10 Bed Bug Myths And Facts That Will Surprise You

Despite seeming like monsters, bed bugs are actually fascinating creatures. In fact, there’s a lot about them that will actually surprise you. Don’t believe us? Then take a look at this list of bed bug myths and facts.

Some interesting bed bug myths we hear in our line of work

1. Bed bugs are large

When people think of bed bugs, they imagine these enormous bugs crawling all over the place. This is one of the biggest bed bug myths. The truth is that these pests are a lot smaller than people think – about the size of an apple seed.

2. People get bed bugs because they’re “dirty”

Nothing could be further from the truth. People don’t get bed bugs because their house is a mess. There is no difference between a clean house or a messy house. These pests are not attracted to dirt and grime. No, the only thing they are after is the blood in your veins.

3. Bed bugs can make you sick

Probably one of the worst bed bug myths is that they can make you ill. These pests cannot make you sick, and they do not transmit any known diseases.

4. Leaving the lights on will deter bed bugs

While bed bugs prefer darkness, they aren’t deterred by light. Just like cockroaches, these pests are happy to move in the light – if they have to.

5. Pesticides are enough to get rid of bed bugs

Sadly, bed bugs are now building up an immunity to many types of pesticide. This is why a multi-pronged strategy is generally needed to eliminate them. On the bright side, heat treatments are 100% effective and don’t involve any pesticides.

6. Bed bugs can fly

No, this isn’t true, although you can get them across the world in many countries. These pests do not have wings and cannot fly. Instead, they crawl slowly around the room, until they find food.

7. Bed bugs only feed at night

Yet another one of the many bed bug myths which isn’t true. While bed bugs generally feed at night, they’re not limited to feed at night. These pests will come out to eat whenever they’re hungry.

8. Bed bugs can survive for a year without eating

This one is loosely based in fact, but not quite. Researchers have found that at room temperature, bed bugs can live for about three months without eating. If the temperature cools down, their metabolism slows, and they can live a bit longer.

9. Bed bugs attach themselves to our bodies

Unlike ticks, bed bugs do not like to travel on humans. This is because they find us far too warm, and prefer to travel on our clothing.

10. Bed bugs only live in beds

Don’t let their name confuse you, these pests can live almost anywhere. This includes strange places like public transport, offices and even libraries.