Bed bug Myths
Myth: You can’t see a bed bug
Reality: You should be able to see adult bed bugs, nymphs and eggs with your naked eye adults are about the same size as an apple pip.
Myth: Bed bugs live in dirty places.
Reality: Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt and grime; they are attracted to warmth, blood and carbon dioxide. However, clutter offers more hiding spots for the bed bugs.
Myth: Bed bugs transmit diseases.
Reality: There have been no cases or studies that indicate bed bugs pass diseases from one host to another.
Myth: Bed bugs won’t come out if the room is brightly lit.
Reality: While bed bugs prefer darkness, keeping the light on at night won’t deter these pests from biting you.
Myth: Pesticide applications alone will easily eliminate bed bug infestations.
Reality: Bed bug control can only be maintained through a treatment strategy that includes a variety of techniques plus careful attention to monitoring. Proper use of pesticides may be part of the strategy, but will not by itself eliminate bed bugs. In addition, bed bug populations in different areas have developed resistance to the ways many pesticides work to kill pests.
Myth: Bed bugs can fly
Reality: Bed bugs lack wings, and therefore cannot fly.
Myth: Bed bugs bite only at night
Reality: Although bedbugs are generally nocturnal they will feed during daylight hours if needed.
Myth: Bed bugs live exclusively in mattresses
Reality: Bed bugs will make their homes in the bed, mattress, bedroom furniture, under wallpaper, behind electrical fittings, the list is endless.
Myth: Bedbugs travel on our bodies
Reality: Bed bugs are more likely to travel on backpacks, luggage, shoes and other items farther removed from our bodies.
