Bed bugs are one of the most misunderstood pests. Because they are small and hard to see, myths spread quickly and often cause homeowners to delay treatment. In Arizona, bed bugs are a real issue year-round, especially in growing cities and high-travel areas.

Knowing the facts can help homeowners spot problems early and avoid costly infestations. Below are common bed bug myths—and the truth behind them.

Myth 1: Bed Bugs Only Live in Dirty Homes

This is one of the most common myths about bed bugs, and it is completely false. Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt or clutter. They are attracted to people.

Bed bugs feed on human blood, not food crumbs or trash. Clean homes, hotels, apartments, and even luxury properties can all experience bed bug infestations. While clutter can give bed bugs more places to hide, cleanliness alone does not prevent them.

Myth 2: Bed Bugs Are Only Found in Beds

Despite their name, bed bugs do not live only in beds. While mattresses and box springs are common hiding spots, bed bugs can live in many areas of a home.

They often hide in:
• Couches and recliners
• Nightstands and dressers
• Behind baseboards
• Inside electrical outlets
• Along carpet edges
• Inside luggage or backpacks

Anywhere close to where people rest or sleep can become a hiding place.

Myth 3: You Can See Bed Bugs Easily

Adult bed bugs are small—about the size of an apple seed—and nymphs are even smaller. They are flat, fast-moving, and excellent at hiding in tiny cracks.

Many homeowners do not see the bugs themselves at first. Instead, they notice signs such as:
• Small red or brown stains on sheets
• Itchy bite marks, often in lines or clusters
• Shed skins or tiny eggs near sleeping areas

By the time bed bugs are visible, the infestation is often well established.

Myth 4: Bed Bugs Only Come From Hotels

Hotels are a common source of bed bugs, but they are not the only one. In Arizona, bed bugs are often brought into homes through everyday activities.

Common ways bed bugs spread include:
• Traveling and luggage
• Visiting friends or family
• Secondhand furniture or mattresses
• Apartment buildings or shared walls
• Ride-sharing or public transportation

Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can move easily from place to place.

Myth 5: DIY Treatments Will Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Store-bought sprays, foggers, and home remedies rarely eliminate bed bugs completely. While they may kill some bugs on contact, they often fail to reach hidden areas where bed bugs live and reproduce.

Bed bugs are also resistant to many over-the-counter products. Improper DIY treatments can cause them to spread deeper into walls or other rooms, making the problem worse.

Professional treatment is usually necessary to fully eliminate bed bugs at all life stages.

Myth 6: Bed Bugs Are Too Rare to Worry About in Arizona

Some people assume Arizona’s dry climate keeps bed bugs away. In reality, bed bugs thrive indoors, where temperature and humidity are controlled.

Arizona’s population growth, tourism, and frequent travel increase the risk of bed bug activity. Bed bugs do not care about the outdoor climate—they care about access to people.

Bed bug infestations are reported throughout Arizona in homes, apartments, hotels, and short-term rentals.

Myth 7: Bed Bugs Go Away on Their Own

Bed bugs do not disappear without treatment. They reproduce quickly, and a small infestation can grow rapidly if left untreated.

Female bed bugs can lay hundreds of eggs in their lifetime. Without intervention, infestations often spread to additional rooms or even neighboring units.

Early action is key to minimizing damage, stress, and treatment costs.

Fact: Professional Help Makes a Big Difference

Because bed bugs are difficult to eliminate, professional pest control is often the most effective solution. Experts understand bed bug behavior, hiding spots, and treatment methods that target both adults and eggs.

A provider like Swift Pest can:
• Confirm the presence of bed bugs
• Identify the extent of the infestation
• Apply targeted treatments safely and effectively
• Provide guidance to prevent reinfestation

Professional treatment reduces guesswork and increases the chances of complete elimination.

How Arizona Homeowners Can Stay Protected

While no home is immune, there are steps homeowners can take to reduce risk:
• Inspect hotel beds and luggage when traveling
• Wash and dry travel clothes on high heat immediately
• Avoid bringing used furniture inside without inspection
• Reduce clutter near sleeping areas
• Act quickly at the first sign of bed bugs

Education and early detection are your best defenses.

The Bottom Line on Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are surrounded by myths that often delay treatment and increase frustration. They do not care how clean your home is, where you live, or how careful you think you are.

Understanding the facts helps Arizona homeowners recognize problems early and take the right steps to protect their homes. When it comes to bed bugs, quick action and professional support can make all the difference.