Many misconceptions exist about bed bugs, which can lead to ineffective treatment and unnecessary worry. Understanding the facts about bed bugs is important for effective prevention and treatment.
Myth: Bed Bugs Only Live in Dirty Homes
Fact: Bed bugs can live in clean homes. Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt or filth—they are attracted to blood. Anyone can get bed bugs regardless of cleanliness. Bed bugs spread primarily through human activity, such as travel or bringing used furniture into the home.
Myth: Bed Bugs Live in Hair
Fact: Bed bugs do not live in hair. Bed bugs prefer to hide in cracks, crevices, and other concealed locations near where people sleep. They feed on exposed skin and then return to hiding spots. Bed bugs are not like lice—they do not attach to hair or live on the body.
Myth: Bed Bugs Live on Your Body
Fact: Bed bugs do not live on your body. Bed bugs feed on blood and then return to hiding spots in furniture, walls, or other locations. They are not like lice or ticks that attach to the body. Bed bugs only come to the body to feed, typically at night.
Myth: Bed Bugs Can Bite Through Clothing
Fact: Bed bugs cannot bite through clothing. They feed on exposed skin. However, bed bugs can crawl under loose clothing to reach skin. Wearing tight-fitting clothing can help prevent bites, but it does not eliminate the need for treatment if you have an infestation.
Myth: Bed Bugs Die in Cold Weather
Fact: Bed bugs can survive cold weather but die at freezing temperatures (32°F) when exposed for sufficient time. However, bed bugs typically live indoors where temperatures are controlled, so outdoor cold weather does not affect indoor infestations. Professional heat treatment is more reliable than cold treatment for elimination.
Myth: Bed Bugs Can Survive Washing Machines
Fact: Bed bugs cannot survive washing machines when combined with high heat drying. Washing alone may not kill all bed bugs, but washing in hot water (120°F or higher) followed by drying on high heat for at least 30 minutes will kill bed bugs and eggs. This is an effective method for treating clothing and bedding.
Myth: Bed Bugs Can Survive Dryers
Fact: Bed bugs cannot survive dryers when used on high heat. Drying clothing and bedding on high heat for at least 30 minutes will kill bed bugs and eggs. The heat from dryers (typically 140-180°F) is lethal to bed bugs at all life stages.
Myth: Heat Treatment Can Start a Fire
Fact: Professional heat treatment is safe when performed by trained technicians. Temperatures are carefully monitored, and heat-sensitive items are removed beforehand. Fire risks are minimized through proper equipment use, temperature monitoring, and safety protocols. Professional heat treatment companies are licensed and insured.
Myth: One Bed Bug Is Not a Problem
Fact: One bed bug can cause an infestation. A single female bed bug can lay 1-5 eggs per day, and those eggs hatch in 6-10 days. A small infestation can become severe within 2-3 months if left untreated. Early detection and treatment are important to prevent rapid population growth.
Myth: Essential Oils Kill Bed Bugs
Fact: Essential oils and natural remedies are not effective for eliminating bed bug infestations. While some oils may have limited repellent effects, they cannot eliminate entire infestations, especially eggs and hidden populations. Professional treatment is necessary for reliable elimination.
The Bottom Line
Understanding the facts about bed bugs is important for effective prevention and treatment. If you suspect bed bugs, contact a professional bed bug specialist for an inspection and treatment. Professional treatment is the most reliable way to eliminate bed bug infestations.