Bed bugs are one of the most common pest problems, especially here in the Midwest. With so much fear surrounding these pests, many myths and theories have formed over the last decades. Bed Bug Awareness Week is underway, making now the perfect time for debunking these bed bug myths. The team at Anderson Pest Solutions wants to help clear up common misconceptions about bed bugs and bed bug infestations. Keep reading to learn how to separate fact from fiction!
Most Common Bed Bug Myths
Bed bugs incite a lot of fear, but there is a lot of false information out there. Here are the top bed bug myths, debunked by our experts:
- Bed bugs are attracted to messy or dirty homes.
- This is simply not true. Anyone, even those with the cleanest of properties, can get a bed bug infestation at any time!
- Bed bugs are nocturnal.
- Bed bugs are active when their hosts are at rest. This usually means overnight, but they are able to adjust their schedule to fit yours–this means they can feed during the day if necessary.
- Bed bugs only infest beds.
- Bed bugs tend to congregate near areas where people rest. This includes sofas, chairs, cracks in the wall, and even power outlets!
- Bed bugs can’t be seen with the naked eye.
- Adult bed bugs are perfectly capable of being seen. They are the size of an appleseed and often grouped together, making it easier to spot an infestation.
- Bed bugs can jump and fly.
- Fortunately, bed bugs cannot jump or fly as other pests can. They have underdeveloped wings, and instead move from one spot to the other by crawling or latching onto a moving item.
- Bed bugs latch or travel on people like fleas.
- Although bed bugs are known to hitch a ride on your purse or suitcase, they do not attach to people as fleas or ticks do.
- You can get rid of bed bugs with DIY methods.
- At-home or DIY treatments for bed bugs are simply not going to cut it. To get rid of beds effectively and quickly, you need a professional pest control company.
- Bed bugs transmit dangerous diseases with their bites.
- Bed bugs are infamous for their bites, which can be itchy and cause inflammation. The good news is that there is no evidence to suggest bites transmit any diseases.
- Bed bugs can live a year without feeding.
- Bed bugs can definitely live for a few months without a blood meal if necessary. That said, it’s rare for them to survive a year or more without feeding.
- You should get rid of your mattress and clothing if you have bed bugs.
- If you are in the midst of an infestation, it’s actually dangerous to move your infested items. Doing so can spread bed bugs into other areas!
Dealing With a Bed Bug Problem?
If you have bed bugs, you’re certainly going to need the help of a professional pest control company to get rid of them. At Anderson, our bed bug exterminators use the industry’s most trusted, effective bed bug treatments to control your infestation. Contact our team to learn more about how we can keep you bed bug-free.
