- “Bed bugs only infest dirty homes.”
- “Bed bugs only affect areas in and around beds.”
- “Bed bugs spread disease.”
- “Bed bugs are too small to see.”
- “It’s possible to get rid of bed bugs on my own.”
We’re here to debunk these five most common myths about bed bugs and arm you with the facts. Read on for more.
Myth #1: Bed Bugs Only Infest Dirty Homes—False
From Oklahoma City to all other cities, towns, and municipalities nationwide, bed bugs infest under all conditions, including the tidiest of homes. Cleanliness is not necessarily a factor in the entry of bed bugs, but it may undoubtedly prolong their stay.
The truth is that bed bugs often find their way inside homes by hitching a ride on our clothing or the items we’re carrying, such as handbags, backpacks, and luggage, as well as secondhand furniture and upholstery. Bed bugs are most commonly picked up in high-trafficked areas, such as airports, schools, and hotels, and unknowingly brought inside.
Myth #2: Bed Bugs Only Infest Around Beds—False
Bed bugs prefer to nest in and around bedding because they feed on blood and tend to bite people and pets while they sleep, and it’s simply convenient to nest near their food source. However, they are not confined to these areas and will invade all home areas, including places where people often nap or sit, such as a living room or den.
Myth #3: Bed Bugs Spread Disease—Partially True
There is no concrete evidence that begs spread diseases on their own. Still, a bed bug infestation can lead to other health problems, such as insomnia, secondary infections caused by scratching, and, in severe cases, anemia.
Myth #4: Bed Bugs Are Too Small To See—False
Although bed bugs are small, they are viewable by the naked eye. Bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, or about five to seven millimeters long, with flat, oval-shaped bodies that are brown in color; if they’ve eaten recently, their bodies appear balloon-like and are reddish-brown in color. Bed bug larvae and nymphs are harder to see, resembling grains of pepper.
Even if you haven’t seen bed bugs themselves, these pests often leave behind signs of their presence. A few signs of a bed bug infestation include:
- Bed Bug Feces: Looks like a reddish-brown residue left behind on bedding, pajamas, and walls near the bed, as well as on upholstery, sofas and other areas where people sit and sleep.
- Blood Stains: These will be found on pillows and bedding, caused by bed bug bites and scratching.
- Musty Odor: This is emitted by the bed bugs’ sweat glands.
- Shed Skins: The skins are left behind as bed bugs shed five times before they reach adulthood
Myth #5: It’s Easy To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs On Your Own--False
When it comes to bed bugs, it’s challenging for homeowners to eliminate a bed bug infestation on their own. To do so, one would have to get rid of every egg, nymph, and adult present in the home. Bug bugs are also loners by nature, and they tend to live in small groups, while still others hide in solitude, something which makes it impossible to pinpoint every pest.
Get Rid Of Bed Bugs For Good With Help From The Pros
The most effective way to eliminate a bed bug infestation for good, and in its entirety, is with help from professionals. At the first sign of a problem, and to find out more about your bed bug options, contact your local pest control company, Guaranteed Pest Service of Oklahoma, serving the Oklahoma City area.
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