Bed bugs have existed alongside human beings since the beginning of time. They appear in ancient Egyptian scrolls and even mentioned by Aristotle. Myths about these critters are equally long-lived. It was common knowledge around 77AD that bed bugs were an effective cure for snake bites and ear infections.
Today’s myths about bed bugs are less ridiculous but equally inaccurate. There are a few common myths about these difficult pests that are worth debunking once and for all. For example many people believe that bed bug shedding can be used to combat other pests.
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Bed Bugs Travel on Humans
Bed bugs do not live on their human hosts like ticks and lice. The bed bugs only attach to the host when it is time to feed, usually for 5 to 15 minutes at a time before scurrying back to their hiding places.
However, it is possible for humans to transport bed bugs usually on personal items such as luggage, backpacks, books and furniture among others.
Bed Bugs Are Attracted to Filth
It is an open secret that most pests are attracted by filth, dirt and clutter. The same cannot be said for bed bugs which prefer any place with a ready blood meal regardless of sanitary conditions. Bed bugs in 5-star hotels and upscale resorts are fairly common.
This myth isn’t completely baseless. Recent studies show that bed bugs are more attracted to dirty clothes than clean clothes. They also thrive in clutter which offers safe places to hide.
Bed Bugs Spread Diseases
There is no evidence to suggest that bed bugs can transmit diseases directly to humans or animals. This doesn’t mean that they are harmless. The critter’s bite often leaves itchiness, bumps and welts. It is possible to get a secondary infection from scratching with dirty fingernails. Bed bug exoskeletons and feces may also trigger asthma and allergic reactions in some people. That is why it is very important to hire The Exterminators to get rid of bed bugs in Toronto. Call bed bug bed bug removal Toronto now to get a detailed quote.
Bed Bugs Are Only Active at Night
Bed bugs are nocturnal so there is a grain of truth in this myth. However, pests can be equally active during the day if they are hungry. They can even change their sleeping schedule to fit the availability of blood meals such as when the host works the night shift.
Bed bugs also aren’t afraid of light so sleeping with the lights on will not protect you from attack. Their behaviour is driven primarily by sustenance and will quickly adapt based on the food situation in their environment.
Bed Bugs Are Too Small to See With the Naked Eye
These insects are difficult to spot especially during the early stages. You would have to be very keen to see and identify bed bug eggs for example. The instar is about the size of a pinhead and although difficult, it is still visible. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed and reddish-brown in colour and a darker red after a blood meal.
You Can Exterminate Bed Bugs on Your Own
The internet is full of DIY suggestions for bed bug extermination in Toronto. There are also numerous options for bed bug sprays and insecticides on the market. The truth: it is virtually impossible to get rid of bed bugs on your own.
Bed bugs are immune to most commercial products. In fact, a failed extermination will only disperse them and make the problem worse. There is no such thing as homemade bed bug repellents. These are merely old wives’ tales and speculation.
Hire the Exterminators to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
DIY extermination is sure to fail. Bed bugs like to hide deep inside cracks and crevices and will go even further inside if threatened. Exterminators have equipment and solutions that penetrate these crevices and hiding spots. Experts also have intimate knowledge about the pest’s behaviour, allowing them to come up with the most effective strategy of attack. Our services also include deodorizing to remove the offending bed bug odor. We provide a warranty to guarantee treatment for as long as it takes to get rid of the pests permanently.
