8 Common Bed Bug Myths

Bed bugs. We all dread the very thought of them, the thought of getting an infestation in your own home even more. But are they really as scary as they seem? Bed bugs incite a lot of fear in people and, in turn, lead to a lot of false information 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. With Bed Bug Awareness Week underway, the experts at Batzner Pest Control want to help dispel common bed bug myths.

Common Questions About Bed Bugs

As a pest control company, we see a lot of misconceptions about pests and the dangers they pose. A few of the most common inquiries about bed bugs include:

1. Do bed bugs feed at night or during the day?
   • 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.
2. Do bed bugs only infest your bedroom?
   • 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.
3. Can you see bed bugs with the naked eye?
   • Yes. Although nymphs are nearly impossible to see, adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed and are definitely visible.
4. Are bed bugs more likely to infest messy homes?
   • Not at all. Anyone is prone to a bed bug problem, regardless of whether your home is clean or messy.
5. Do bed bugs jump or fly?
   • No! Unlike fleas and ticks, bed bugs have underdeveloped wings. To get from one place to another, they crawl.
6. Should you dispose of infested furniture?
   • Definitely not. Moving around infested furniture can actually spread bed bugs to other areas of your home.
7. Can bed bug bites transmit disease?
   • Unlike mosquitoes and other pests, bed bug bites do not transmit any dangerous diseases or germs.
8. Can you get rid of bed bugs by yourself?
   • No, DIY bed bug treatment is never a viable solution. A bed bug infestation requires professional treatment to exterminate.

How to Deal With Bed Bugs

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. In addition, take caution while traveling. This includes inspecting your hotel room for bugs and being careful when unpacking your suitcase. Lastly, get regular inspections from a professional pest control company who knows exactly how to spot early signs of bed bugs and other pest problems. The team at Batzner is here for you–contact our bed bug exterminators today!