Bed bugs are very common in America and remain the number one pest. 97% of all pest control professionals have treated cases of bed bugs in the past year, and 68% of pest control companies agree that bed bugs are the hardest pests to control. That makes it easy to see why they continue to be such a problem. Myths that surround these bloodsuckers might have you dealing with them longer than needed. A-Tex Pest Management busts some of the most common myths below.
Bed Bug Myths
1. Do bed bugs only live in your bed? This just might be the biggest myth you’ll hear about bed bugs. That’s probably because of their name- but it’s not true. They can be found in lots of other places, including headboards, furniture and luggage.
2. Do bed bugs only bite at night? While they are more active at night, they can also be active during the day. The reason they are more active at night is because they are attracted to the heat and carbon dioxide you provide them with as you sleep. If you sleep at other times throughout the day, they will feed them too.
3. Do bed bugs only bite in rows of three? Many people believe that a bed bug will probe three times before they decide on a spot to feed and will create a line of three bites. It’s more believable that multiple bed bugs are feeding at the same time and create clusters of bites. Therefore, bite patterns will look different on different people. Do not wait for bites in patterns of three to assume you have a bedbug infestation.
4. Can you have bed bugs if you don’t have bites? Just because you don’t have bites doesn’t mean you don’t have bed bugs. Many people will not react to bedbug bites and it can take up to 14 days for a bite mark to the surface when a person does react. If you notice fecal spots that resemble black pepper or shed skins, you need to have professional pest control perform an inspection.
5. Can you see bed bugs with the human eye? Bed bugs are probably bigger than you think. They vary in size depending on their stage in the life cycle. They can measure from 2-5 millimeters in length to a quarter of an inch long or larger when fully grown. Bedbugs are also reddish-brown in color making them easier to see.
6. Can you only kill bed bugs with chemicals? Chemicals are very effective in eliminating bed bugs but are not the only option. You will most likely need to add vacuuming, steaming, and laundering of items where bed bugs hide. To ensure complete elimination of a bedbug infestation, you may need to use a bedbug heater.
Bed Bug Inspections, Control & Treatment & More in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin Texas
1 of 5 Americans have or know someone who has encountered bed bugs. Understanding the truth behind common bed bug myths is half the battle. Myths need to be dispelled so the signs of an infestation are evident and so you can treat bed bugs properly. Discovering bed bugs is upsetting, stressful, and extremely frustrating. Contact A-Tex Pest Management today!