Bed Bugs 101: Myths and Facts
Goodnight, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite.
Many of us grew up hearing this old rhyme but little did we know how true this expression would become.
Bed bug infestations are increasingly common today.
Experts believe the recent increase in these bugs may be due to more travel, lack of knowledge about preventing infestations, and ineffective pest control practices.
There's been a lot of misunderstanding about these little critters.
We're here to separate the myths from the facts and to educate you on what you can do to control these little pests before they become a big problem.
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, flat parasitic insects that live off of the blood of animals or humans.
Adult bugs are about 1/4 inch long (about the size of an apple seed) and have six legs.
They range in color from light to dark brown, but they turn rusty red after feeding.
These bugs do not fly, but they can move quickly over floors, walls and ceilings.
These bugs hide during the day in places such as seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, dresser tables, inside cracks or crevices, behind wallpaper, or any other objects around a bed.
Common Myths Myth: You can't see these bugs.
Reality: They are big enough to be easily seen, but often hide in cracks in furniture, floors, or walls.
You should be able to see adult bed bugs, nymphs and eggs (pearly-white in color) with your naked eye.
The key is looking for them in their hiding spaces.
Myth: Bed bugs live in dirty places.
Reality: These bugs are not attracted to dirt and grime; they are attracted to warmth, blood and carbon dioxide.
However, clutter offers more hiding spots.
These bugs may enter your home undetected through luggage, clothing, used couches, and other items.
Myth: Bed bugs transmit diseases.
Reality: There have been no cases or studies that indicate bed bugs pass diseases from one host to another.
However, bed bugs can be an annoyance because their presence may cause itching and loss of sleep.
Myth: Bed bugs won't come out if the room is brightly lit.
Reality: While these bugs prefer darkness, keeping the light on at night won't deter these pests from biting you.
Treatment When you see the presence of these bugs, nymphs, or eggs, immediately do the following:
Because treating your bed and bedroom with insecticides can be harmful, it is important to use products that can be used safely in bedrooms.
Hire an experienced pest control professional for bug extermination.
A bed bug professional knows the strategies, techniques and products which can be used effectively and safely to eliminate these bugs.
Many of us grew up hearing this old rhyme but little did we know how true this expression would become.
Bed bug infestations are increasingly common today.
Experts believe the recent increase in these bugs may be due to more travel, lack of knowledge about preventing infestations, and ineffective pest control practices.
There's been a lot of misunderstanding about these little critters.
We're here to separate the myths from the facts and to educate you on what you can do to control these little pests before they become a big problem.
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, flat parasitic insects that live off of the blood of animals or humans.
Adult bugs are about 1/4 inch long (about the size of an apple seed) and have six legs.
They range in color from light to dark brown, but they turn rusty red after feeding.
These bugs do not fly, but they can move quickly over floors, walls and ceilings.
These bugs hide during the day in places such as seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, dresser tables, inside cracks or crevices, behind wallpaper, or any other objects around a bed.
Common Myths Myth: You can't see these bugs.
Reality: They are big enough to be easily seen, but often hide in cracks in furniture, floors, or walls.
You should be able to see adult bed bugs, nymphs and eggs (pearly-white in color) with your naked eye.
The key is looking for them in their hiding spaces.
Myth: Bed bugs live in dirty places.
Reality: These bugs are not attracted to dirt and grime; they are attracted to warmth, blood and carbon dioxide.
However, clutter offers more hiding spots.
These bugs may enter your home undetected through luggage, clothing, used couches, and other items.
Myth: Bed bugs transmit diseases.
Reality: There have been no cases or studies that indicate bed bugs pass diseases from one host to another.
However, bed bugs can be an annoyance because their presence may cause itching and loss of sleep.
Myth: Bed bugs won't come out if the room is brightly lit.
Reality: While these bugs prefer darkness, keeping the light on at night won't deter these pests from biting you.
Treatment When you see the presence of these bugs, nymphs, or eggs, immediately do the following:
- Clean and dry bedding, linens, curtains, and clothing in hot water and dry them on the highest setting.
Place stuffed animals and other items that can't be washed in the dryer, and run on high for 30 minutes. - Use a stiff brush to scrub mattress seams to remove bed bugs and their eggs before vacuuming.
- Vacuum your bed and surrounding area.
After vacuuming, immediately place the vacuum cleaner bag in a plastic bag and place in garbage can outdoors.
- Check your mattress and headboard often for signs of these bugs.
- Vacuum your bed and the surrounding areas often
- Thoroughly check secondhand furniture, beds, and couches for any signs of bug infestation.
- Use a protective cover that encases mattresses and box springs and eliminates many hiding spots.
The light color of the encasement makes bed bugs easier to see.
Be sure to purchase a high quality encasement that will resist tearing and check the encasements regularly for holes. - Reduce clutter in your home to reduce hiding places for bugs.
- In hotel rooms, use luggage racks to hold your luggage when packing or unpacking rather than setting your luggage on the bed or floor.
Upon returning home, unpack directly into a washing machine and inspect your luggage carefully. - Repair cracks in plaster and glue down peeling wallpaper to get rid of places bugs can hide.
Because treating your bed and bedroom with insecticides can be harmful, it is important to use products that can be used safely in bedrooms.
Hire an experienced pest control professional for bug extermination.
A bed bug professional knows the strategies, techniques and products which can be used effectively and safely to eliminate these bugs.
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