Did I Get Bed Bugs from eBay?

The Puzzle of the Parasites

People like me do not get bed bugs, but apparently that is news to the bed bugs.

Bed bugs are the venue of motels with broken neon signs and neglectful institutions that house the poor and unfortunate. Wrong.

According to news reports from recent years, apparently these six-legged felons have extended their range. Bed bugs steal blood with no prejudice for health, wealth or cleanliness. Increasingly they can be found in four-star hotels, cruise ships, dormitories and apartments, as well as single-family units.

How I acquired bed bugs is second only to how to quit tearing at my skin and get some real sleep again. Knowing the cause may prevent these stealthy predators from future attacks.

While I am waiting for the experts to take care of the problem and dictate which belongings, now wrapped in plastic, must go and which can stay, I have been doing a little research.

Why the title? Well, as you read the myths, keep in mind that the only additions to my bedroom in recent months consist of computer-related equipment I purchased online, primarily through eBay. See what you think.

Bed Bugs Myth #1
Bed bugs are caused by filth: Bed bugs are better controlled by thorough vacuuming, clean linens and tidiness but can be found in the cleanest of places along with their bottom-of-the-barrel counterparts.

The return and propagation of bed bugs is largely unknown, but is thought in part due to both safer pesticides that are not as effective and the increase in international travel.

Bed bugs are often carried by used furniture and suitcases and can travel 100 feet to find their desired host. This writer has neither traveled in the last year, bought furniture and is very tidy.

Bed Bugs Myth #2
Bed bugs will die off easily if there is no host. Though bed bugs will feed when they can they can live 12 months or more without a host. Hardy suckers indeed, pun intended.