Debunking Common Myths about Bed Bugs: What You Need to Know

Bed bugs have been a nuisance in households for centuries, typically associated with low-income families due to their prevalence in lower-income housing. More recently, bed bugs have also been increasingly common in higher-income homes due to their wide range of potential hosts and rapid spread.

With the resurgence of bed bugs in recent years, a wide range of myths about them has naturally developed. Such myths can be dangerous, with victims of infestations believing false information and missing out on real solutions.

This article will tackle some of the most common bed bug myths to help you correctly identify and manage infestations.

Myth 1: Bedbugs Are Visible to the Naked Eye

This is a common misconception, as bedbugs are actually small and difficult to spot. Adult bedbugs can reach ¼ of an inch and appear reddish-brown in color. They are most active at night, making them difficult to identify, even with the help of a flashlight.

Myth 2: Bed Bugs Spread Disease

This is actually quite incorrect. Bed bugs do not transmit diseases like other pests, such as mosquitoes and fleas. They do bite you, leaving an itchy spot that can become infected, but there is no transmission of diseases from bed bugs.

Myth 3: Bed Bugs Only Infest Dirty Houses

Bed bugs don’t care about the cleanliness of your house. All they need are small cracks and crevices to hide within and a source of food, which is typically the blood of their human host. Bed bugs can find their way into any home, irrespective of the level of cleanliness.

Myth 4: Bed Bugs Are Only Found in Beds

Many believe bed bugs are only found in beds and other areas where people typically sleep. While this may be true for more obvious infestations, bed bugs can hide in other places as well. They can and will hide in carpets, furniture, and even walls and floors.

Myth 5: Bed Bugs Go Away on Their Own

This myth could have serious consequences should you choose to believe it. Bed bugs won’t go away by themselves. Even if you don’t see any signs, they could still lurk in your home. A pest control company can handle the problem to ensure they are gone.

Myth 6: Bed Bugs Don’t Bite Humans

Although it’s true that bed bugs prefer to feed on animals such as rodents, they are not averse to biting humans. If a bed bug is hungry enough, it will bite you. So it’s important to be vigilant and inspect your home regularly.

Myth 7: Chemicals Will Take Care of Everything

The use of harsh chemicals should be a last resort, as the fumes can be dangerous, and the chemicals can affect the health of your home’s inhabitants. In addition, bed bugs have become resistant to some of the commonly available chemicals, so there is a chance that they won’t even work. Hire a professional to identify the problem and make sure it’s taken care of properly.

Conclusion

Bed bugs can be a nightmare, but knowing the facts can help you protect your home. Be sure to educate yourself on the truths about bedbugs so that you can be prepared to respond should you ever find yourself in the midst of an infestation.

Valora Pest Control provides residential pest control services to ensure your home is safe and free from these pesky pests. We use various methods to ensure that your bed bug problem is handled quickly and efficiently, including chemical treatments, heat treatments, and steam treatments. Call us at (559) 546-8175 for a free estimate!