Bed bugs, once considered a pest of the past, have staged a formidable comeback. This may be due to our increased world travel and the development of insecticide resistance among bed bugs. Bed bugs feed on mammalian and avian blood, and humans are their favorite host.
When bed bugs were abundant decades ago, they were considered a pest of the poor and unsanitary living conditions. The stigma or embarrassment of bed bugs remains —as well as many common myths about them. Here are the 10 most common myths about bed bugs.
1. Bed Bugs Only Live in Beds
Bed bugs will live in and on your mattress and bed frame, but they will also live in other places in your home, such as rugs, chairs, sofas and curtains. Since they feed on your blood while you are sleeping, they inevitably make their way to your bed for a meal.
2. Bed Bugs Only Bite at Night
Though bed bugs prefer to feed at night, if they are hungry and the opportunity presents itself, they will feed during the day. They will adapt to your work schedule, even if you work nights. And though they prefer human blood, your dog or cat is susceptible to bed bug bites.
3. Bed Bugs Can Fly
Bed bugs do not have wings and cannot fly. On the other hand, they can move rather quickly for their size, crawling about three feet in one minute.
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