By Erica O’Neal

Staff Writer

“Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite,” is not just an old phrase to say as you’re going to bed. Bed bugs are a real threat and are more prevalent in the state of Georgia than you would think. Bed bugs are easily transferred from one place to another and are difficult to kill.

     The chart below lists the myths of bed bugs along with true facts. There will be a follow up article with a local pest control company who specializes in bed bug extermination in Saturday’s, December 2, 2017 edition.

MYTHS	TRUTHS
Bed bugs spread deadly diseases	Bed bugs do not transmit diseases. Bed bug bites can cause an allergic reaction similar to a mosquito bite.
Chemicals/pesticides will kill all bed bug stages.	It’s difficult to kill all bed bugs with only pesticides. Do not use home remedies.
You can kill bed bugs by leaving the house empty for a few weeks.	Adult bed bugs can live for as long as 12 months without a meal.
Bed bugs feed off of dirt and other grime.	Bed bugs feed on the blood of human beings and other animals such as dogs, birds, cats, gerbils, mice, etc.
Bed bugs are found in beds or in shelters; only dirty people get them.	Bed bugs are found close to where they feed. They’re found in hotels, dorms, apartments, private homes and public places such as movie theaters and offices.
Bed bugs are too small to see with the naked eye.	An adult bed bug is about the size of an apple seed. The eggs and baby (nymph) are about 1mm long, almost entirely white and difficult to see with the naked eye. The nymph turns red as it feeds on blood, making them easier to see.
Bed bugs only come out at night.	Bed bugs are more active at night and in the early morning, but they sense the heat and carbon dioxide given off by humans and will come out at any time of the day.
Bed bugs are easily felt.	You don’t feel a bed bug biting because they inject their saliva first which contains an aesthetic numbing chemical and anti-clotting agent so blood flows freely.