Anyone who has heard the idiom “Don’t let the bed bugs bite” has probably heard something about these mysterious bugs that is based in legend, not truth. Our team of Des Moines bed bug control experts have heard it all, and we’re always happy to clear up pest misconceptions. Here are some of the most common bed bug myths and the facts behind them:
Myth: Bed Bugs Thrive in Dirty Places
The Truth: We can see why bed bugs are associated with dirty environments, but they don’t actually have a preference. Clutter in a home can hide bed bugs more easily, but it’s not the dirt and grime bed bugs like. They have a more singular focus on warmth, blood and carbon dioxide — all things that people can’t avoid having in their homes.
Myth: Bed Bugs Spread Disease
The Truth: Good news! Bed bugs haven’t been shown to spread any diseases through their bites. Their bites are unpleasant and sometimes get infected, but most people don’t even react to these types of bites. The worst case scenario is that you’re allergic to these bugs. If you are allergic, you may experience extreme discomfort from the bites or even anaphylaxis, but this is a rare allergy. Bed bugs do spread rapidly, so even without the threat of disease, getting rid of these pests as quickly and permanently as possible is the best call.
Myth: You Can’t See Bed Bugs
The Truth: While bed bugs like to hide and aren’t often found at the scene of the crime, they’re certainly not microscopic. These bugs, if you do find them, are a dark reddish-brown color and are about the size of an appleseed when fully grown. Their young are more difficult to detect, as they start out roughly the size of a head of a sewing pin. If you’re having trouble locating the bugs themselves, look for other signs, such as the casings they shed, droppings that look like pen marks, or small reddish-brown stains in your fabric.
Myth: Bed Bugs Only Live in Beds
The Truth: Trust us, we wish this were the case just as much as you do. Unfortunately, bed bugs don’t just seek unsuspecting sleepers— they’re looking for a source of heat and blood. Anywhere people spend long periods of sedentary time, such as couches, chairs, and yes, beds, can be the perfect home for these pests. While they tend to prefer cloth furniture, they can also be found in carpet and inside unused drawers and cabinets.
Myth: You Can DIY Bed Bug Control
The Truth: Bed bugs are tricky creatures, notorious for being some of the most difficult to control. These pests are building up a resistance to certain insecticides, so an over-the-counter solution will not fully solve your bed bug problem. DIY solutions also tend to not take care of the whole problem, so when you leave it to the professionals, you can sleep easily, knowing your bed bug problem will go away for good.
If bed bugs are biting you or your loved ones, the first step you should take is reaching out to the Des Moines bed bug control experts at Pro-Staff. Give us a call at 515-279-7378 or contact us online.