Fact or Fiction? 5 Common Bed Bug Myths

July 1, 2019

It’s true that there has been a resurgence of bed bugs in the US since the 1990s. Changes in pest management, increase and world-wide travel, and bed bug resistance to pesticides have contributed to the increase. But along with the growing population, fears and myths about bed bugs have thrived as well. We are the experts in the field. Today we debunk 5 common bed bug myths to help you better protect your property and manage your fears.

Myth: Bed Bugs won’t Bite in a Brightly Lit Room

Fact: Although bed bugs are secretive and prefer to feed at night, keeping the lights on will not prevent them from invading a room or biting.

Myth: Bed Bugs Prefer Dirty Rooms

Fact: Bed bugs do not discriminate between clean and dirty environments and are just as likely to be found in luxury properties if owners do not practice effective pest management. However, in dirty environments a bed bug infestation might be harder to detect and control.

Myth: Bed Bugs can go a Year without Eating

Fact: Bed bugs can go a long time without eating, but not so long as once thought. In room temperature environments, most bed bugs can survive for 2-3 months. In colder temperatures, they may survive longer.

Myth: Bed Bugs Transmit Disease

Fact: Bed bugs do not spread disease to humans through bites. But be careful, scratching your bites with dirty fingernails could cause secondary infections.

Myth: Pesticides Alone Will Eliminate Bed Bug Infestations

Fact: In many areas of the country, bed bugs have become resistant to many pesticides. Effective bed bug control requires a variety of strategies like monitoring, clean travel practices, and professional treatment techniques.

When you want the bed bug nightmare to end, give us a call and we will have you bed bug free only 1 day. After at least three hours of 135°F heat we turn the heater off and load the equipment back into the trailer. If you think you see bed bugs call Total Shield Bed Bug Treatments at 717-478-HEAT. Your bed bugs will be dead. Guaranteed.

Don’t take our word for it

Bill was great to work with. He did a large amount of education and answered all of my questions. He communicated clearly in telling me what to expect. He has a large knowledge base which was very helpful to me. He was timely and efficient. I am impressed with his work.

Laketa Dyson
5 Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
January 12, 2018

Covid couldn’t conquer bed bugs

June 13, 2021

The past year needs no introduction: 2020 was the year the world stood still. We all stopped traveling, eating out, going to the office, attending church, and going to movie theaters. And it finally looks like we will start our long-anticipated return to “normal”... and, like it or not, we will be taking bed bugs with us! Read more

Now you know where to find bed bugs: 2021 Edition

June 9, 2021

Every year, a major pest control company publishes a list of the top US cities for bed bugs. Many sources across the internet will inform you (and those of us at Total Shield Bed Bug Treatments know first-hand!) that treating for bed bugs can be expensive and traditional chemical treatments can require several weeks or more to knock out an active infestation. Now that the economy is open again, you don’t need to live in one of these cities to have a potential bed bug problem... the person next to you could have traveled through one and brought them to visit you! Read more

Eliminate bed bugs as you welcome back campers

April 26, 2021

Camps across the country have been closed during the pandemic... and people can’t wait to return! Don’t assume that any bed bugs that survived your last treatment starved this past year— adult bed bugs have survived in laboratories without food for as long as 550 days and they will be hungry! As far as bed bugs are concerned, as we continue to return to business as usual— whatever that ends up looking like, you will be hosting a camp grand-re opening special for them: a potentially unlimited buffet of guests that will become their next meals. Read more

Hotels: prepare for summer travelers!

April 20, 2021

Congratulations: your hotel or motel survived the pandemic! You’re ready to spring back to business and thrive again! Don’t let bed bugs threaten to devour your reputation and suck your future dry. Preserve your room inventory and don’t let bed bugs lose you money. Total Shield Bed Bug Treatments has the discreet bed bug heat treatment that will get your rooms back in service in just 1 day. Read more