Bed bugs, once a rarely seen pest, have made a significant resurgence across the United States and globally. These tiny, flat insects, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius, feed exclusively on the blood of mammals and birds, and have coexisted with humans for centuries. While they were largely eradicated in the U.S. in the mid-20th century due to improved hygiene and pesticides, the last two decades have witnessed a worldwide comeback, signaling a potentially worsening epidemic. This resurgence is attributed to factors like increased global travel, dense urban populations, and growing pesticide resistance.
“By every metric that we use, it’s getting worse and worse,” states Coby Schal, an entomologist at North Carolina State University. Pest control services and health authorities are experiencing a constant influx of calls, suggesting that the peak of this bed bug resurgence may not yet be reached. Unlike seasonal pests, bed bugs are indoor creatures, posing a year-round problem. This continuous presence makes understanding their behavior and habits crucial for effective prevention and control.
Adding to the challenge is the widespread misinformation surrounding bed bugs. To help clarify the facts, we delve into common myths, focusing particularly on how these pests travel and whether humans are unwitting carriers.
Myth 1: Bed Bugs Can Fly
Bed bugs are often mistakenly thought to have wings and fly, contributing to fears about their rapid spread. However, the reality is quite different. Bed bugs are wingless insects and are physically incapable of flight. As Stephen Kells, a bed bug researcher from the University of Minnesota, clarifies, “Bedbugs lack wings, and therefore cannot fly.” The exception, humorously noted by Kells, is if you were to apply forced air, like from a blow dryer, they might be propelled short distances, about 1.2 meters. In their natural movement, bed bugs crawl, moving approximately one meter per minute. This crawling motion is their primary mode of transportation across surfaces, debunking the myth of airborne infestations.
Myth 2: Bed Bugs Reproduce Extremely Quickly
While the thought of a bed bug infestation can conjure images of rapid population explosion, their reproductive rate is actually slower compared to many other common household pests. A female bed bug typically lays only about one egg per day. To put this in perspective, a common housefly can lay around 500 eggs in just three to four days. Bed bug eggs also take approximately 10 days to hatch, and the nymphs require a further five to six weeks to mature into adults. This relatively slower reproductive cycle offers a window for early intervention if an infestation is detected, further highlighting the importance of timely and informed action.
Myth 3: Bed Bugs Can Survive a Year Without Feeding
A common misconception is that bed bugs are incredibly resilient and can survive for extended periods without food, specifically up to a year. While bed bugs are indeed hardy, their survival without a blood meal is more limited, especially under normal room temperatures. At around 23 degrees Celsius (normal room temperature), research suggests bed bugs can survive for about two to three months without feeding. However, as cold-blooded creatures, their metabolism slows down in cooler environments. In significantly colder temperatures, bed bugs can potentially survive for up to a year without a blood meal. This temperature-dependent survival is crucial for understanding bed bug behavior in different climates and building environments.
Myth 4: Bed Bugs Only Bite at Night
Bed bugs are often described as nocturnal feeders, leading to the belief that bites only occur at night. While they are primarily active at night, bed bugs are opportunistic feeders. As Coby Schal explains, “Although bedbugs are generally nocturnal, they’re like humans—if they’re hungry, they’ll get up and get something to eat.” If a host becomes available at any time of day, bed bugs will seize the opportunity to feed. For instance, returning to a vacant home during the daytime can prompt hungry bed bugs to seek a blood meal, dispelling the notion that they exclusively bite at night. Therefore, keeping lights on will not deter a hungry bed bug.
Myth 5: Bed Bugs Live Only in Mattresses
The name “bed bug” itself contributes to the myth that these pests are confined to mattresses. Stephen Kells points out the misleading nature of the name, stating, “‘Bedbug’ is such a misnomer. They should also be called pet bugs and suitcase bugs and train bugs and movie theater bugs.” Bed bugs are not exclusively mattress dwellers. They are adept at hiding in various locations beyond beds, expanding their reach into living areas. They can be found on any surface, including chairs, sofas, railings, and even ceilings. Their ability to disperse widely from initial infestation points makes control more challenging and emphasizes the need for comprehensive treatment strategies.
Myth 6: Bed Bugs Prefer Unsanitary, Urban Conditions
A common misconception is that bed bugs are primarily a problem in unsanitary or low-income urban environments. However, bed bugs are not discriminatory in their infestation. Coby Schal emphasizes, “Bedbugs are terribly nondiscriminatory.” They can infest any location where humans are present, from luxury residences to homeless shelters. While bed bugs may be more prevalent in densely populated, lower-income housing, this is not due to a preference for unsanitary conditions. Instead, it is often linked to factors like higher population density and limited resources for expensive pest control treatments. “Any location is vulnerable,” Kells notes, stressing that financial constraints can make bed bug eradication more challenging for some.
Myth 7: Bed Bugs Travel on Our Bodies
The question of whether bed bugs travel on people is central to understanding their spread. Contrary to the myth that bed bugs readily hitch rides on humans, they actually prefer not to be on our bodies. Stephen Kells explains that “Bedbugs do not like heat.” Unlike pests like lice or ticks, bed bugs do not cling to hair or skin. They also tend to avoid staying in clothing that is close to body heat. Instead, bed bugs are more likely to travel via belongings that are further removed from direct body heat, such as backpacks, luggage, shoes, and other personal items. This behavior is crucial for understanding how infestations spread from one location to another.
Myth 8: Bed Bugs Transmit Diseases
While bed bug infestations are undoubtedly distressing, the risk of disease transmission is a significant concern for many. Bed bug bites can cause anxiety, sleeplessness, and secondary skin infections from scratching. However, there is no evidence to support that bed bugs transmit diseases to humans. Although bed bugs have been found to harbor numerous human pathogens—at least 27 different viruses, bacteria, and protozoa—these pathogens do not reproduce or multiply within the insects. A Canadian study reported the presence of MRSA in bed bugs from hospital patients, but even in this case, there were no documented instances of actual disease transmission from bed bugs to humans.
Myth 9: DDT is the Solution for Bed Bug Eradication
With the resurgence of bed bugs, some might wonder if past solutions, like the pesticide DDT, could be reintroduced. However, relying on DDT is not a viable solution. Coby Schal points out that “When the controversial pesticide DDT was banned in 1972, most bed bugs were already resistant to it.” Today’s bed bug populations are even more resistant due to the widespread use of pyrethroids, the main class of pesticides currently used. Pyrethroids and DDT share a similar mechanism of action, targeting sodium channels in bed bug cells. Consequently, resistance to pyrethroids often leads to cross-resistance to DDT, rendering DDT ineffective against modern bed bug infestations.
Myth 10: Over-the-Counter Sprays Can Eliminate Bed Bugs
For homeowners facing a bed bug problem, readily available over-the-counter pesticide sprays might seem like a quick fix. Unfortunately, due to widespread pesticide resistance, these sprays are generally ineffective against bed bugs. Schal cautions that “Relying strictly on chemicals is generally not a good solution” and that these sprays “simply will not do.” Effective bed bug control typically requires more intensive methods, such as professional fumigation or heat treatments, which can be costly, ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 for a single-family home. Scientists are actively exploring alternative, more sustainable strategies, including freezing techniques and insect baits, along with advanced detection methods like infrared and vibration sensors to improve targeted treatment approaches.
Conclusion: Staying Informed About Bed Bugs
Understanding the facts about bed bugs is the first step in effectively preventing and managing infestations. While the myth of bed bugs traveling on people directly is largely untrue—they prefer luggage and belongings over human bodies—it’s crucial to be vigilant about how these pests spread. By debunking common myths and focusing on evidence-based information, we can better address the ongoing resurgence of bed bugs and minimize their impact on our homes and travels. Staying informed empowers us to take proactive measures and seek effective solutions when faced with these resilient pests.
