Bed bugs, those tiny blood-sucking insects that infest our beds and homes, have been the subject of myths and misconceptions for years. These myths can lead to panic and ineffective treatments.

Read more to debunk some common bed bug myths and provide evidence-based facts to help you better understand these pests.

Myth 1: Bed Bugs Only Infest Dirty Homes

Bed bugs are equal-opportunity invaders. They don’t discriminate between clean or dirty homes. These pests are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide, which humans and pets emit, making any home a potential target.

Hotels, posh homes, hospitals, and other locations are all potential bed bug hotspots. The likelihood of a bed bug infestation can be decreased by keeping your home clean, but it is not a 100% guarantee.

Myth 2: Bed Bugs Only Invade Beds

Bed bugs aren’t picky about where they hide. They can make themselves at home in various places, like furniture, bags, clothes, and electrical outlets. They are good at catching rides, so they can quickly move from one spot to another by latching onto these things. To prevent bed bug trouble, checking and cleaning these areas regularly is a good idea.

Myth 3: Bed Bugs Are Too Small to See

Bed bugs are quite tiny. Grown-up bed bugs are roughly the size of a tiny seed, similar to that of an apple seed. Young bed bugs are even tinier. However, due to their flat, oval shape and reddish-brown color, you can recognize them by sight. Bed bug eggs are extremely small, approximately the size of a pinhead.

Myth 4: Bed Bugs Transmit Diseases

Unlike mosquitoes and ticks, bed bugs do not transmit diseases to humans. Itching and discomfort are common symptoms of their bites, but they pose no significant health risk. Bed bug infestations, however, can cause severe psychological distress and sleep disruptions.

Myth 5: Bed Bugs Are Nocturnal

While bed bugs are often associated with nighttime feeding, they can adapt to different schedules if necessary. If a favorable host is available, they will feed during the day. However, they are most active at night, when people are typically asleep.

Myth 6: You Can Get Rid of Bed Bugs with DIY Methods

Many over-the-counter pesticides are ineffective, and handling the situation without professional help often worsens it. Contacting a licensed pest control expert with experience dealing with bed bugs is essential to successful eradication.

Myth 7: Bed Bugs Prevention Is Possible with Repellents

You cannot prevent bed bugs with repellents like you use for mosquitoes. There is no foolproof way to avoid bed bug infestations other than being vigilant and taking precautions when traveling or staying in new places.

Myth 8: Bed Bugs Are Rare

Bed bugs are not uncommon; they have recently become a major problem. Bed bugs are present all over the world. With the increase in human travel, bed bugs are also increasing, and they are developing resistance to the chemicals commonly used to eradicate them.

At Ultra Safe Pest Management, we specialize in providing comprehensive solutions to tackle bed bug infestations. Our experienced team of experts employs advanced techniques and environmentally friendly methods to ensure your home or business remains bed bug-free. Contact us today for more details.