Bed bugs have been around for thousands of years, yet many myths still exist.
Knowing the facts about bed bugs can help an infestation from getting worse, or prevent an infestation in the first place. Here are the top 5 common bed bug myths, and what the facts are.
1) Bed bugs aren’t visible to the naked eye.
A common myth is that bed bugs can’t be seen without a microscope. Well, that’s not true. Adult bugs can grow to the size of an apple seed, and younger ones can still be visible by looking closer. Even eggs and nymphs are visible to the naked eye. Whilst they’re not a pretty sight, spotting the bed bugs means you can now take effective action to remove them.
2) My house is clean, therefore I won’t get bed bugs
Again, this is very untrue. Bed bugs are very adaptable, and aren’t deterred by clean houses. They will thrive anywhere humans like to sleep, and where there is warmth. They often crawl onto clothing, and baggage, where they hitch a ride on someone’s property. From there they hide in the cracks and crevices around the room. Of course, keeping a tidy home is an advantage as it will be easier to kill the bed bugs if you have an infestation.
3) Bed bugs only come out in the dark
Although they tend to bite humans and feed on their blood at night time when the room is dark, they do become active even when the lights are on. Therefore, bright lights and sunshine won’t be a deterrent for bed bugs.
4) Bed bugs carry diseases
Being bitten by an insect is always an uncomfortable experience. However, the good news is, that this type of insect doesn’t transmit diseases to humans. They are still considered a public health pest, as they reproduce rapidly and spread very easily.
5) Bed bug bites look different from other bug bites
Bed bug bites do not look much different from other bug bites; therefore, you can’t use this to determine whether you have an infestation. Our bodies all react differently to being bitten; whilst some people get bright red marks, other people can show no signs of being bitten
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Understanding the facts about bed bugs will greatly help you identify their presence and perhaps prevent an infestation from occurring.
For free advice and professional bed bug treatments in Scotland and Yorkshire, get in touch with The Bed Bugs Experts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which bed bug myth is most common?
One of the most common myths is that bed bugs can’t be seen with the naked eye. In reality, adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed and are visible without a microscope.
Are bed bugs only found in dirty homes?
No, bed bugs are not linked to cleanliness. They are attracted to humans, not dirt, and can be found in both clean and unclean environments as long as a host is available.
Do bed bugs only come out at night?
While bed bugs are more active at night, they can still feed during the day if they are hungry and a host is nearby. Darkness is preferred but not required.
Can bed bugs spread diseases?
No, there is currently no evidence that bed bugs transmit diseases to humans, although their bites can cause itching, irritation, and stress.
Are bed bug bites a reliable way to confirm an infestation?
No, bite reactions vary widely between individuals and can resemble other insect bites or skin conditions, so bites alone are not a reliable indicator.
Why do bed bug myths make infestations worse?
Myths can delay proper treatment and lead to ineffective DIY approaches, allowing bed bugs to spread further and become harder to eliminate.