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bed bug bites
10/11/15

“Sleeping tight” isn’t much of a strategy for keeping bed bugs away. Though the expression is used lightheartedly when wishing someone a good night’s sleep, bed bugs are a very real problem everywhere from apartments to hotels to public transportation. Attempting to fall asleep when you’re aware of the creepy crawlers in your home can be a daunting task. Nearly 99 percent of pest control companies have treated bed bugs in the past year. Worried you could soon be one of these cases? Check out these 5 myths and facts about bed bugs:

Myth #1: Bed bugs are too small to see.

iStock_000014260806_Medium Fact: Adult bed bugs are bigger than most people think, usually bigger than a wood tick. When you look closely, bed bugs can also be spotted with the naked eye. Typically ranging from 1/4to 3/8 inches long, the flat, oval-shaped creatures have six legs and don’t have any wings for flying. Young bed bugs may be a white-colored tone, but adults can range from brown to red tones.

Myth #2: Bed bugs prefer unsanitary conditions.

iStock_000044079292_MediumFact: Though its true that bed bugs can thrive in unsanitary conditions, five-star hotels can be just as susceptible to the irritating pests. The clutter often found in unsanitary conditions presents bed bugs with more places to hide. Just because your home is clean doesn’t mean you’re safe from the pests that feed on mammalian blood.

Myth #3: If you throw away your mattress, you get rid of the bed bugs.

iStock_000045073104_MediumFact: This is a tricky one. If you get rid of your mattress, you’ll likely get rid of a few bed bugs, but they’re likely living in other areas around your bed, too. And keep in mind that transporting the mattress will deposit more bed bugs throughout your home. 

Myth #4: Bed bugs are only found in beds.

iStock_000012940339_MediumFact: Bed bugs love beds, but they also live in places like behind headboards and wall hangings, wallpaper or crevices in mattresses. Still, they typically stay close to areas where people sleep as they feed on them. But how did they get in your home in the first place? Bed bugs can travel in suitcases and are excellent hitchhikers. They’re most definitely drawn to mattresses and box springs, but don’t be surprised if you see the tiny creatures crawling elsewhere in your home.

Myth #5: Bed bugs transmit diseases.

iStock_000049517722_MediumFact: The thought of bed bugs alone may keep you awake at night, but bed bugs do not pose any significant health or medical risk. The itching might cause a small irritation or allergic reaction, but (generally) bed bugs won’t cause much harm to humans.

If you’re aware of bed bugs in your own home, don’t panic. You’ll want to take immediate action so a major infestation doesn’t occur, and stay clear of taking care of the problem yourself. Most home remedies aren’t effective at completely eliminating the pests and can be harmful if used improperly. At Plunkett’s Pest Control, we use highly effective heat treatments you can count on. Our family-owned and -operated business has been in operation for over 100 years, and our trusted technicians will take care of your bed bug problem. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.  

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