Four Common Myths About Bed Bugs In Western Massachusetts

May 14, 2021

In: Bed Bugs

It happens with many different kinds of pests but, often, it’s the most common ones that people get the wrong ideas about. Bed bugs are one of the leading pests for people to have misconceptions about, both because there’s a lot of misinformation out there and because people like to convince themselves of reasons why they can’t get them. To set the record straight, we’re addressing the biggest myths and misunderstandings that people have about bed bugs.

Myth #1: Bed Bugs Only Happen In & Around Beds

Their name is a bit of a misnomer, to be honest. While bed bugs do indeed like to infest mattresses, sheets, and boxsprings, the truth is that they can infest anywhere. Bed bugs, like linens and cushioning of all kinds. They can contaminate clothing, appliances, carpeting, and all kinds of furniture. Anywhere that’s dark, warm and a short crawl away from unsuspecting people or animals to feed on can potentially be a haven for bed bugs.

Myth #2: Bed Bugs Spread Disease

In a rare example of when a misconception is scarier than reality, many people think that bed bugs are capable of spreading diseases. It’s a reasonable assumption since blood-feeding parasites are known to spread illnesses. Mosquitoes, for instance, are some of the worst spreaders of disease in the world. Bed bugs, however, aren’t known to transmit any to people or pets. That doesn’t mean they aren’t serious health hazards, though. Their itchy bites can become constant sources of discomfort if left untreated, and their nocturnal feeding habits can lead to insomnia or loss of sleep. Even though they aren’t as hazardous as some other parasitic pests, bed bugs can prove a whole lot harder to control, so you don’t want them around.

Myth #3: Bed Bugs Are Too Small To See

While they are indeed tiny pests, bed bugs can be spotted by a good pair of eyes. They appear as small, seed-like flecks that are usually lodged within fabrics or upholstery. Bed bugs are brownish-red in color, so they are much easier to spot on light-colored fabrics. The other thing to be on the lookout for are bed bug eggs, which are off-white or yellowish and resemble tiny grains of rice. Now, just because you can see bed bugs or their eggs doesn’t mean you necessarily will. Like all pests, they are good at hiding and they stick to dark areas during the hours when we’re awake. They often hide their eggs well, too, on the undersides of contaminated items, within folds of fabric, or even under wallpaper and floorboards. This is why the best course of action to determine whether you have bed bugs or not is to call experts for a thorough inspection.

Myth #4: You Can Get Rid Of Bed Bugs On Your Own

The reason bed bugs are so common is that they spread easily from place to place and are anything but easy to contain. An infested area can quickly turn to an infested building, which turns into infested people and items that transport the bugs or their eggs elsewhere. It’s this cycle that must be stopped to truly get rid of bed bugs for good, which is why you should turn directly to professionals if you suspect an infestation. At American Pest Solutions, we know how to check for and root out bed bug populations, addressing the root of the problem rather than the obvious signs. Rather than trying homemade solutions or cheap products to attempt to get at every tiny pest on your property, let experts assist you instead. To get rid of existing bed bugs or simply make sure that an infestation isn’t brewing already, contact American Pest Solutions today.