Common Myths About Bed Bugs Debunked

When most people hear the words bed bugs, they immediately picture tiny insects hiding in mattresses, waiting to bite during the night. While that image isn’t entirely wrong, it’s far from the full story. Bed bugs are one of the most misunderstood pests and those misunderstandings often lead to bigger infestations, costly treatments, and unnecessary stress.

The truth is: bed bugs can live in far more places than just beds, and believing otherwise is one of the most common (and dangerous) myths homeowners fall for. As the leading pest experts serving Northeast Ohio, DHS Pest Control has seen firsthand how misconceptions allow infestations to spread quietly and quickly.

Today, we’re debunking the biggest myths surrounding bed bugs and breaking down what every homeowner should know to better protect their home, family, or business.

Understanding the Real Nature of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed exclusively on human and animal blood. Unlike many pests, they don’t carry diseases, but their bites can cause itching, rashes, allergic reactions, and significant stress.

The biggest challenge with bed bugs is not the health risk, but their ability to hide extremely well. Their flat bodies allow them to squeeze into cracks and crevices as thin as a credit card, making them difficult to detect without a trained eye.

To truly understand where they live and why they must be viewed not as “bed insects” but as opportunistic hitchhikers who follow one thing above all: warmth and easy access to a blood meal.

Myth #1: “Bed Bugs Only Live in Beds.”

Fact: Bed bugs can live almost anywhere people rest, sit, or sleep.

While the majority of early infestations start in or near a bed, these pests are not mattress-exclusive. Beds offer warmth, shelter, and close access to humans, which makes them an ideal starting point.

But as infestations grow, or as bed bugs move to find new hiding places, they spread far beyond the bed frame.

Common places bed bugs live (that are NOT beds):

• Sofas and recliners
• Carpets and rugs
• Baseboards and molding
• Behind electrical outlets
• Wall cracks and picture frames
• Nightstands and dressers
• Closet shelves and clothing
• Luggage and suitcases
• Backpacks, purses, and diaper bags
• Office chairs and cubicles
• Wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds
• Public transportation seats
• Hotel furniture
• Movie theater seating

In short: If a human sits or sleeps there, a bed bug can live there.

This is why thorough inspections by trained professionals are critical. A DIY approach often fails because people only inspect the mattress—leaving dozens of other hiding spots untouched.

Myth #2: “Bed Bugs Only Bite at Night.”

Fact: While bed bugs prefer nighttime feeding, they will bite anytime they’re hungry.

Bed bugs are nocturnal by nature, but they are also opportunistic. If the environment is dark or still enough during the day, or if the pest is hungry, it will feed.

Daytime feeders often mislead homeowners into thinking the bites are from fleas, mosquitoes, or spiders, especially when no activity is seen near the bed.

This myth creates a false sense of security and delays treatment.

Myth #3: “Bed Bugs Only Infest Dirty Homes.”

Fact: Cleanliness has nothing to do with bed bug infestations.

Bed bugs do not care about:

• Dirt
• Clutter
• Food crumbs
• Pet waste

They care about blood. That’s it!

We have treated spotless homes, luxury apartments, high-end hotels, and brand-new buildings. Bed bugs can affect anyone. The only factor that increases risk is travel or frequenting public places, not cleanliness.

However, clutter does make them harder to detect and eliminate, giving them more hiding spots.

Myth #4: “If I can’t see bed bugs, I don’t have them.”

Fact: Bed bugs are experts at staying hidden.

You might not see bed bugs until an infestation has grown significantly. Many people assume the absence of visible bugs means their bites are from something else.

That’s why pest professionals rely on signs, not just sightings.

Common signs of bed bugs include:

• Tiny dark spots (fecal stains) on sheets or mattresses
• Small blood smears on bedding
• Shed skins or exoskeletons
• Pin-sized white eggs
• Musty or sweet odors in severe infestations
• Red, itchy bite clusters or lines on the skin

If you see any of these signs, even without seeing the bugs, an inspection is needed immediately.

Myth #5: “Bed Bugs Can Jump or Fly.”

Fact: Bed bugs cannot jump or fly, they crawl.

Bed bugs lack wings and powerful legs. They move by crawling slowly from one area to another, or hitchhiking on personal belongings.

This means they spread by:

• Latching onto luggage
• Hiding in clothing
• Clinging to backpacks
• Riding on furniture being moved
• Traveling between apartments through wall voids

They aren’t acrobatic, but they are incredibly stealthy.

Myth #6: “Throwing out my mattress will get rid of bed bugs.”

Fact: Bed bugs will remain in the room even if the bed is removed.

Since bed bugs live in dozens of possible places, removing a mattress does nothing to eliminate the infestation. In fact, it may cause them to spread farther as they seek new hiding places.

Plus, dragging an infested mattress through your home may drop bed bugs throughout hallways and common areas, making the situation much worse.

Myth #7: “Bed Bugs Spread Diseases.”

Fact: Bed bugs are not known to transmit disease.

This is one of the few “myths” with good news. Bed bugs do not carry or spread infectious diseases.

However, that does not make them harmless. Bed bugs can cause:

• Allergic reactions
• Anxiety and insomnia
• Secondary infections from scratching
• Emotional distress, especially in children

For businesses such as hotels, apartments, and healthcare facilities, bed bugs can also lead to reputation damage, legal issues, and operational disruptions.

Myth #8: “I Can Get Rid of Bed Bugs Myself.”

Fact: DIY treatments often fail and can make infestations worse.

Over-the-counter sprays, foggers, and home remedies like rubbing alcohol or essential oils rarely eliminate bed bugs. In most cases, they simply scatter the insects and drive them deeper into walls and furniture.

Professional-grade methods, such as targeted applications, and integrated pest management, are the only reliable way to eliminate bed bugs completely.

Why Bed Bugs Are a Growing Problem in Northeast Ohio

Because of increased travel, apartment living, and secondhand furniture purchases, bed bugs have made a major comeback throughout Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Medina, Hudson, and surrounding Northeast Ohio areas.

These pests thrive in environments where people frequently move, gather, or sleep, including college dorms, hotels, offices, and multifamily housing.

Regular inspections and early detection are essential, especially in high-density environments.

How DHS Pest Control Eliminates Bed Bugs Effectively

At DHS Pest Control, we use a comprehensive approach that includes:

✔ Detailed inspections

We identify every hiding spot, not just the obvious ones.

✔ EPA-approved, professional-grade treatments

Safe for your family, harsh on pests.

✔ Chemical Treatments

Tailored to severity and location of the infestation.

✔ Follow-up visits

Ensuring complete elimination and preventing reinfestation.

✔ Education and prevention tips

So you never have to deal with bed bugs again.

We understand how stressful bed bugs can be, that’s why we act fast and treat your home or business with care and confidentiality.