Top Myths About Bed Bugs

We all know that bed bugs are a dreaded pest problem. Not only is the thought of these bugs biting you at night disturbing, they are also difficult to get rid of without a professional pest control company. Because these are such a feared pest, there are a lot of theories and myths surrounding bed bugs. With it being Bed Bug Awareness Week.  it’s important to learn how to separate fact from fiction. In this blog post, we’ll investigate the top myths about bed bugs with help from the bed bug exterminators at Russell’s Pest Control.

Fictitious Bed Bug Facts

At one point or another, you’ve likely heard some pretty wild theories about bed bugs. These pests are definitely psychologically distressing, but they may not be as dangerous as you think. Here’s the top myths about bed bugs, debunked:

• Bed bugs are attracted to messy or dirty homes.
  • As much as you want to blame a bed bug problem on this, it’s not true. Anyone can get bed bugs. Unsanitary conditions or messes will not make you more likely to get bugs.
• Bed bugs only feed at night.
  • 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!
• Bed bugs are only found in your bedroom.
  • Bed bugs tend to congregate near areas where people rest. This includes sofas, chairs, cracks in the wall and other furniture items.
• Bed bugs are too small to see with the naked eye.
  • Adult bed bugs are plenty big to see on your own. They are the size of an apple seed and often grouped together, making it easier to spot an infestation.
• Bed bugs can jump and fly. 
  • Unlike fleas and ticks, bed bugs do not jump or fly. 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.
  • 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 not a long-term solution. An aggressive approach from a pest control company is necessary for complete removal of the infestation.
• Bed bugs transmit dangerous diseases.
  • A bed bug infestation may cause some anxiety and their bites may be itchy, but these pests do not transmit disease as other pests do.
• Bed bugs can live a year without feeding.
  • While they definitely can survive months without a meal, they won’t make it through an entire year unless they are under the most optimal conditions.
• You should get rid of your mattress and clothing if you have bed bugs.
  • No, you definitely should not. In fact, it’s actually dangerous to move your infested items–doing so can spread bed bugs into other areas!

What to Do About Your Bed Bug Problem

Bed bug problems need to be taken care of quickly–and by a professional. As soon as you notice the signs of bed bugs in your property, contact the experts at Russell’s. We have the years of experience needed to provide effective bed bug treatment that will leave you free of bed bugs for good!