An experienced bed bug exterminator will understand how to best treat your New Jersey pest issue!

The first historical mention of bed bugs dates back thousands of years ago. They were one of the most common types of household pests found in the United States since ancient times. The prevalence of bed bug infestation reduced significantly after World War II, thanks to extensive use of pesticides and increased hygiene consciousness among people. Here are some myths about bed bugs.

Myth 1: Bed bugs fly

Bed bugs do not have wings, so they cannot fly. A bed bug generally accomplishes moving from host to host by crawling.

Myth 2: Bed bugs multiply fast

Bed bugs reproduce slower than most other household pests. A female bed bug lays one egg per day, compared to 500 eggs laid by a housefly in 3-4 days. It takes around 10 days to hatch an egg and another two months to develop the offspring into an adult.

Myth 3: Bed bugs can live without food for one year

There are contradictory opinions on this. Some researchers believe that bed bugs can live without a meal for 2-3 months when the room temperature is around 23 degrees Celsius. However, when the temperature is lower, bed bugs will experience a slow metabolism. So it may be possible for bed bugs to survive without a meal for around one year without a meal in a colder climate.

Myth 4: Bed bugs come out only at night

Bed bugs usually become active during night. However, that does not mean they do not look for a meal during day. They mainly live on human blood and they may come to suck up your blood any time they are hungry. Contrary to a common misconception, keeping the lights on does not always help discourage these pests.

Myth 5: Bed bugs take shelter only in beds and mattresses

It is true that bed bugs prefer taking shelter close to beds and mattresses, but they can also live in any old furniture, walls, floor, ceilings, and railings of your home.

Myth 6: Bed bugs prefer living in unhygienic urban areas

This is a common myth, but the fact is that bed bugs can infest any home – no matter how clean and hygienic it is. In other words, bed bugs are equal opportunity intruders; they can infest any location.

Myth 7: Bed bugs stick in our bodies

This is another misconception. Unlike lice or ticks, bed bugs prefer living in a cool place. They do not like the heat in human body. They prefer crawling through luggage and backpacks.

Myth 8: Using sprays is the only way to keep bed bugs away

Contrary to this common misconception, many experts advise against excessive use of chemicals. Some prefer alternative treatment methods, such as using baits, freezing, and automated traps. An experienced exterminator will under how to best treat your issue.