Whether welcome or not, bedbugs have been coexisting with humans for years and were especially predominant prior to World War II. Thankfully, the 40s and 50s saw relief from these critters due to improvements in hygiene and the discovery of the powers of pesticides. Unfortunately, these pests have been making a steady comeback over the last 10-15 years, taking advantage of highly populated urban areas and the increase in global travel. With summer vacation plans in the making, don’t forget to take precautions not to bring home any hitchhikers, as bedbug infestations are extremely common in hotels worldwide.
With the fear of bedbugs becoming so widespread, the efforts to educate people about the threat of infestation have increased. However, some of the “facts” you may have heard might actually be fiction, and we’re here to debunk those bedbug myths once and for all! Here are 5 of the most commonly known bedbugs facts, that are actually untrue:
1. Bedbugs Can Fly – Rest easy knowing that these creepy crawlies are just that, crawlers. They lack wings so flying is impossible. However, they’re fairly quick and can crawl about 3-3½ feet per minute.
2. The Only Bite at Night – False! It’s true that bedbugs are generally nocturnal, but that won’t stop them from satisfying their hunger in the daylight. Think about how many times you’ve gotten up to grab a midnight snack!
3. They’re Contained to the Mattress – Unfortunately this is incorrect. Yes, as their name suggests, bedbugs are most commonly found hiding out around mattresses, but this is not the only place they make their homes. They can spread from room to room and have been discovered on any, and all possible surfaces you can think of.
4. Dirty Homes Bring Bedbugs – Contrary to popular belief, cleanliness is actually not a factor in choosing their next dwelling. Bedbugs can be found anywhere, at anytime. Although it is true that bedbugs are predominant in low-income housing, that is due to dense living quarters and lack of funds to pay for expensive treatment and preventatives.
5. They Transmit Disease – Unlike many other blood-feeding bugs, bedbugs have not been proven to transmit any diseases. However, bites can lead to anxiety, insomnia and possible infections, as they do harbor several human pathogens.
To read more about bedbug myths, click here.
At Pest Control Unlimited, we provide high quality bedbug removal services to the Massachusetts and New Hampshire areas. If you feel you may be at risk for a bedbug infestation, or have seen evidence that you’ve already got a pest problem, give us a call at 888-649-9919. We take pest emergencies very seriously, providing same day service when treatment simply cannot wait.
