Hi fellow bed bug haters! Throughout my many treatments, people have exposed me to general beliefs about bed bugs and its causes, some truthful and others outright silly! Here are some interesting bed bug facts and myths…..
Check out my “Frequently asked questions” article for more interesting information about bed bugs.
What are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are a common household pest that can cause significant distress and discomfort. They are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals.
Bed bug infestations have been on the rise in recent years. It is important to understand the facts and myths surrounding these pests to prevent and manage infestations.
Understanding the behavior and biology of bed bugs is crucial in preventing infestations.
Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can easily travel from one location to another, making it easy for them to spread. They are often found in areas where people sleep, such as beds, couches, and chairs.
Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not a sign of poor hygiene, and they can infest even the cleanest homes and hotels!
Bed Bugs show up because people are dirty….
False. (sort of!) Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not a sign of poor hygiene, and they can infest even the cleanest homes and hotels!
Even though clutter can enable the bed bugs to spread quicker, a dirty house per se won’t attract bed bugs and has no bearing on bed bug activity. You can clean all you want for example, but bed bugs will populate cracks and crevices regardless of cleanliness or not.
Human pheromones attract bed bugs, so an excess of dirty clothing can have a role in bed bug activity. So, clothing filled of human pheromones will attract bed bugs; a dirty home but a clean closet has no benefit to bed bug proliferation.
Key Takeaways
- Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals.
- Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can easily travel from one location to another.
- Bed bugs are not a sign of poor hygiene and can infest even the cleanest homes and hotels.
If you would like performing an inspection in your home, check out my “Identify if you have bed bugs the 101” article for some tips to help you out.
Bed Bugs transmit diseases….
Bed bugs do cary pathogens within their organisms but unlike the tick or mosquito, bed bugs are not known to transmit anything harmful to us humans. (whew!!) On the other side of the coin, bed bug bites have known to aggravate certain skin issues.
Bed bug bites are usually painless but can cause itchy red welts or bumps on the skin. Some people may develop an allergic reaction to the bites, which can cause severe itching, swelling, and even anaphylaxis in rare cases. The bites can also lead to secondary skin infections if scratched excessively.
Dry Cleaning clothes kills bed bug eggs….(Really?)
Research indicates that dry cleaning doesn’t have an effect on bed bug eggs. I have personally observed bed bug recurrences because of this. Extreme heat/cold for a sustained amount of time will kill eggs and unfortunately dry cleaning uses neither. Yes, perhaps some eggs get washed away in the process, but in the long run you will have surviving eggs returning to your home to once again inflict havoc. As for adults, or nymphs, the process of dry cleaning is not toxic enough to kill them therefore risking reintroduction of bed bugs into your home
Spraying essential oils on bed frames and furniture will kill bed bugs….
Many essential oils are effective pest repellants, and in some cases even kill the bug. I personally use products that are basically essential oils but at a higher concentration than your everyday essential oils that you may use for aromatherapy. You would have to use gallons of it for it to be somewhat effective, therefore making it impractical to do so.
I DO agree in using green and organic products for treatment like essential oils but at the proper concentrations. For more information on essential oils, and its effectiveness to repel and kill bed bugs check out the Essential Oils section for tons info on latest research and reviews.
Once you have bed bugs, it is impossible to totally get rid of them….
Not true. I have never taken on a bed bug job and not succeeded. Some may be daunting at first, but with proper procedure and treatments implemented on any given job accordingly, no infestation is safe!
Our article “can you get rid of bed bugs completely” touches on this subject more in depth.
For assistance on how to prepare your home for a treatment, check out “Preparing for a bed bug treatment” for tips and guidance on the subject.
Psychological Effects
Bed bugs can cause significant psychological distress, including anxiety, insomnia, and paranoia.
The fear of being bitten by bed bugs can lead to sleep deprivation and other negative health effects. In some cases, people may develop a condition called delusory parasitosis, where they believe they are being bitten by bed bugs even when no evidence of infestation exists.
It is important to note that while bed bugs are a nuisance and can cause discomfort, they do not transmit diseases. The current bed bug epidemic is largely due to increased travel and the development of pesticide resistance in bed bug populations.
Check out our article on psychological effects of bed bugs on humans for more info.
Debunking Common Misconceptions
Bed bugs have been a nuisance to humans for centuries, and as a result, many myths have arisen about these pests. It is important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to bed bugs to avoid unnecessary panic and misinformation.
One common myth is that bed bugs only infest dirty places. In reality, bed bugs can be found in both clean and dirty environments. They are attracted to warmth, moisture, and carbon dioxide, which means they can be found in any place where humans or animals are present
Another myth is that bed bugs can fly or jump. Bed bugs do not have wings and cannot fly. They also cannot jump like fleas do. Instead, they crawl from place to place, which is why they are commonly found in bedding, furniture, and other areas where people rest.
Evidence-Based Facts
Bed bugs are a public health pest, and their bites can cause discomfort and itching. However, they do not transmit diseases to humans.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Bed bugs have not been shown to transmit any diseases to humans.”
Bed bugs are also not a sign of poor hygiene or cleanliness. They can infest any home or business, regardless of how clean it is. In fact, bed bugs can even be found in five-star hotels and resorts.
The best way to prevent bed bug infestations is to be vigilant and proactive. Regularly inspecting bedding, furniture, and other areas where bed bugs may hide can help detect infestations early on. If an infestation is detected, it is important to contact a pest control professional to safely and effectively eliminate the problem.
Travel and Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers and can easily move from one location to another via luggage, clothing, and other personal belongings. Therefore, it is essential to take precautions to avoid bringing bed bugs home while traveling.
This section will provide some tips on minimizing risks while traveling and dealing with bed bugs in hotels.
Minimizing Risks While Traveling
When traveling, it is crucial to inspect hotel rooms before settling in. Check for signs of bed bugs, such as bloodstains, fecal matter, and shed skins, on the mattress, headboard, and furniture.
It is also advisable to keep luggage off the floor and bed and store it on luggage racks or in the bathroom. Additionally, travelers should avoid placing clothing in drawers or on upholstered furniture and instead hang them in the closet or keep them in sealed plastic bags.
Dealing with Bed Bugs in Hotels
If bed bugs are discovered in a hotel room, travelers should notify the hotel staff immediately and request a different room. It is essential to avoid adjacent rooms as bed bugs can easily move between rooms via electrical outlets, pipes, and other openings.
Travelers should also inspect their luggage and belongings before leaving the hotel room and wash all clothing in hot water upon returning home.
Check out our article on how to avoid bed bugs in hotels for more info.
Societal Impact
Bed bugs have a significant societal impact, affecting people worldwide.
The economic consequences of bed bugs infestations are high. The cost of eradicating bed bugs can be expensive, and the cost of replacing infested furniture can add up quickly. In addition, bed bugs can cause a loss of income for businesses, particularly those in the hospitality industry.
Economic Consequences
The economic consequences of bed bugs infestations are significant. According to a report by the National Pest Management Association, bed bugs cost the US economy $9.9 billion annually.
This includes the cost of pest control services, lost productivity, and the cost of replacing infested furniture. The cost of bed bug treatments can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity of the infestation.
For more on bed bug liabilities, check out our article HERE
Public Health Concerns
Bed bugs are a public health pest, and their bites can cause discomfort and allergic reactions. While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, their bites can lead to secondary infections if scratched. Bed bugs have also been linked to mental health issues, including anxiety and insomnia.
Education is key to preventing bed bug infestations. Public health officials recommend that people learn how to identify bed bugs and take steps to prevent them from entering their homes.
This includes inspecting secondhand furniture before bringing it into the home, using bed bug-proof mattress covers, and avoiding placing luggage on the bed or floor when traveling.
Additional Considerations
Environmental Impact of Treatments
When treating bed bugs, it is important to consider the environmental impact of the treatments used.
Some pesticides used to treat bed bugs can be harmful to the environment and other living organisms. Therefore, it is important to use treatments that are not only effective but also environmentally friendly.
Heat treatments, for example, are a more environmentally friendly option for treating bed bugs. They use high temperatures to kill bed bugs and their eggs, without the use of harmful chemicals. However, it is important to ensure that the heat treatment is done correctly, as it can be dangerous if not done properly.
Role of Cleanliness and Hygiene
There is a common misconception that bed bugs only infest dirty or unkempt environments. However, bed bugs can infest any environment, regardless of cleanliness or hygiene.
While maintaining a clean and hygienic environment can help prevent bed bug infestations, it is not a guarantee that they won’t occur.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, bed bugs are a common household pest that can be challenging to eradicate. However, with the right knowledge and tools, it is possible to control and prevent bed bug infestations.
It is important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to bed bugs. While there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding these insects, it is important to rely on accurate information from reputable sources.
One of the most common myths about bed bugs is that they only infest dirty or cluttered spaces.
In reality, bed bugs can infest any environment, regardless of cleanliness or hygiene.
Another myth is that bed bugs only bite at night. While they are more active at night, bed bugs can still bite during the day if they are hungry and a host is available.
It is also important to note that bed bug bites do not always cause visible symptoms.
While some people may experience redness, swelling, and itching, others may not have any reaction at all.
Overall, the key to preventing and controlling bed bug infestations is to be vigilant and proactive.
By taking steps such as regularly inspecting for signs of bed bugs, properly treating infested areas, and practicing good hygiene, it is possible to keep bed bugs at bay.
So there you go. Some facts and myths for you guys and more will be dropping in future articles. If you have any questions or comments feel free to shoot a one below.
Stay Bed Bug Free!
Wilson
