Top 10 Bed Bug Myths Debunked – What Berkshire Residents Need to Know

Bed bugs are surrounded by myths and misinformation — and believing the wrong thing can delay proper treatment and make infestations worse. At Pest Control Specialists in Berkshire, we’ve heard it all. Here, we bust the most common bed bug myths to help Berkshire residents understand the real facts.

Myth 1: Bed Bugs Only Live in Dirty Homes

False. Bed bugs are attracted to people, not dirt. Even the cleanest homes can get infested if bed bugs hitch a ride on luggage, furniture, or clothing.

Myth 2: You Can’t See Bed Bugs

False. Adult bed bugs are visible to the naked eye — they’re about the size of an apple seed. However, their hiding spots make them hard to find.

Myth 3: Bed Bugs Only Bite at Night

Mostly false. Bed bugs are nocturnal, but in heavy infestations or when hungry, they can bite during the day as well.

Myth 4: Bed Bugs Live Only in Beds

False. They can live behind baseboards, inside furniture, under carpets, inside light switches — even behind wallpaper.

Myth 5: DIY Sprays Can Solve the Problem

Rarely true. Store-bought sprays often kill visible bugs but leave eggs untouched. Bed bugs can also develop resistance, making DIY treatments ineffective.

Myth 6: Bed Bugs Transmit Diseases

False. While they’re a public health nuisance and cause allergic reactions, there is no evidence bed bugs spread infectious diseases.

Myth 7: Throwing Out the Bed Solves the Problem

False. If you don’t treat the source, the bugs will simply move to other areas. Replacing furniture won’t fix the infestation without proper treatment.

Myth 8: You’ll Know If You Have Bed Bugs Right Away

False. Some people don’t react to bites, and signs can be subtle. Infestations can grow silently for weeks or months before being noticed.

Myth 9: Bed Bugs Only Affect Low-Income Areas

False. Bed bugs don’t discriminate — they’ve been found in five-star hotels, luxury homes, schools, hospitals, and offices across Berkshire.

Myth 10: Heat or Cold Alone Can Kill Bed Bugs

Partly true. Extreme heat used professionally works well. But simply turning up the heating or using cold weather is not enough. Trust a professional for effective results.

If you suspect an infestation, don’t waste time or money on myths. Visit our Bedbug control Berkshire page for treatment options or contact us for a free quote and advice today.

FAQs – Bed Bug Myths and Facts

1. Can I have bed bugs even if I don’t have bites?
   Yes. Some people don’t react to bites at all. Always look for signs like dark spots, skins, or a musty smell.
2. Are bed bugs a sign of poor hygiene?
   No. They can thrive in any clean or dirty environment if people are present to feed on.
3. Will getting rid of my bed solve the issue?
   No. The bugs will simply spread to other furniture or rooms.
4. Do bug bombs work?
   Not effectively. Bed bugs often hide in protected spaces where foggers don’t reach.
5. Can I get bed bugs from a friend’s house?
   Yes. They can travel on bags, clothing, or furniture — even in taxis and buses.
6. Do bed bugs bite pets?
   Rarely. They prefer human blood but may bite pets in severe infestations.
7. What’s the best way to get rid of bed bugs?
   Professional heat or chemical treatment, tailored to your property by experts.