By Healthcare Facilities Today

More than a third of pest management companies reported treating a healthcare facility for bedbugs in 2012, according to a National Pest Management Association survey. What’s more, that same study indicated that three out of four pest management providers consider the bedbug as the most challenging pest to control, according to an article on the FacilityCare website.

There are still plenty of myths out there regarding bedbugs and it’s important to separate fact from fiction to know how to defend a healthcare facility, the article said. The most virulent myths include:

Myth: Bedbugs can spread diseases in your facility.

Unlike ants, roaches, flies and rodents are known disease and bacteria vectors, bedbugs have not been known to transmit communicable diseases. 

Myth: Bedbugs always leave marks on the humans they bite.

Many with bedbug bites will immediately notice red welts where the bites occurred, but this isn’t always the case. Many who are bitten will never show physical signs. 

Myth: Pesticides are the most effective treatment for bedbugs.

There is a big reason bedbugs are often regarded by many pest management providers as the toughest pest to control: They can be resistant to chemicals. A recent University of Kentucky and Washington State University study that bedbugs produce substances that can destroy some pesticides. 

Myth: You can prevent bedbug infestations with stringent sanitation and good housekeeping.

Bedbugs don’t choose where to strike based on cleanliness. While strong maintenance and sanitation practices can deter other pests, bedbugs are looking to feast only on humans whether they are clean or not. 

Read the article.