We all know that the Internet is a liar. While this seems a little bit contradictory coming from something you’re reading on the Internet, it’s the truth. While we can put our years of experience and expertise behind what gets written on our website, we can’t say the same for all the home pest control advice that is out there. With your best interests in mind, let’s bust a few common bed bug myths that are floating around on the Internet.
Myth: Bed Bugs Are Too Small To See
While they are small (about five millimeters around, to be specific), you can still see them, especially when they’re done feeding. Bed bugs will usually wait until you’re asleep before feeding on your blood through a tube. They have tiny legs and don’t move quickly, so they have to wait until you’re completely still in order to feel comfortable trying to feed. That’s why homeowners rarely see bed bugs. However, you’re likely to notice the signs of an infestation before you see the actual pests. These signs include:
Rust-colored rings from their excrement
Small bloodstains left behind from feeding
Itchy, red bite marks on your skin (usually in a straight line or zig-zag pattern)
Myth: Bed Bugs Only Invade Dirty Homes
Many people think that bed bugs are the result of poor hygiene and that an infestation can bring diseases along with it. This isn't true. If you have blood in your veins, then bed bugs are interested in your house. It’s just a matter of whether or not they can get in. Bed bugs don’t move quickly, but they’ll hitchhike on items like luggage and used furniture straight into your house. You need to be especially careful around travel hubs like airport terminals and bus stations. If you leave your bag on the ground or next to infested luggage, bed bugs can migrate when given enough time.
Once they’re in your home, they might not transmit diseases, but they can cause a variety of health problems. Waking up to itchy bites will make you scratch… and scratch and scratch. Some victims of infestation get serious skin infections and irritations because of excessive scratching. Prolonged bed bug infestations can also lead to insomnia and anemia that can remain even after the infestation is taken care of.
Myth: Bed Bugs Only Hang Around Beds
This one is totally false. Bed bugs will inhabit almost any piece of cushiony furniture, from mattresses to couches and even office chairs. They’ll also invade places that don’t even have beds. Even if you buy used kitchen appliances like a fridge or microwave, make sure to check it for bed bugs before bringing it into your home.
Myth: You Can Get Rid Of Bed Bugs On Your Own
This is one of the most dangerous myths surrounding bed bugs. Vacuuming, washing the sheets, or spraying your mattress with store-bought sprays will only kill the bed bugs on the surface. Typically, these pests will inhabit the entire piece of furniture, possibly all the way into the center of the cushions. When more eggs hatch and the bed bugs decide it’s safe to come out, you’ll begin the cycle of itchy bites and sleepless nights once again. The only guaranteed way to get rid of bed bugs on your first try is to trust the services of pest control professionals in Rock Island. Contact Quik-Kill at the first sign of a problem. We have the experience, expertise, and tools to get the job done right the first time.