Discover 15 less known bed bug myths
Bed bugs are a common household pest that can cause a lot of stress and anxiety for homeowners. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding these insects that can make it difficult to know how to deal with them. In this article, we will debunk some of the most common bed bug myths and provide you with accurate information about these pests.
Myth 1: Bed bugs are only found in dirty places.
Fact: This is not true at all. Bed bugs are just as likely to be found in clean environments as they are in dirty ones. They don’t discriminate based on cleanliness.
Myth 2: Bed bugs only bite at night. Fact:
While bed bugs are most active at night, they can still bite during the day. It’s just that they prefer to feed when their host is still and sleeping.
Myth 3: Bed bugs are too small to see with the naked eye.
Fact: While bed bugs are small, they are still visible to the naked eye. They are about the size of an apple seed and can be seen crawling around on surfaces.
Myth 4: Bed bugs only infest beds.
Fact: While bed bugs are most commonly found in beds, they can also be found in other places such as couches, chairs, and even inside electrical outlets.
Myth 5: Bed bugs are only found in low-income housing.
Fact: Bed bugs can be found in any type of housing, regardless of income level. They are not picky about where they infest.
Myth 6: Bed bugs only infest dirty people.
Fact: This is not true at all. Bed bugs can infest anyone, regardless of their level of cleanliness.
Myth 7: Bed bugs transmit diseases.
Fact: While bed bugs are certainly a nuisance, they do not transmit any diseases to humans.
Myth 8: Bed bugs can jump.
Fact: Bed bugs cannot jump. They move around by crawling.
Myth 9: Bed bugs are attracted to the smell of blood.
Fact: While bed bugs are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide that humans emit, they are not specifically attracted to the smell of blood.
Myth 10: Bed bugs can be eliminated with DIY methods.
Fact: While there are certainly DIY methods for dealing with bed bugs, they are often not effective. Professional treatment is usually necessary to fully eliminate a bed bug infestation.
Myth 11: Bed bugs only infest homes.
Fact: Bed bugs can infest many types of locations, including hotels, movie theaters, public transportation, and even office buildings. Any place where people gather and spend extended periods of time can be a potential site for bed bug infestation.
Myth 12: Bed bugs can fly.
Fact: Bed bugs are not capable of flight. They are wingless insects that move around by crawling.
Myth 13: Bed bugs are attracted to dirty laundry.
Fact: While bed bugs are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide that people emit, they are not specifically attracted to dirty laundry. They are attracted to any source of warmth and carbon dioxide, whether it’s from a person or an object.
Myth 14: Bed bugs can live on pets.
Fact: While bed bugs can bite pets, they cannot live on them. Bed bugs require a human host to complete their life cycle and reproduce.
Myth 15: Bed bugs can be killed with insect repellent.
Fact: Insect repellent is not effective for killing bed bugs. Bed bugs are very resistant to many insecticides and require specialized treatments to fully eliminate an infestation. Using insect repellent on yourself may help prevent bed bug bites, but it will not eliminate an infestation.
Myth 16: Bed bug bites always cause an allergic reaction
Fact: Not everyone who is bitten by a bed bug will have an allergic reaction. In fact, some people may not even realize that they have been bitten until they see the bite marks on their skin. However, for those who are allergic to bed bug bites, the symptoms can be quite severe.
In conclusion, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding bed bugs. By understanding the truth about these pests, you can better protect yourself and your home from an infestation. Remember that bed bugs can be found in any home, regardless of its cleanliness, and that they are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide. If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation, it is important to seek professional help to eliminate the problem.
