way into your home.
For more information on what attracts bed bugs, please read our article linked here.
Myth 2: You Can’t See Bed Bugs
Nope - you totally can! The truth is that bed bugs, while small, are definitely visible to the naked eye.
Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, roughly 4-5 mm long, and have a flat, oval shape. They are reddish-brown and become more swollen and red after feeding.
Their eggs and young nymphs are smaller and lighter in color, making them harder to spot, but with the right approach, you can detect their presence.
Myth 3: Bed Bugs Only Bite at Night
While bed bugs are more active at night, they will feed whenever they have the opportunity. If they’re hungry and their human host is available, bed bugs will bite regardless of the time of day.
Bed bugs tend to hide during the day and emerge at night because that’s when we’re most still, but that doesn’t mean they won’t strike during a daytime nap or while you’re sitting still for an extended period.
Suspect you may have bed bugs in your home? Bites from a bed bug will include unexplained redness, itchiness, small, raised welts, and will appear on your skin in a cluster or zig-zag pattern.
Myth 4: Bed Bugs Can Fly or Jump
Bed bugs don’t fly or jump. Instead, these pests get around by crawling, but they do so quickly and efficiently. They spread by hitching rides on your belongings—such as clothing, luggage, and furniture—making it easy for them to infest new spaces.
The best way to prevent bed bugs from spreading is by being cautious when traveling or acquiring second-hand items. At Advanced Bed Bug Preparation, regular inspections and proper handling of belongings are essential steps we emphasize at.
Related: How Do Bed Bugs Travel?
Myth 5: Bed Bugs Spread Diseases
While bed bugs are certainly unpleasant and can cause itchy welts, they are not known to transmit any diseases to humans. However, their bites can lead to secondary skin infections if scratched excessively, and the psychological toll of dealing with an infestation can be significant.
At Advanced Bed Bug Preparation, we work to minimize the impact of an infestation on your well-being by ensuring the process of preparation and treatment is as smooth as possible.
Myth 6: Throwing Away Your Mattress Will Solve the Problem
Unfortunately, simply throwing out your mattress won’t get rid of bed bugs. These pests can hide in many places other than your bed, including in furniture, baseboards, outlets, and even behind wallpaper.
Disposing of your mattress could actually spread bed bugs to other areas if not done correctly. Instead, we recommend a professional treatment plan that targets all potential hiding spots, ensuring a thorough eradication of these pests. Find out more here about the different types of bed bug treatments.
Myth 7: Bed Bugs Only Live in Beds
Despite their name, bed bugs are not limited to beds. The truth is that they can be found in couches, chairs, carpets, and other furniture where people sit or sleep. Additionally, bed bugs are skilled at hiding in tiny cracks and crevices, such as behind baseboards, in electrical outlets, and even inside wall voids.
At Advanced Bed Bug Preparation, we guide our clients on how to thoroughly prepare their homes for treatment to target all potential bed bug hiding spots.
Myth 8: You Can Feel Bed Bugs When They Bite
Most people don’t feel bed bugs crawling or biting. These pests inject a mild anesthetic along with their bite, which prevents their host from feeling any immediate discomfort. You might only notice the bites several hours later when red, itchy welts appear.
If you suspect bed bug activity, check your bedding and sleeping areas for other signs, such as blood spots or shed skins.
Related: What are the Dangers of Bed Bugs?
Myth 9: DIY Treatments Are Always Effective
While some DIY treatments may reduce bed bug activity, they rarely eliminate an infestation entirely. The truth is that bed bugs have become resistant to many over-the-counter insecticides, making it challenging for non-professionals to handle the problem effectively. Improper treatments can also cause bed bugs to spread to new areas of the home.
That’s why Advanced Bed Bug Preparation collaborates with local pest control professionals to ensure that proper methods are used for a 100% complete eradication.
Myth 10: Bed Bugs Can Survive Extreme Temperatures
Although bed bugs are resilient, they cannot survive extreme heat or cold when these conditions are properly applied. Bed bugs die when exposed to temperatures above 120°F or below 0°F for extended periods. However, simple home remedies, such as turning up the heat or opening windows in the winter, won’t reach the temperatures needed to kill them.
Professional heat treatments or freezing methods are more effective, and Advanced Bed Bug Preparation can help coordinate the right approach for your infestation!
Trust the Experts at Advanced Bed Bug Preparation!
Bed bugs are notoriously tough to eliminate, but with the right preparation and professional intervention, you can regain control of your home. At Advanced Bed Bug Preparation, we take pride in helping our clients understand bed bug behavior, debunk common myths, and prepare their spaces for effective treatment. By working with us, you’ll be one step closer to a bed bug-free environment!
Need a bed bug preparation and eradication service? Our team is licensed and fully-trained in bed bug preparation, laundry treatment, and restoration services. We can get your home ready in one business day for the bed bug removal team to come in and perform the extermination service. We serve the cities of Oshkosh, Fond Du Lac, Sheboygan, Appleton, Green Bay, and Northeast Wisconsin.
