Myth 1: Bedbugs Only Infest Dirty Homes
One of the most common myths about bedbugs is that they only infest dirty or unsanitary homes. In reality, bedbugs are not attracted to filth or hygiene issues. They seek out warmth and blood, which is why they often target sleeping areas, such as beds and sofas, where they can easily access their next meal. Bedbugs can infest any home, regardless of how clean it is. Whether your home is immaculate or cluttered, these pests are still capable of finding their way in.
Myth 2: Bedbugs Are Only Found in Hotel Rooms
While it’s true that hotels can be a hotspot for bedbugs due to the high turnover of guests, they can be found in a wide variety of places, including apartments, office buildings, public transportation, and even movie theaters. Bedbugs are excellent hitchhikers, traveling from place to place via luggage, clothing, or used furniture. In Middlesex, NJ, homeowners should be vigilant and inspect their homes regularly, as these pests can infiltrate any environment, not just hotels.
Myth 3: Bedbugs Are Too Small to Be Seen
Bedbugs are often thought to be too small to be noticed, but this isn’t the case. Adult bedbugs are about the size of an apple seed (around 1/4 inch), and they are visible to the naked eye. While they can be difficult to spot because of their nocturnal nature and ability to hide in cracks and crevices, homeowners can still detect the presence of bedbugs if they know what to look for. Look for dark spots (bedbug excrement) on your mattress, small bloodstains on sheets, or even the bugs themselves hiding in seams or behind headboards.
Myth 4: You Can Only Get Bedbugs from Sleeping in an Infested Bed
Though bedbugs are most commonly associated with sleeping areas, they can hitch a ride on nearly anything that has come into contact with an infested area. This includes clothing, luggage, used furniture, and even your purse. Once they find a new environment, they’ll settle into cracks and crevices to feed. Therefore, you don’t have to sleep in an infested bed to end up with bedbugs in your home.
Myth 5: Bedbugs Are Only Active at Night
While bedbugs are nocturnal feeders, they can still be active during the day if they are hungry enough or disturbed. If they are in an area where they feel safe, they may venture out to feed at any time of day or night. This myth often leads homeowners to underestimate the potential for bedbug infestations. It’s crucial to inspect your home thoroughly at any time, not just at night, to ensure you’re not overlooking signs of bedbugs.
Myth 6: Bedbugs Are Easy to Get Rid Of
Unfortunately, bedbugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of, and many homeowners in Middlesex, NJ, fall victim to this myth. Over-the-counter products and DIY treatments often fail to completely eradicate bedbugs, as they can hide in hard-to-reach places and develop resistance to common pesticides. An infestation requires a thorough approach involving professional pest control services that can identify and treat all affected areas. It's essential to act quickly and rely on experienced exterminators to completely eliminate the problem.
Myth 7: Bedbugs Only Bite People
Though bedbugs primarily feed on human blood, they are not exclusive to humans. They can also feed on pets, such as cats and dogs, in some cases. Bedbugs are opportunistic feeders and will not hesitate to bite animals if humans are unavailable. Pet owners in Middlesex should be aware of the signs of bedbug infestations, such as itching or discomfort in their pets, and check their pets' bedding and surroundings regularly.
Myth 8: Bedbugs Can Fly or Jump
Bedbugs do not have wings, nor do they jump. They are slow-moving insects that crawl along surfaces to find their next meal. Bedbugs rely on hitching a ride via clothing or luggage to spread to new locations. Their ability to travel quickly across floors, walls, and furniture by crawling is what makes them so difficult to control.
Protect Your Home from Bedbugs
As a Middlesex homeowner, understanding the truth behind these bedbug myths is essential to protecting your home. Bedbugs can infest any living space, and they are not always easy to spot or eliminate. If you suspect a bedbug infestation, the best course of action is to call a professional pest control company like Environmina Pest Control. Our expert exterminators have the knowledge and experience to handle bedbug infestations effectively and prevent future problems.
