Beliefs and superstitions about bed bugs have been around since 100 AD when they were first found in Italy. People back then thought that these parasites that feed on blood could be used to treat things like ear infections and "hysteria."

Since then, news about bed bugs has become less ridiculous, but the general fear has made people think of some interesting things about it.

You're in the right place because we will bust some of the most common myths here. Read on to find out what's true about the different bed bug myths.

1. Can Jump and Fly

Bed bugs cannot fly nor jump. This is a slight exaggeration since they can jump some inches, but even that is debatable.

Bed bugs can creep, crawl, and walk, but they cannot jump. This is because they don't have the right muscles in their bodies. However, they can scuttle through cracks and holes to get from place to place.

2. Can Live a Year Without Eating

This is a popular bed bug myth that bed bug experts agree to be false. The truth is that bed bugs can only live between four weeks to 6 months without feeding.

If they're lucky, they can live up to a year without feeding. However, it's essential to keep in mind that their reproduction rate and the mutation of genes play a massive role in the equation. If you have a lot of bed bugs, it's only natural for them to live longer.

3. Can Only be Found on Beds

Another bed bug myth is that these bugs only live on beds. However, that's not always the case. The truth is that bed bugs are attracted to humans, so they can quite possibly be found in any part of your home.

You may even find them on your clothing, in your car, and even on your patio furniture if you have outdoor seats. If you've ever seen bed bugs, then you already know that they're very active during the day.

4. Only Dirty Homes Have Bed Bugs

Many people think that only dirty homes can have bed bugs, but that's very far from the truth. It's effortless for these pests to get inside your home. Bed bugs are attracted to bodies, and they only need a small amount of blood to survive.

One of their most popular entry points is used furniture. These little guys can hide in tiny holes in the seams and floors of your furniture. Once those pieces of furniture reach your home, all it takes is for you to sit on them or lay your head down to get bitten.

5. Cannot Survive Cold Temperatures

This is another bed bug myth that is not true. Bed bugs can survive freezing temperatures for up to a year. What's even more surprising about this is that some bed bugs can even survive short exposure to temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bed bugs have a protective layer that keeps their body from losing heat quickly. It's a membrane that sort of acts like a scuba suit. 

Conclusion

Hopefully, this blog will help you realise that many of the myths you've heard about bed bugs are not true at all. There are many bed bug myths that people have believed for years, but the truth is that most of them are not true.

These bugs can be pretty tricky to get rid of, so it's best to contact a professional company with the right equipment and techniques to get rid of them for good.

Contact experts in pest inspections in Sydney to help you. Roach Busters Pest Control Treatments has over 25 years of experience in the pest control industry and provides professional pest control services. Contact us today!