As Seattle’s leading exterminator that focuses on delivering better Seattle pest control solutions, we know a lot about bed bugs. These bugs are tiny insects that feed on the blood of humans and other mammals. These insects don’t just cause skin irritations, they can also damage you psychologically, too. You won’t sleep well knowing that bed bugs might bite.
You probably hear a lot about bed bugs, but not everything you hear is true. Here are 12 common bed bug myths that we’d like to dispel as Seattle pest control experts and how to properly treat their infestation.
- Bed Bugs Fly
Since a lot of bugs fly, you might think that bed bugs do the same. The fact is, they don’t. Bed bugs can’t fly because they have no wings, unlike cockroaches and beetles. Instead of flying, bed bugs crawl and travel at about one meter per minute. They can’t jump either so that’s one less thing to worry about.
- Bed Bugs Are Nighttime Threats
Another common bed bug myth that you probably hear is that they only feed at night. Bed bugs are usually linked with nighttime because they often are found residing in mattresses, where they bite you during the night while sleeping. The truth is they’ll also feed during the day when they sense your heat and carbon dioxide while sleeping. So you need to be aware of their impact even in the day.
- Bed Bugs Bite in Threes
Never ignore any unexplained bites on your skin. It doesn’t mean that they’re not caused by bed bugs if the bites aren’t grouped in threes. Bite patterns may differ from one person to another. If you find clusters of bites on your skin, it’s more likely that multiple bed bugs are living in your bed or sofa.
- Their Presence Is Only Indicated by Bites
Contrary to what you might assume, a lack of bites doesn’t indicate that you have no bed bugs at home. These bugs actually don’t bite everyone. There are some people who aren’t affected by the bites while others can see the bites surfacing on the skin after two weeks.
Besides the exhibition of bite reactions, other signs of bed bug infestation include a musty-sweet odor and shed skins. You can also tell that there are bed bugs around if you see some tiny brown fecal spots or some tiny blood spots where you might have killed one while sleeping. White eggs about the size of sesame seeds in small clusters around furniture are another indicator of a bed bug infestation.
- Bed Bugs Only Thrive in Dirty Places
Having bed bugs in your home doesn’t mean that your place is dirty. Bed bugs can thrive in many areas, even in clean places.
Maintaining a clean environment wouldn’t hurt but to set things straight, bed bugs don’t indicate you’re filthy. Instead of dirt, bed bugs are more attracted to blood, carbon dioxide, and warmth. However, clutter may be favorable to bed bugs to use as hiding spots.
- They Only Live in Beds
Based on their name, it’s easy to assume that bed bugs live solely in beds. This is absolutely false. These bugs also thrive in many other places, like sofas, travel bags, and on your pets. They can also thrive on cars, planes, and trains.
It’s also false to assume that you won’t have a problem with bed bugs if you use a foam mattress. These bugs can still hide in any crevice that’s near to your body while you’re sleeping.
- They Can’t Be Seen by the Naked Eye
Yes, bed bugs are tiny but they’re not absolutely invisible to the eye. The fact is, they’re larger than you assume. Fully matured bed bugs can grow up to five millimeters in length and three millimeters wide.
It’s actually easy to spot a bed bug with their eye-catching reddish-brown color. Their small translucent eggs that are as large as a pinhead can also be seen easily when inspected closely. Unfortunately, it might be hard to spot the eggs because they’re usually hidden in small crevices.
- They Stick to Your Body
Unlike lice and other insects, bed bugs don’t stick to your body. They only crawl on your skin when they search for a blood meal. In most cases, they move from one place to another via inanimate objects like bags, shoes, and luggage. They can also hitchhike on your clothes and crawl up walls and down the hallway.
- Bed Bugs Transfer Diseases
Although bed bugs bear at least 27 viruses, there have been no cases of bed bugs transferring diseases to people. They do, however, cause anxiety, insomnia, and even secondary infections. Their bites may also cause adverse dermatological problems.
- A Bug-Sniffing Dog Is the Only Way to Detect an Infestation
Unless the dog is well-trained by a reputable handler to identify bug infestation, you shouldn’t put all your hopes on a dog. Dogs, even the legit bug-sniffing ones, are bound to make occasional mistakes. The best way is to contact a professional Seattle exterminator.
- Throw Out Everything That’s Been Infested
You don’t want to throw your expensive furniture out after the sight of a few bed bugs, right? Throwing anything out is only applicable if you have a severe case of bed bug infestation. A large infestation is likely happening if you found some bed bugs crawling in alarm clocks and other places.
For this reason, throwing your mattress away isn’t the only solution to fighting bed bug infestation because there might be some bed bugs hiding in your home. The best way is to ask an expert about eliminating your bed bug infestation problem.
A professional exterminator will treat your home without throwing out anything. Eagle Pest Eliminators uses eco-friendly methods to eliminate your bed bug problem. Our technicians will try to eradicate the infestation without harming your family and the environment.
- Pesticides Can Eliminate Bed Bugs
The spray cans that you can buy in your local store simply won’t work against bed bugs. A lot of bed bugs have developed resistance to the effectiveness of these pesticides. You need a variety of techniques provided by Eagle Pest Eliminators to fully eliminate the bed bug infestation problem.
Got a Bed Bug Infestation Problem?
Bed bugs like to stay in a dark place and feed while you’re sleeping. Because their bites may cause different reactions to people, it’s hard to determine whether those rashes or itchy lumps are caused by them. If you suspect that there are bed bugs in your home, you should ask for help from the experts.
Eagle Pest Eliminators are experts in eliminating bed bugs in your home. We use integrated pest management principles to eradicate your bed bug infestation problem. If you’re from Seattle, call (206) 365-4480. Call (425) 398-7365 if you’re from Everett.