The thought alone of bed bugs is enough to make your skin crawl. Immediately images of seedy hotel rooms with stained carpets and questionable sheets come to mind. What if you discovered that notion to be a myth, and the truth is that even the cleanest of soft furnishings could be host to a hoard of tiny bloodsuckers? The following are five common myths about bed bugs, and we are going to shed some light on the truths behind them.
Myth 1: Bed Bugs Are Only Found In Or Around Beds In Dirty Homes
Truth: Bed bugs have been known to inhabit clean and dirty homes alike. They are hitchhikers and don’t care what condition your home is in; they simply want to occupy your soft furnishings and feast on warm blood. While they are commonly found in sleeping areas, they will also take up residence in furniture like sofas and other soft furnishings. Bed bugs will hitch a ride and care little about the cleanliness of the destination.
Myth 2: Bed Bugs Travel On Bodies
Truth: Bed bugs do not stick to our bodies or hair. They do not like the heat and prefer to travel in backpacks and luggage, away from our bodies. Some people pack large plastic bags to put their luggage in while traveling to decrease the risk of these tiny hitchhikers from coming home with them. Bed bugs want to be just slightly closer to us than we want to be to them.
Myth 3: Bed Bugs Spread Disease
Truth: Bed bugs are known to dine on warm-blooded animals, so bites are expected with infestations. Their bites can cause itchy, red welts, and scratching the bites may cause secondary infection, but they do not transmit disease. In severe cases of bed bug infestations, it is possible to develop anemia, but your risk of contracting diseases from them is practically zero. Bed bugs just want to eat, not spread a plague.
Myth 4: Bed Bugs Are Too Small To See
Truth: Adult bed bugs are ¼ inch long. They are large enough to be detected by the human eye, particularly in mattress seams and box springs. Bed bug nymphs are considerably smaller and more difficult to see, but they make their presence known. Infestations are most often identified by the reddish-brown spots bed bugs leave behind on mattresses, upholstery, and walls. These are caused by fecal matter. You may also discover eggs, eggshells, and skin molts. Bed bugs aren’t invisible, they're just small and shy.
Myth 5: You Can Easily Get Rid Of Bed Bugs On Your Own
Truth: It is extremely challenging to get rid of bed bugs on your own. To completely eradicate a bed bug infestation, you need to get rid of every single adult, nymph, and egg. Bed bugs reproduce rapidly, laying up to five eggs per day, and they are resilient little creatures. It is crucial to seek specialized help at the first sign of bed bugs. Bed bugs won’t leave without a proper and professional eviction.
Truth: Bay Pest Solution Can Help
With over 40 years of experience in pest control, we have the tools to handle all of your pest control needs. Bed bugs require specific treatment. Once bed bug activity has been confirmed, we will recommend one of three treatment methods based on infestation severity. Our customers are like family, and we are committed to serving our family well. Bay Pest Solution guarantees customer satisfaction.
If you suspect that bed bugs are a problem in your Bay Area home, contact Bay Pest Solutions today!