Bed bugs are one of the most dreaded household pests, known for their ability to infest homes, cause itchy bites, and spread rapidly. Unfortunately, misinformation about these pests can lead to costly mistakes, prolonging infestations and increasing extermination expenses.
To help you avoid financial and emotional distress, we’ve debunked seven common bed bug myths that could end up costing you thousands of dollars if believed.
Myth 1: Bed Bugs Only Live in Dirty Homes
The Truth: Bed bugs do not discriminate based on cleanliness. While clutter can provide more hiding spots, these pests are just as likely to infest a five-star hotel or a spotless home as they are a messy one.
Why It’s Costly: Assuming that only dirty homes get bed bugs can lead to delayed detection. By the time you realize you have an infestation, it may have spread extensively, requiring professional treatment that could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Myth 2: You Can’t See Bed Bugs With the Naked Eye
The Truth: Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed (4-5 mm) and are visible if you know where to look. Nymphs (young bed bugs) and eggs are smaller but can still be spotted under close inspection.
Why It’s Costly: If you believe bed bugs are invisible, you might ignore early signs like tiny blood spots on sheets, shed skins, or small reddish-brown bugs in mattress seams. Early detection is key to preventing a full-blown infestation that requires expensive extermination.
Myth 3: Bed Bugs Only Bite at Night
The Truth: While bed bugs ( væggelus ) are primarily nocturnal, they will bite during the day if they’re hungry and the opportunity arises. If you work night shifts and sleep during the day, they’ll adjust their feeding schedule accordingly.
Why It’s Costly: Assuming bed bugs only come out at night might lead you to overlook daytime inspections. Missing their hiding spots allows the infestation to grow, making eradication more difficult and expensive.
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Myth 4: DIY Methods Are Just as Effective as Professional Treatment
The Truth: While DIY solutions like bug sprays, diatomaceous earth, or essential oils may kill some bed bugs, they rarely eliminate an entire infestation. Bed bugs hide in deep cracks, electrical outlets, and furniture, making complete eradication nearly impossible without professional-grade treatments.
Why It’s Costly: Relying solely on DIY methods can prolong the infestation, allowing bed bugs to spread to other rooms or even neighboring apartments. In multi-unit buildings, this can lead to legal liabilities and massive extermination bills.
Myth 5: Bed Bugs Can’t Live in Cold or Hot Temperatures
The Truth: While extreme heat (above 120°F) and cold (below 0°F) can kill bed bugs, simply turning off your heat in winter or leaving infested items outside won’t work. Bed bugs can survive for months in moderate conditions and find ways to stay warm or cool.
Why It’s Costly: Attempting ineffective temperature treatments wastes time and allows the infestation to worsen. Professional heat treatments or specialized freezing methods are often necessary, and delaying proper treatment increases costs.
Myth 6: You Can Get Rid of Bed Bugs by Throwing Away Your Mattress
The Truth: Bed bugs don’t just live in mattresses—they hide in furniture, baseboards, carpets, and even behind wallpaper. Simply replacing your mattress won’t solve the problem.
Why It’s Costly: Discarding furniture without proper treatment can spread bed bugs ( væggelus ) to other areas of your home or even to neighbors. Additionally, buying new furniture without eliminating the infestation means your new items will quickly become re-infested.
Myth 7: Bed Bugs Transmit Diseases
The Truth: Unlike mosquitoes or ticks, bed bugs are not known to spread diseases. Their bites can cause itching, allergic reactions, and sleep disturbances, but they are not a direct health threat in terms of infections.
Why It’s Costly: While this myth doesn’t directly lead to financial loss, the unnecessary panic can cause people to overspend on unproven treatments or repeatedly replace furniture. Staying calm and focusing on proven extermination methods saves money.
How to Avoid Costly Bed Bug Mistakes
Now that you know the truth behind these myths, here are some practical steps to prevent and handle bed bug infestations without wasting money:
- Inspect Regularly – Check mattresses, furniture, and luggage after traveling.
- Act Fast – At the first sign of bed bugs, contact a professional exterminator.
- Avoid DIY-Only Solutions – Use professional treatments for complete eradication.
- Properly Dispose of Infested Items – Seal items in plastic before disposal to prevent spreading.
- Educate Yourself – Learn the real facts to avoid falling for scams or ineffective treatments.
Conclusion
Believing common bed bug myths can lead to delayed action, ineffective treatments, and skyrocketing extermination costs. By understanding the truth about these pests, you can take swift, effective measures to protect your home and wallet.
