Bedbugs are a serious problem in Kansas City, and myths about them abound. Milberger Pest Control is here to bust those myths and eradicate your trouble with bedbugs.
Myth 1: Bedbugs only live on beds.
The name “bedbugs” is misleading. They prefer to be close to heat and blood sources, but they can be found anywhere humans rest. They are commonly found in sofas, carpet, and in crevices of cabinets and drawers. They can even be found in cars, trucks, and airplanes around Kansas City.
Myth 2: Bedbugs prefer dirty homes.
Bedbugs are commonly associated with unsanitary conditions, but the reality is that they are just as happy in a spotless Kansas City home as a filthy hovel. As long as there are people to feed on, they can thrive.
Myth 3: Bedbugs can survive for a year without feeding.
In a home with normal moisture and temperature, adult bed bugs can go 2-3 months without eating, but not an entire year. They may live longer without eating in colder conditions, however.
Myth 4: Bedbugs are invisible to the naked eye.
Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed. They are dark reddish-brown in color, and even darker after feeding. Instar or nymph bed bugs can be as small as a pinhead and are lighter in color, and thus more difficult to see. The eggs are even smaller and can be very difficult to spot.
Myth 5: Bedbugs jump or fly.
Bedbugs have no wings, and their legs don’t enable them to really jump.
Myth 6: Humans carry bedbugs.
While bed bugs are avid travelers, they don’t latch onto and travel on people like ticks or lice. They are most likely to get around on personal items like luggage and backpacks.
Myth 7: Bedbugs only feed at night.
While night is the most common time for bedbug bites, they will feed whenever the opportunity arises. They are not bothered by light and are happy to have a meal whenever their human meals happen to be resting quietly.
Myth 8: Bedbug bites can be identified by doctors.
When a doctor diagnoses bed bug bites, it is usually just speculation. Distinguishing bites between different insects is not scientifically possible. 50-60% of people have no reaction to bed bug bites at all, and those who do can react differently.
Myth 9: Bedbugs carry diseases.
While bed bugs can certainly cause itching, sleeplessness, and anxiety, they do not spread disease. Scratching bites with dirty fingernails can cause an infection, however.
Myth 10: Effective DIY bedbug treatments are available.
DIY bedbug solutions are not effective. Bed bugs are becoming quite resistant to over the counter treatments, and it is extremely difficult to eradicate every single adult bed bug, larva, and egg.
Trust Kansas City professionals Milberger Pest Control to identify and eradicate bedbugs in your home or business.
For more information or to schedule a free inspection, click here or call Milberger Pest Control at (816) 761-1313 in Missouri and (913) 384-6760 in Kansas.