7 Common Bed Bugs Facts vs. Misconceptions

Although being widespread, bed bugs are actually one of the most misunderstood pests. There are dozens of myths, legends, and erroneous beliefs surrounding these pests. We have selected seven of the biggest bed bug facts and considered the misconceptions.

These bed bug ‘facts’ are wrong 

1. Bed bugs are huge

Most people have an image of bed bugs in their mind. They think that these common autumn pests are the size of cockroaches, or beetles. This is completely wrong. Bed bugs are actually a lot smaller than you think – about the size of an apple seed. It’s this small size which allows them to go undetected in our homes.

2. You should throw out your mattress

This is often one of the first things that people do. They believe this helps get rid of these pests. It doesn’t. You see, bed bugs don’t only hide in your mattress. They are more likely to live in the areas surrounding your bed. This includes places like cracks in the skirting board and behind headboards. If you throw out your mattress, you’ll still have bed bugs.

3. Bed bugs are attracted to filth

This is probably the biggest misconception on our list of bed bug facts. People believe that a dirty home attracts these pests. It doesn’t matter how clean or dirty your home may be, you can still pick up bed bugs. The same goes for the place you’re staying. Even the swankiest five star hotels can have bed bugs.

4. Mattress protectors work

Here’s another one for the incorrect bed bug facts column. Yes, while mattress protectors keep these pests out of your actual mattress, they don’t solve the problem completely. Remember, these pests don’t only live in your mattress. This is why a mattress protector cannot be your only line of defence.

5. There are places they cannot hide

One of the worst things about these pests is that they can squeeze into almost anything. This gives them the ability to hide anywhere and everywhere. A good example of this is electronic equipment. These pests can easily get into things like bedside radios. As long as there’s a space of about 1-2mm, the bed bugs can enter.

6. Bed bugs are odourless

One of the unpleasant things about bed bugs is that they stink. They means large infestations are relatively easy to pick up on. It’s also why sniffer dogs are now used to find these pests. If these pests are in your room, you’ll eventually pick up on a sweet, musty odour and be driven to getting some pest control experts in immediately.

7. You can’t get rid of bed bugs

Like most bed bug facts, this is wrong. Many people believe that these pests are impossible to get rid of. That really isn’t true. They’re actually quite easy to exterminate. The best and fastest way of doing this is with heat treatments which kills bed bugs and their eggs. If you’re infested with these pests, call your local exterminator and ask for one of these treatments.