When we sleep, we are the most vulnerable. This is why bed bugs can be so frightening. These little creatures get into our beds and feed on us when we are least expecting it. The insect kingdom is truly heartless. But because these insects are so feared, there are many myths surrounding them. Let’s disprove a few. Can bed bugs fly? Bed bugs can not fly. They have no wings. They also do not jump, like fleas. Bed bugs are fast crawlers, though. They can crawl up to three feet a minute.
Bed bugs travel exclusively on foot. They are the size and shape of an appleseed, making them very un-aerodynamic. They are also not made for jumping. Fleas have special legs that allow them to jump many times their body length, but bed bugs do not.
BED BUGS CAN SPREAD DISEASE
This is false. Bed bugs do bite and consume our blood. They do inject a small amount of their saliva to be used as an anticoagulant and a numbing agent. But even still, we have not found any known cases of disease transmitted by bed bugs. The reason this is is because of the way that they bite. They continue to siphon blood out until they remove their mouth parts, not allowing anything to go back into the wound. This is why many people see red blood spots on their mattresses.
BED BUGS ONLY ATTACK DIRTY HOMES
This is completely untrue. While it is true that cockroaches prefer dirty homes because there is more to eat and places to hide, bed bugs don’t rely on either of those things. Bed bugs consume blood and only blood, and there are plenty of places on mattresses to hide.
BED BUGS ONLY BITE IN THE DARK
This is also not true. Bed bugs become their most active when they are feeding. Once they have taken a meal, they will find a place to sit and not move while they are digesting. Of course, they are going to feed when they have access to a host. This means that the bugs will bite at night when you are in the bed, and lie dormant during the day. But often bed bugs will infest couches and bite when people are sitting in them. This would be the exact opposite schedule.
IF YOU HAVE BED BUGS, YOU HAVE TO THROW OUT EVERYTHING
Not true. While throwing out heavily infested furniture can eliminate large populations of bed bugs, it can also spread the problem. Bed bugs will follow their food source. So if you go out and get a new bed, they can simply infest the new bed. And throwing out your infested bed, does not ensure that all the bed bugs have been eliminated from your home. It only takes one pregnant female to start a brand new infestation.
It’s very important that if you do dispose of your mattress or other furniture, that you do so properly. Encase the mattress in plastic and take it to a dump. Please don’t give it to good will, or allow someone to take it unknowingly. This doesn’t solve your problem, and creates a new problem for someone else.
SOME PEOPLE ARE NOT EFFECTED BY BED BUGS
This is absolutely true. I’ve been in many homes, where the husband has not been effected, but the wife has. The small, mosquito bite like bumps that are created when a bed bug bites are an allergic reaction. It is your immune system’s response to the saliva that is injected into your skin. Some people will have a reaction, and some people will not. Some people have a reaction initially, and then as time goes on, their body no longer reacts to the bites. Some people don’t have a reaction initially, but develop a reaction over time. Every person is different.
BED BUGS CAN LIVE FOR MANY MONTHS WITHOUT FOOD
This is very true. One study found that bed bugs could survive 550 days without a blood meal. That’s almost two years! This is why, if you use mattress encasements, you never want to take them off. This is why you should call your Oklahoma exterminator when you need help.
PESTICIDES ARE ALL YOU NEED
This is not true. Pesticides must be used as part of an integrated pest management plan. This means that in addition to using the correct pesticides, you must also use encasement, wash clothing, use steam and heat, vacuuming and other methods. And many bed bugs have shown an immunity to some pesticides, which has rendered over the counter pesticides useless. This is why it is important to contact an Oklahoma pest control company to help you.
TRAVELING IS THE ONLY WAY TO CATCH BED BUGS
While it is true that most people get bed bugs though traveling, they can be procured in other ways. Bed bugs will hitch a ride on clothing, luggage, school back packs, or any other means of travel. This means that a visit from someone with a bed bug problem could bring them. Storing someones belongings can transport them. Buying infested second hand furniture can also transport them. Contact your Tulsa exterminator for help.
ELIMINATING BED BUGS
Eliminating bed bugs from your home can be a daunting task. It’s not one that you should try by yourself. These insects are constantly adapting to methods that we use to eliminate them. Because of this, you will need professional help. Contact your local Tulsa pest control company for help. Here at TermMax Pest Control, we can get you a free estimate for removal of these pesky bugs. We’re here to help!