How You May Be Wrong About Bed Bugs In Yakima County

Bed bugs are becoming more and more of a problem in Yakima County. One reason why they're taking over is that Yakima County residents don't know enough about these insects. Today, we're going to dispel a few myths and help you get a better understanding of these irritating pests.

Myth - Bed Bugs Only Happen In And Around Beds

There are many people who still believe that bed bugs only live in beds, or that they can only be found around beds. We can understand why this myth would persist. The word "bed" is in the name. But bed bugs are not limited to just beds. They can be found in many places. Some places bed bugs have been found aren't anywhere near a bed. That means you can pick bed bugs up even if you don't spend the night somewhere. Here are a few examples:

• Can you imagine picking up a book from the library and bringing home a bed bug infestation? Bed bugs lay eggs in cracks. If a hardcover book is set on a nightstand after bedtime reading, it is possible for bed bugs to lay eggs in the binder. This has happened.
• Can you imagine getting bed bugs from going to the movies? Bed bugs can feed on humans while they are fully awake. This is even easier if a human is fully engrossed in a movie. This has led to infestations in movie theaters.
• Can you imagine getting bed bugs when you visit your elderly parents in an assisted living center? Bed bug bites can be far less severe for the elderly. This, and other important factors, make bed bug infestations in assisted living centers and nursing homes a challenge. If you drape a clothing item over a chair, bed bugs can leave a hiding place in the chair and get into your clothing. If you set a pocket book down next to the bed or couch, bed bugs may venture into it. This can happen in the daytime.

Why is this important to know? Because you need to be on guard every time you go outside of your home if you hope to keep bed bugs from hitching a ride home with you.

Myth - Bed Bugs Spread Diseases

Bed bugs look a little bit like ticks and they share some similar behaviors. This makes some people think of bed bugs like they might think of a tick. If this is the case for you, you may think that bed bugs spread dangerous diseases, like ticks do. As of this writing, there are no known cases of bed bug-to-human disease transmission. But this doesn't mean bed bugs are harmless.

Bed bugs bite.

• Each bed bug bites multiple times—often three times.
• Five bed bugs can leave 15 bites on your skin.
• Bed bug bites can be itchy.
• If you scratch bed bug bites, they can become open, infected wounds.
• Over time, bloodletting caused by bed bugs can lead to anemia.
• A fear of bed bugs can lead to sleeplessness. This can develop into sleep deprivation which has many medical implications.

Why is this important to know? Because bed bugs can create quite a bit of unnecessary fear.

Myth - Bed bugs Are Too Small To See

There are some who get dust mites and bed bugs mixed up. This can make you think that bed bugs are too small to see. An adult dust mite is a mere ¼ of a millimeter long. An adult bed bugs if 4.5 millimeters. That is quite a difference. Even newly hatched bed bugs are bigger than dust mites. When a bed bug nymph emerges from its egg, it is about 1mm long. While certainly small, you'll still be able to see a bed bug if you find one. The trick is finding one. Bed bugs are experts at hiding. Fortunately, they leave black stains, brown stains, shed skins, white eggs, and a foul scent to help you find them.

Why is this important to know? Because it empowers you to take the time to do a bed bug inspection and find the bugs before they can make you and your family miserable.

Myth - You Can Get Rid Of Bed Bugs On Your Own

There are many well-intentioned people giving advice about bed bugs on the internet. Unfortunately, much of what is out there is misinformation. These insects are difficult to control for untrained individuals. We strongly recommend investing in a professional bed bug treatment. If you need assistance in Yakima County, contact Prosite. Our licensed pest control technicians know what is required to exterminate these resilient and resourceful pests.