Fact vs. Fiction: Bed Bug Myths

If you have had a bed bug problem before, you know how difficult they are. In addition to spreading throughout your home, these bloodsucking pests are notoriously difficult to get rid of without a professional pest control expert. With Bed Bug Awareness week upon us, now is the perfect time to learn more about the true threats of bed bugs. There are many bed bug myths out there, and the team at Rentokil wants to dispel them! Keep reading to learn more about bed bugs and their common habits.

Bed Bug Myths to Stop Believing

If you have bed bugs, it’s important to know what’s fact vs. fiction. Here are some of the most common questions we get about these pests:

1. Do bed bug bites transmit disease?
   • Thankfully, no. Bed bug bites may be itchy and leave a red mark on your skin, but their bites do not transmit dangerous diseases as mosquitoes do.
2. Are bed bugs capable of living for months without feeding?
   • Yes, but it’s unlikely for them to live for a year unless they are in the most optimal conditions. Young bed bugs need to feed more often than adults.
3. Do bed bugs latch onto or burrow into your skin?
   • No, bed bugs do not latch onto humans or animals in the way that fleas and ticks do. After feeding, they will retreat back to their hiding places.
4. Are bed bugs more likely to infest messy homes?
   • This is one of the biggest myths. Anyone is prone to a bed bug problem, regardless of whether or not your home is clean.
5. Do bed bugs fly or jump?
   • No! Unlike fleas and ticks, bed bugs can only crawl from one place to another. This is mostly due to their underdeveloped wings.
6. Do bed bugs only feed at night?
   • No! Bed bugs are active when their hosts are at rest. This has led many people to think they’re nocturnal, but they actually can feed at any time of the day.
7. Can bed bugs infest areas of your home other than your bedroom?
   • Yes, they can! Although bedrooms are common targets, they can congregate in living areas near sofas, furniture, cracks in the wall, and more.
8. Can you see adult bed bugs without a magnifying glass?
   • Nymphs are nearly impossible to see due to their size and translucent color. However, adult bed bugs are the size of an appleseed and can definitely be seen, especially since they group together!
9. Should you throw away infested mattresses or furniture?
   • No! In fact, you shouldn’t move infested furniture in the midst of an infestation. Doing so can contribute to bed bugs spreading into other areas.
10. Can you get rid of bed bugs with DIY methods?
    • Getting rid of bed bugs always requires the help of a professional pest control company. DIY or all-natural methods may just make the problem worse.

Treating a Bed Bug Problem

As mentioned previously, it’s never a good idea to attempt to get rid of bed bugs on your own. That’s where the team at Rentokil come in! Our bed bug treatment options are designed to ensure every single bug is removed from your property. To learn more, contact our team today!