Often asked: Are Bed Bugs Really That Bad?

Bed bugs are not as bad as you’ve heard. They are much worse than you have heard, says Gail Getty, a leading bed bug expert and entomologist at Cal’s Urban Pest Management Center. Lastly, bed bugs were never comparably reduced in the rest of the world, and international travel has become more common.

Are bed bugs a serious problem?

Bed bugs are a public health pest. While bed bugs have not been shown to transmit disease, they do cause a variety of negative physical health, mental health and economic consequences. Some of these effects include: Allergic reactions to their bites, which can be severe.

Should you worry about bed bugs?

There’s especially cause for concern if there are any female bed bugs—if one is pregnant, it will start laying eggs rapidly and then reproduce with its offspring. A single female can lay 500 eggs in her lifetime. If you spot even a couple bed bugs, it’s best to call a professional pest control company.

Can you ever really get rid of bed bugs?

Fortunately, you can get rid of bedbugs. Be patient as removing bedbugs often takes some time and effort. You may have to try a few different chemical and non-chemical approaches, especially if you have a large infestation. Certain factors can make bedbugs harder to remove.

Is bed bugs a big deal?

There is no known evidence that bed bugs cause disease. If bed bugs did transmit diseases, the government would quickly make bed bugs a priority. But because they simply feed on humans and infest homes, apartments, hotels, movie theaters, schools, hospitals, buses, etc. it’s really no big deal.

Is it safe to sleep in a bed with bed bugs?

Although it sounds like a grim choice, it is best to continue sleeping in the infested area until the bed bugs are eliminated. DO NOT immediately throw items away For many people, the immediate reaction to a bed bug infestation is to throw the infested items away.

Can you get sick from bed bugs?

Bed bugs do not directly make humans sick. In most cases where humans have become ill after bed bug bites, the underlying cause was due to allergies, blood loss, or infection.

Do bed bugs mean you are dirty?

“While cleaning up and getting rid of clutter can help treat bedbugs faster, bedbugs can live anywhere, even places we would consider clean and tidy,” Zimmerman said. Keeping your space clean probably wouldn’t hurt (for many reasons), but bedbugs don’t mean you’re dirty.

Can you just live with bed bugs?

People mistakenly think that a dirty environment is conducive to infestations, but bed bugs don’t thrive in filthy conditions. Even if your home is clean and free of clutter, bed bugs can live comfortably. Having a clean and sanitary living area is important, but it does not prevent an infestation.

Can bed bugs make you go crazy?

Research is starting to show that bed bug infections can leave people with anxiety, depression, and paranoia. And that’s normal. In fact, it would be weird for you not to be freaked out, says Stéphane Perron, a doctor and researcher at the University of Montreal.

Can poor hygiene cause bed bugs?

Who is at risk? Any home is at risk of a bed bug infestation. Bed bugs are not a sign of a dirty home or poor personal hygiene. Bed bugs are hitchhikers – they travel to new places by hiding in furniture, suitcases, or other objects that get moved around.

What is the main cause of bed bugs?

Travel is widely recognized as the most common cause of bed bug infestations. Often unbeknownst to the traveler, bed bugs will hitchhike on people, clothing, luggage, or other personal belongings and be accidentally transported to other properties. Bed bugs can easily go unnoticed by humans.

What kills bed bugs instantly?

Steam – Bed bugs and their eggs die at 122°F (50°C). The high temperature of steam 212°F (100°C) immediately kills bed bugs. Apply steam slowly to the folds and tufts of mattresses, along with sofa seams, bed frames, and corners or edges where bed bugs may be hiding.

What smells do bed bugs hate?

This is why bed bugs, as well as other insects and arachnids, also hate the following scents: mint, cinnamon, basil and citrus. (All of these contain linalool in them.) Sprinkling lavender oil or spraying lavender scent in areas where bed bugs are hiding is useful, but not too powerful on its own.

What do I do if I found a bed bug?

Call an exterminator. If you still have bed bugs, arrange for an exterminator to come and do an inspection. They’ll be able to gauge the size of your infestation and recommend treatment options. The fastest and most thorough way to get rid of bed bugs is to have an exterminator treat your home.

Why did God create bed bugs?

Why would God create bed bugs if they don’t serve any purpose? God created the world in whatever manner he saw fit, and not just in ways that would be convenient for us. It’s the same reason why there are parasites and viruses. With other pests, like mosquitoes, you could say that they’re part of God’s plan.