Bed bug infestation is on the rise in the United States and across the globe. But bed bug infestation is not the only thing that is growing. Theories and myths surrounding bed bugs are also becoming more abundant with each passing day.

Did you Know? The origin of the myths about bed bugs dates back to 100 A.D.

Yes! You heard that right.

That said, not all that you hear about bed bugs is true. Some myths only exist to spark fear in our minds. If you also believe in bed bug myths and theories, then go, grab some popcorn and get ready. We are about to dispel some myths about bed bugs so that they seem a lot less scary.

Without much ado, let’s dive into these myths.

1.    You cannot see bed bugs with the naked eye

Says who? Only the bed bug eggs and the younger ones are hard to see. However, the adult bed bugs have a dark reddish-brown body, about the size of an apple seed, and can be seen easily. However, since they are excellent hiders, we have assumed that we cannot see them.

2.    Bedbugs can fly

Thank God, this is a myth. Bed bugs cannot fly as they do not have any wings. Moreover, they cannot jump due to the structure of their legs. The best they can do to move is to crawl at a speed of 1 meter per minute to be approximate. They may be fast, but bed bugs are sly who wait until you’re sleeping to launch an attack on you.

3.    Bedbugs reproduce quickly

If you compare bed bugs to a common housefly that lays 500 eggs in just 3 to 4 days, bedbugs are a lot slower when it comes to reproduction. It takes 10 days for a bed bug egg to hatch, followed by the next five to six weeks for the offspring to mature into an adult.

4.    Bedbugs can survive a year without any food

Bed bugs are cold-blooded. They can indeed live without eating for a while but, it is not for an entire year. At normal room temperature, bed bugs survive for 2-3 months without any food, provided the moisture conditions are perfect. During the winter, the metabolism of bed bugs tends to slow down, and therefore, they survive without any meal for a long time.

5.    Bedbugs bite only at night

It is time to unfold the truth. Bed bugs can bite whenever they get an opportunity. Although bedbugs are nocturnal, and their peak action time is during the night, they are opportunists and will leave no chance to feast on humans or pets whenever they are hungry and get a chance. Therefore, putting the lights on will not keep the bed away.

6.    Bedbugs prefer unsanitary condition

Bedbugs are highly non-discriminatory pests. They do not classify between clean and dirty. They are found anywhere, from 5-star hotels to homeless shelters. Many factors beyond human control attract bed bugs, such as body temperature, carbon dioxide, clothing, and much more. Moreover, bed bugs are found in purses, stuffed toys to airplanes, and dorms. Therefore, any location is vulnerable.

7.    DIY bed bug control is effective.

The most common myth is you can tackle bed bugs through DIY bed bug treatments. They are highly ineffective and may get worse before you find out their entire population from various hiding places. Moreover, the DIY methods can only remove the bed bugs you see on the surface.

Wrapping Up

If you consider any of the above myths as truth, take a deep breath and relax. If you suspect a bed bug and want to sleep tight and not let the bed bugs bite, hire a pest control professional is your best bet to get rid of bed bugs as they are trained and have the necessary tools to tackle it.