The reputation of bed bugs is built on misconceptions based on the genuine problems an infestation can cause. To prevent and combat these pests in your South Carolina home, it is important to know what is true and what is false.
Bed Bug Misconception #1
It is often believed that bed bugs are too small to see. The truth is, that adult bed bugs are the size of an apple seed, ranging from 1/16 to 1/4 of an inch in length. Their bodies are wide and flat but will look larger after feeding. They are brown but may be reddish-brown after a meal. To dispel this misconception further, bed bugs are not difficult to see because of their size, but because of where they hide and their nocturnal nature.
Bed Bug Misconception #2
Many people believe dirty homes are the only ones that become infested with bed bugs. However, any home, no matter how clean, is susceptible to bed bugs. Unlike other pests that find their way into homes, bed bugs are often brought into homes by people. The following are ways how bed bugs can get into even the cleanest of homes:
- Second-hand furniture: If you can avoid it, don't bring second-hand furniture into your home, especially furniture found on the street. Items such as mattresses, upholstered furniture, and bed frames are ideal hiding places for bed bugs. If you purchase from thrift shops, make sure you inspect and clean all items, including electronics, before putting them in your car and your home.
- Hotel rooms: Inspect hotel rooms. Check places such as the mattress, box spring, and bed frame for bed bugs, and never place your luggage on the floor. Always use a luggage rack for your bag.
- Public places: When in any public place such as a restaurant, on a bus or train, or a theater, it is good practice to keep your bags and other belongings off the floor.
- Neighbors: If you live in an apartment building, bed bugs can move from unit to unit. Unfortunately, this means even if you are the most careful, it is still possible to get bed bugs.
Although bed bugs are an extreme inconvenience, they do not spread diseases. However, they can cause other health concerns, such as excessive itching, stress, and sleep loss.
Bed Bug Misconception #3
Despite their name, bed bugs don't only hang out near beds. Bed bugs don't only infest homes but are also common in businesses and offices where you won't find a bed. The following are common places bed bugs hide inside of houses and businesses:
- In the seams of furniture such as chairs and couches
- Folds of curtains
- In furniture joints
- Where the ceiling meets a wall
- Under rugs, usually in the outer seams
- Under loose wallpaper
- In electrical appliances
The first sign of a bed bug infestation is usually red spots on a person's body where they were bitten. Other symptoms of an infestation include reddish spots on bed sheets or the mattress, dark spots on fabric, bed bug eggshells, or eggs.
Bed Bug Misconception #4
The final misconception is that you can get rid of bed bugs on your own. Although it is possible if you catch an infestation early enough, you are better off contacting professionals. For the first sign of bed bugs in your South Carolina home or business, contact The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, INC. With the click of a button, you can request a free inspection and let professionals from The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, INC. start working for you. Please don't wait, contact us today!
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