Have you experienced waking up with itchy red spots on your skin? Do you notice a musty smell when you enter your house or room? If the answer is yes, then there is a great possibility that your precious home is experiencing a bed bug infestation.
Bed bugs are tiny, pesky critters with flat bodies that feed on the blood of animals and humans. Usually reddish-brown in colour, they are a common type of pest that seems to have a lot of misinformation surrounding them. Below are the most common myths about these annoying bloodsuckers and the truths behind them.
1. Bed bugs cannot be seen with the naked eye
One of the most common misconceptions about bed bugs is that they cannot be seen with the human eye. Although bed bugs and their eggs are indeed too tiny to be easily seen, they can nonetheless be spotted even without the use of a magnifying glass. The typical size of an adult bed bug is 0.18 inches long, about the size of an apple seed. Hence, these pests are actually bigger and more visible than most people think.
2. Bed bugs multiply quickly
Compared to other kinds of pests like houseflies and cockroaches, bed bugs do not multiply quickly. In fact, in most cases, bed bugs are slow to reproduce. An adult female bed bug commonly produces only 1 to 7 eggs per day. Each egg can take about 6 to 10 days to hatch, and the offspring will have to wait about 5 to 6 weeks to develop into a full-grown adult. It is only when the bed bug has reached its maturity that it can likewise reproduce.
3. Bed bugs bite only at night
Bed bugs are generally nocturnal. They prefer to feast on their host during the night when the latter is asleep. However, this does not mean that you cannot get bed bug bites during the day. Just like humans, bed bugs can get hungry anytime and will not hesitate to bite, regardless of the time.
4. Bed bugs live only in mattresses
Just because they are named “bed bugs,” it does not mean that you can only find them in beds and mattresses. Contrary to popular myth, beds and mattresses are not the exclusive habitats of bed bugs. You can also find these annoying pests in couches, wooden furniture, folds of curtains, drawer joints, suitcases, and many others. Therefore, throwing out your mattress may not totally solve your bed bug problem.
5. Bed bugs can be killed with over-the-counter treatments
There are plenty of store-bought pesticides or DIY remedies available for those who are dealing with a bed bug infestation at home. However, these products and remedies can make the infestation worse and can even pose a danger to your health. To be sure, the best way to solve a bed bug problem is to hire a company that specializes in bed bug pest control. Because these pests are highly resistant to pesticides, it may take a professional to fully get rid of them.
Conclusion
Bed bugs are indeed annoying pests that can ruin a good night’s sleep. To successfully get rid of bed bugs, it is important that you are aware of their characteristics and avoid believing in misconceptions. Hiring a professional is also the easiest and most effective way to eradicate a bed bug infestation.
If you are looking for a great company that can help you with your pest issues, PestClinic is the best option for you! We offer effective and affordable pest control services in Singapore, ranging from ants and bed bugs to cockroaches and termite control. With our quality pest control services and NEA-certified specialists, you can sleep safe and sound without having to worry about bed bug bites again. Call us for more information!
