“Don’t let the bed bugs bite.” We’ve all said it before, and though it can be a playful way to say goodnight, the reality is that bed bugs are nothing to mess with!

Bed bugs are pretty widely identified as pests that can invade mattresses, upholstery and other furnishings, but what’s not as commonly understood is how infestations come to be and the proper way to treat them. In addition to false information about bed bugs, there are plenty of DIY tips and tricks in circulation; but be wary, as many of them are ineffective and may even exacerbate the issue. In this blog post we’ll address common misconceptions about bed bugs and help you understand the best course of action if faced with an infestation.

Misconception #1: Bed bugs only infest dirty places.
We’re sorry to report that having a clean home does not mean you’re in the clear when it comes to bed bug infestations. Unlike many other pests, bed bugs aren’t in search of food, dust or even dirt. They’re attracted to warmth, blood and carbon dioxide, and find new “homes” as they travel into dwellings on infested bags, suitcases and clothing.

Misconception #2: If I stay at an upscale hotel, I don’t need to worry about bed bugs.
As stated above, bed bugs don’t discriminate between clean and dirty, cheap or fancy! The fact of the matter is that infestations can happen wherever they find warmth and carbon dioxide emitting from humans.

Misconception #3: It can wait.
Bed bugs are not a “wait and see” scenario. In fact, the bed bug life cycle progresses more quickly in residential settings. Like with most infestations, time is of the essence if you detect bed bugs in your home. And the sooner you treat it, the easier it will be to mitigate.

Misconception #4: As a multi-dwelling property manager, I only need to treat the unit that has an infestation.
Depending on construction elements, bed bugs can travel from apartment to apartment fairly easily. They’re quick crawlers. They also move from place to place on clothing, making it probable that people in the same building will “share” the infestation (thanks a lot!)

Misconception #5: Store-bought foggers will eliminate an infestation.
These foggers, commonly known as “bug bombs,” have proven to be ineffective at killing bed bugs and may even intensify the issue. Taking the Do-It-Yourself route may cost you more money in the long run.

Now that we’ve heightened your paranoia around bed bugs (we’re itching as we type this), let’s get to the good news. You can take some proactive measures to reduce the likelihood of a bed bug infestation. These practices include eliminating clutter in your home to reduce hiding places, keeping your belongings stored separately from others when in public places, and vacuuming your home regularly. You can also store linens, blankets and clothes in airtight containers when not in use.

If you spot a bed bug in your home, take action. And if you’ve taken anything from this blog post, we hope it’s that calling in the professionals is the best course of action if an infestation is already upon you. A trusted, experienced pest control company like Excelsior Pest Group can assess the infestation and take appropriate measures to eradicate the issue. Our team of certified technicians is highly trained in cutting-edge technologies and environmentally friendly practices to eliminate bed bug infestations, allowing you to get back to comfortable, bug-free living. Inquire about our bed bug services here.