Five Common Myths Told About Bed Bugs In New Jersey

bed bug on a mattress
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Many myths float about that give people false information. There are five common myths told about bed bugs in bugs in New Jersey in particular in particular worth dispelling. Heritage Pest Control has the answers and solutions for these pests.

Myth One: Bed Bugs Are Only Found In Beds

For a good reason, this misnomer is a commonly held belief; these bugs even have the word “bed” in their name. Homeowners may be led to believe bed bugs can only be snuggled up in beds.

Truth: While these pests enjoy the comfort found in and around human beds, they can find suitable lodging throughout the home. Feeding is most accessible in beds as human blood is their preferred entrée. These nocturnal creatures feed on sleeping hosts. When not feeding, bed bugs can take refuge in other areas: electrical outlets, upholstered furniture, window treatments, walls, ceilings, and baseboards.

Myth Two: Bed Bugs Are Only Found In Dirty Homes

Can a clean house prevent bed bug infestations? One of the five common myths about bed bugs in New Jersey is that they can only be in unhygienic conditions.

Truth: It can be easy to blame dirty folks for bed bugs, but that wouldn’t be accurate. These bugs can be anywhere where their favorite food (humans) spends time: hospitals, schools, theaters, homes, hotels, and stores. A colossal problem stems from the mobility of bed bugs. These insects can crawl onto clothing or luggage, then ride to another location and begin a new life. Bed bugs aren’t thrilled with cleanliness but will overlook it for suitable digs.

Myth Three: Bed Bugs Spread Disease

Any homeowners worrying that bed bugs may be harbingers of disease are not alone. As these pests are in no short supply, this misconception can be cause for alarm.

Truth: Technically, bed bugs don’t transmit disease, but there are more indications for good health than just being disease-free. Bed bugs can wreak havoc on mental health; conditions like insomnia and anxiety are commonplace amidst an infestation. Anemia may develop in specific individuals under repeated attack. Rare reactions to bed bug bites may lead to anaphylaxis, lymphangitis, impetigo, or ecthyma.

Myth Four: Bed Bugs Can’t Be Seen By The Naked Eye

Think bed bugs are so tiny that they are undetectable Think again! Rumors about the microscopic size of these pests are mainly invalid.

Truth: The average bed bug is no Goliath it’s true but invisible? Not a chance. Nymphs may be harder to see, as they are nearly colorless and smaller than their adult counterparts. While maybe not the easiest to see, all life cycles are noticeable without special equipment: adults, juveniles, molted skins, and eggs. An adult is roughly about the size and shape of an ordinary apple seed, which is easy enough to spy without spectacles.

Other telltale signs of bed bugs are darkly colored spots from their waste; these can be found chiefly in and around bedding but where bed bugs congregate. You may also see eggshells, bites on human skin, eggs, and nymphs.

Myth Five: Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Methods Work On Bed Bugs

This misconception is perhaps the most alarming of the five common myths about bed bugs in New Jersey because it can unnecessarily cause homeowners the most money and frustration.

Truth: It is nearly, if not wholly impossible, to remove an infestation without professional help. There’s always somebody willing to sell a miracle product that will instantly eliminate bed bugs, but consumers don’t get promised results. Heritage Pest Control is here to help; contact us at the first sign of a bed bug for our expert bed bug control solutions.

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