Bed Bug Facts And Myths

You might have heard your friends talking about them. Maybe a story in the news. There is a lot of misinformation out there about bed bugs, so lets go ahead and address some bed bug facts and myths to disprove some of those theories.

Bed Bugs Are Too Small To See

Couldn’t be more false. While bed bugs are skilled at playing hide and seek, you can see them with the naked eye. In fact, an adult bed bug is about the size of a seed, or 1/4 inch long. And now we aren’t sure what is scarier to think about, how big they are or that they were invisible.

They also have a reddish brown color which helps them stand out against certain colors. Since most mattresses are white, you would easily see a bed bug on one.

They Can Only Bite At Night

Yet another myth. Bed Bugs are not nocturnal insects. While they can go for long periods of time without eating, (up to a year!) they will eat when they get hungry. Which can be any time of day. This ability to go so long without eating means they are not afraid of traveling to find food. Bed Bugs survive on blood. Since they know they aren’t going to starve to death, the venture away from their nests in search of larger food sources.

Bed Bugs Can Fly

No. They absolutely can not fly. Don’t let that scare you. They do not have wings. While it may seem like they can because they can travel so far, it is only because of how well they can hitchhike on their hosts.

Bed Bugs Love Dirty Houses

Also not true. Bed Bugs don’t have a preference on living conditions. While it is easier for them to hide in clutter, bed bugs can hide in so many areas that it doesn’t matter if it is clean or dirty.

Heat Is The Best Way To Kill Bed Bugs

This one is absolutely true. Bed bugs adapt to chemical treatments and can run from them. However, they can not survive in high temperatures and heat can penetrate everything. Using heat for bed bug remediation is the best way to kill them all, even their eggs. If you are looking to get rid of bed bugs in your home or business, call Kansas Bed Bugs today. We are always ready to help you.

Kansas Bed Bugs, LLC. Preparation Checklist

Proper preparation is essential for an effective treatment. The hot air must be able to flow freely and penetrate all surfaces in your home. Clutter hinders this process which is why it is crucial to take the necessary steps in order for the treatment to be successful.

Remove:

All pets, birds, fish tanks, snakes, etc.
House Plants. If weather permits, place them outside
All candles, waxes, crayons, cosmetics, etc.
All aerosol products - hair spray, paint, room fresheners, etc.
ALL COMPRESSED GASSES!!
All trash. It must be emptied and taken out.
Medications. Take what you need with you and the rest can be stored in the refrigerator.
Photos, vinyl records, etc. that may be damaged by prolonged exposure to heat.
Fire arms and ammunition.

Clean and Sort:

All floors must be clean and vacuumed.
All clothes must be either hung up or folded neatly with no more than two loosely packed laundry baskets.
All plastic blinds must be all the way up. The heat can warp them and make them no longer usable.
All electronics must be turned OFF or unplugged.
All clutter must be removed from under beds and furniture. This is where they like to hide and must be clear for proper air circulation.
Dresser drawers must be loosely packed.

Store:

Medications. Take what you need with you and the rest can be stored in the refrigerator.
Food. Anything that might melt or spoil, such as chocolate, fresh fruit and vegetables, carbonated beverages, etc. can also be placed in the refrigerator.

This is a good starting point but please feel free to take any additional precautions to protect your personal belongings. Check manufacturer specifications for electronics to verify safe heat temperatures to prevent damage. Please keep in mind that Kansas Bed Bug technicians will be entering your closet and possibly need to open drawers in your home. If there are items you do not wish them to find, please make sure and remove them prior to treatment.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Kansas Bed Bugs at 316-448-1187.

Bed Bug Facts And Myths