The Bed Bug Experts Answer Your Most Asked Questions

Here at Convectex, we get asked a LOT of questions about bed bugs.  Whether it’s new pest control business owners, motel/hotel owners, or even the do-it-yourselfer who wants to get rid of bed bugs now, many people have unanswered questions about bed bugs and how to get rid of them. 

Here are some of the FAQ’s for Convectex Pros:

Are bed bugs a sign that someone is “dirty”?

No, bed bugs do not indicate “dirtiness” or an unsanitary living situation.  The cleanest homes can have serious bed bug issues if the proper treatment techniques aren’t used quickly at the first sign of bugs.  Furthermore, just improving sanitation without treatment will not get rid of bed bugs.  It’s true that cluttered environments offer bed bugs more places to hide, which makes treatments more difficult and can make infestations seem worse than they are, but, again, reducing clutter won’t make bed bugs go away, it will simply help support your treatment efforts.  Everyone is at risk of having a bed bug problem, regardless of personal cleanliness.

Can I get sick from a bed bug bite?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, bed bugs are not known to spread disease or sickness.  However, it is possible to experience an allergic reaction to bed bug saliva, which the bugs use as an anesthetic when feeding.  Typical allergic reactions include redness, swelling, inflammation, and itching.  If a person receives many bites or if they are particularly sensitive to the bites, this can become very uncomfortable.  In extreme cases, it can even lead to PTSD, paranoia, or insomnia.

Why are bed bugs so hard to get rid of?

In truth, bed bugs are not hard to get rid of, you’re just probably going about it the wrong way.  The internet is full of DIY treatments that simply don’t work.  These include using various dusts, bug bombs, essential oils, spices, boiling water, or freezing items infested with bed bugs.  While these treatments might seem to work in minimal, localized cases, they can also cause your bed bug problem to spread, making it worse instead of better.  Likewise, using traditional chemical treatments alone is insufficient.  Many off-the-shelf sprays and insecticides claim to kill bed bugs but, simply put, just DON’T.  One of the unique features of bed bugs is that they have the ability to continually evolve and develop new resistances to commonly used substances.  This means that treatments which used to be effective “back in the day” are no longer working as well, or even at all, on today’s bed bugs. 

To actually get rid of bed bugs fast, you need to perform a heat treatment.  Bed bugs cannot survive in warm environments above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, their bodies dry out, they overheat, and they quickly succumb to the elements.  The best part of using a heat treatment is it gives the bugs nowhere to run, since the heat permeates everything inside the treatment area, including furniture, walls, flooring, and anything else inside the room/structure.  What’s more, scientists have found no evidence that bed bugs can adapt to environmental changes, which indicates that this treatment will be effective for years to come.  To learn more about DIY bed bug heaters and see if they’re right for you, visit https://convectex.com/blogs/blog/bed-bug-heater-reviews.

How do I prevent a bed bug infestation in my home or business?

Taking a few simple steps can help greatly reduce your risk of having a bed bug infestation. 

1. Do not buy used furniture (or give any item an extremely thorough inspection before purchase).
2. Know the signs of a bed bug presence! To learn what to look for when doing an inspection, check out our FREE e-bookat https://convectex.com/blogs/blog/getting-rid-of-bed-bugs-a-quick-diy-reference-guide.
3. Change your sheets and do visual inspections regularly.
4. Keep your luggage and personal items out of the room when staying in a hotel. If you have to bring in your luggage, place it in the bathtub until you have inspected everything in the room.
5. Train your staff to recognize the signs of bed bugs. Need help with training?  Check out our training materials at https://convectex.com/pages/training.
6. If you do suspect you have bed bugs, use the right equipment. For DIY heat treatments, visit https://convectex.com/collections/diy-home-owner-bed-bug-heat-packages OR hire a professional who uses the Convectex Bed Bug Heat System.  You can find a list of providers at https://convectex.com/pages/providers.
7. Verify that lethal temperatures have been reached with every treatment. For best results, use the Cimastat Bed Bug Heat Verification Stickers at https://convectex.com/products/bed-bug-heat-verification-sticker.