Those in the pest control business, especially those answering calls regarding bed bug infestations, hear the phrase "but I'm not a dirty person!" over and over again. It has been reported numerous times that bed bugs are not attracted to one home or another based upon the cleanliness of the building. Bed bugs do not discriminate based upon social status, race, sex, or cleanliness of the home. Cleanliness has nothing to do with getting bed bugs.
When bed bugs enter your home, however, those living in areas with poor sanitation are apt to endure an infestation longer, as the problem often goes unnoticed for some time. By the point that a pest control expert is called in, the infestation is often out of control and requires extra time and money to solve.
Similarly, those with a cluttered and crowded living space present one of the largest challenges for pest control experts. Having an abundance of clutter or "stuff" around the home gives bed bugs (and other insects) excellent hiding places. Since bed bugs can lay eggs almost anywhere they choose, heavily cluttered areas give then an infinite number of hiding places where they can remain safe from the efforts of pest control.
Bed bug infestations can affect anyone, anywhere. Keeping your home
clean and free of clutter may not prevent an infestation, but it will make one east to spot at the first signs, allowing for fast and accurate pest control, and avoiding the waste of time and money.
Think You Have Bed Bugs?
As always, we at A3 Superior Pest Control are looking for new resources and developments in the pest control world. During our most recent search for information (originally stumbled upon via Facebook thanks to a mutual friend), we have discovered an excellent site dedicated to getting to the bottom of myths surrounding pest control, pesticide application, and many other factors. The Site "Debug The Myths" can be found at
www.debugthemyths.com. They dive deep into myths surrounding such topics as human safety, the safety of our planet, how to read pesticide labels, and much more. All of their information is backed by university experts.
Here is an excerpt from their site about the myth that pesticides are not necessary.
“Actually, using pesticides helps protect us and our families from potential disease and other health concerns. Without the ability to control some insects—such as ticks and mosquitoes—diseases like West Nile virus and Lyme disease would be a greater threat to communities. Cockroaches allowed to remain and thrive in homes and schools can trigger or worsen asthma attacks.”
Taken from
http://debugthemyths.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23&Itemid=3 We present this site to you in conjunction with our previous post about bed bug myths. We are considering starting a series of blogs revolving around pest control myths and are curious as to what myths you may have heard of. Please share any ideas though the comment box below and perhaps we will explore your myth!
The following are all reported methods individuals have tried in attempting to self-treat or prevent bed bugs and bed bug bites. Please note, that when attempting to self-treat a bed bug infestation the chances are that the infestation will only be made worse, causing more expenses and more heartache for everyone involved.
- Leaving the Lights On
What it is supposed to to - Sleeping with the lights on is meant to confuse bugs into not biting because they think that it is day time
What it really does - Bed Bugs will still bite. They are usually most active during the dusk hours because they have a meal. Bed bugs are attracted to the CO2 and body heat emitted from your body. The will still detect you on the bed and will still bite. Not to mention the increased electric bill! - Eliminating Heat
What it is supposed to do - Turning off the heat during the winter months is thought by some to freeze the bed bugs and in effect kill them off.
What it really does - The lack of heat can freeze water pipes, propane lines, and more in your home, all the wile, not allowing the home to get cold enough to exterminate bed bugs. This requires EXTREME temperatures. - Olive Oil
What it is supposed to do - Covering your body in olive oil before going to bed makes your skin so slippery that bed bugs cannot climb on or off of your body.
What it really does - Bed bugs can slide underneath your body, and will continue to bite all areas of skin that are touching the mattress, that is, if they truly cannot walk on your body. Don't forget the messy sheets you will wake up to in the morning! - Bug Bombs
What it is supposed to do - Setting off bombs inside the home full of insecticide (similar products are often used for fleas) will fully cover the area and effectively exterminate any bed bugs.
What it really does - Bombing of an area for bed bugs has the tenancy to spread the infestation. All chemical bombings are risky procedures, and take the chance of contamination of many items. Bombing can also blow windows out of buildings due to the increased pressure inside. - Gasoline/Kerosene
What it is supposed to do - Dousing beds, couches, and entire residences in diesel fuel or kerosene will inhibit the movement of bed bugs, and eventually kill them off for lack of food.
What it really does - Can you say "Fire Hazard"? This method is not only extremely dangerous, there is also no proof that it is actually effective.
Other MythsSulfur Burning - burning sulfur inside of the home
Fire Extinguishers - Spraying on bed bugs to attempt to freeze them
Exterior Pesticides - using pesticides that are not effective against bed bugs
WD-40 - Spraying the chemical directly on bugs
Baking Soda/Rubbing Alcohol - Applying this combination to mattress, sofa, etc.
With all of the myths going on surrounding bed bug treatment and prevention, we at A3 Superior Pest Control ask that you
do not attempt to self-treat. Please call a pest control professional. To contact A3 Superior, call 1-877-757-7767.
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