FIVE LIES THE INTERNET TELLS YOU ABOUT BED BUGS IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Even as bed bug infestations continue to grow in the United States, there are still many misconceptions about these bugs. These misconceptions can lead you to react inappropriately to an infestation, or to the threat of an infestation. Let's take a moment to clear up some common lies about bed bugs, and then talk about why it is important that you know the truth.

Lie: Bed Bugs Are Too Small To See

A full-grown bed bug is quite small. It is only about 4.5 mm in length. While easy to overlook, a bed bug is not invisible. Even a newly-hatched bed bug is big enough to see. When a bed bug hatches from its egg, it is a mere 1 mm in length. That's really small. It is also mostly transparent. This makes bed bug nymphs very difficult to detect. But they're still not invisible. The reason you probably won't see bed bugs in your home isn't that they are too small to see, it has more to do with how bed bugs are photosensitive and drawn to extremely tight hidden spaces.

Lie: Only Dirty Homes Get Bed Bugs

It has long been believed that bed bugs are found in dirty homes. This is not the case at all. Bed bugs aren't attracted to bacteria. In fact, they're not attracted to anything inside your home, not even blood. Bed bugs don't choose to infest your home. They infest your home by accident. Bed bugs are transmitted passively. As these bugs move around in an area of infestation, they get into tight spaces and hidden places. This might be a suitcase, pocketbook, duffle bag, sleeping bag, or some other portable item. When an item is picked up and carried into your home, bed bugs or their eggs can be inside. This is how an infestation usually begins. It can also begin with a piece of infested furniture, or by a bed bug getting into clothing. So, you see, bed bugs don't decide to infest your home. Even if bed bugs were attracted to bacteria, it wouldn't matter.

Lie: Bed Bugs Spread Disease

It is important to point out that this isn't exactly a lie. Bed bugs might spread disease. In fact, there are studies right now to determine whether or not bed bug infestations can lead to exposure to the bacterium that causes Chagas disease. But, to say that they do, would currently not be true. While they're able to carry this bacteria in their bodies, it is not yet determined if any case of Chagas disease can be traced back to a bed bug infestation.

Lie: Bed Bugs Only Hang Out Around Beds

You would think that a bug with "bed" in its name would only be found in or around beds. It is important that you understand that bed bugs aren't limited in this way. These insects can be found in electronics, furniture, light fixtures, electrical outlets, and many other locations. They can even be under carpets, behind baseboards, in the cracks of crown molding, and even inside wall voids. If you think that throwing your bed out will get rid of your bed bug infestation, think again.

Lie: You Can Get Rid Of Bed Bugs On Your Own

There are many products available for killing bed bugs. Many of them can actually kill some bed bugs for you. If you have a trap, you can find bed bugs in it. If you spray, you can find some dead bed bugs lying around. But you should know that these products rarely stop an infestation. There are many ways bed bugs can outsmart you, and the manufacturers of these products don't tell you this. 

Here are a few examples:

• Sprays don't get to where bed bugs hide.
• Some sprays don't kill bed bugs in all stages of development.
• Some sprays aren't residual.
• Even residual sprays don't attack an infestation at its root.
• DIY sprays often become inert before they eliminate bed bugs.
• Traps only catch a small number of bed bugs.
• Mattress casings don't keep bed bugs from feeding on you while you sit on your couch enjoying a movie or sitting at your computer reading a webpage.

Truth

If you live in Aiken South Carolina, the best way to address a bed bug infestation is to contact Aiken Pest Control. We use the most advanced bed bug control products and methods to ensure complete elimination. Reach out to us today for assistance.