3 Most Common Myths About Bed Bugs

Bed bugs have been in the Internet a lot lately, but not all of this information is accurate.  Here are the 3 most common myths about bed bugs according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Myth #1: Bed Bugs Only Live in Dirty Homes

This is not true.  Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt or dirty people.  Bed bugs are so thin that they can wedge themselves into tiny crevices and breed in even the cleanest of homes and businesses.  Keeping a cluttered home can make it easier for bed begs to find hiding spaces and spaces to lay eggs, but they can still find plenty of spots in clean homes.  They can get into electronics, in picture frames and in floor cracks.

Myth #2: Bed Bugs Only Come Out In the Dark

You may have heard that sleeping in a brightly lit room will deter bed bugs.  It won’t.  Bed bugs come out to feed whenever a person is sleeping or staying very still.  They are attracted to carbon dioxide, which living beings exhale.  They are also attracted to body warmth.  Since most people sleep with the lights out, it can be understandable for some people to conclude that bed bugs are only active at night.

Myth #3: Over the Counter Bug Bombs Will Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Even though a pesticide product that you can buy at the store may claim it can kill bed bugs, bug bombs or foggers will not get rid of an infestation.  Pesticides need to come into contact with the bed bug in order to work.  Bed bugs simply hide until the effects of the foggers wear off.  They may also flee to another room in the home that isn’t being treated.  Bed bugs in apartment buildings simply move from the treated apartment to an untreated apartment.  Eventually, the bugs will return.

Creepy adult bed bug picture from the CDC.