Articles & Podcast Episodes

Bed bugs are exterminated using several methods. Heat treatment kills them at 115°F (46.11°C). Chemical treatments may need repeated applications. An integrated pest management approach combines these techniques. Regular vacuuming and traps help remove bed bugs effectively. Identifying evidence of bed bugs is also key to successful extermination. Moreover, combining these methods enhances their effectiveness. … Read more

Bed bugs form from eggs laid by adult females. Nymphs hatch in 5 to 10 days and need blood meals to grow into adults. Infestations often start with secondhand furniture or items like luggage and clothing. Their evolutionary history connects them to bat bugs, showing their ability to adapt to different environments. Effective prevention methods … Read more

Bed bugs, mainly Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus, evolved from bat bugs as humans transitioned to living in homes. They need a blood meal to grow through five stages, including the nymph stage, before becoming adults. Bed bugs feed on warm-blooded hosts. They do not transmit diseases and are found worldwide due to human movement. … Read more

Bed bugs transfer mainly by hitchhiking on luggage, clothing, and furniture. Travelers often carry them from infested areas without realizing it. They do not spread directly between people. In multi-unit dwellings, they quickly move between rooms or units, thriving in such shared spaces, which can lead to widespread infestations. Prevention tips include inspecting secondhand items … Read more

Bed bugs are transmitted by hitchhiking on infested items like luggage, clothing, and furniture. They often enter homes through travelers or used furniture. Bed bugs do not spread directly from person to person and are not a sign of uncleanliness. Knowing their hiding spots can help prevent an infestation. Bed bugs can also spread through … Read more

To treat bed bugs, hire a professional exterminator to use pesticides and non-chemical methods. Vacuum all areas thoroughly. Apply heat at 115°F (46°C) or cold at 32°F (0°C) on infested items. Use steam treatment at 150°F (65°C). Wash bedding regularly and use mattress covers to prevent reinfestation. Following washing, vacuum the entire area thoroughly. Use … Read more

Bed bugs are a significant public health pest in the United States. They do not transmit diseases but cause irritation, itching, and sleep loss. Allergic reactions may need medical attention. Infestations are common in Northeastern and Midwest states, making extermination difficult and increasing mental stress for affected individuals. Effective control methods are crucial for managing … Read more

Bed bug bite marks can appear a few hours to 14 days after being bitten. Each person’s response differs; some may have no marks, while others experience itching and redness. Usually, bite marks heal within weeks. Understanding bed bug behavior is essential for effective prevention and management. Treatment for bed bug bites typically involves over-the-counter … Read more

Bed bugs start infestations by traveling on clothes, linens, and luggage. They can also come from secondhand furniture, like mattresses and couches. These pests reproduce quickly, and adults are about the size of an apple seed. Initially, humans encountered bed bugs through bats in the Middle East, which contributed to their spread. Effective prevention methods … Read more

Adult bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are flat, wingless, and reddish-brown. They are about 1/4 inch (6 mm) long and look like apple seeds. Immature bed bugs, or nymphs, are smaller and translucent. Bed bugs are usually visible to the naked eye, especially after feeding, when they appear larger. Infestations often occur in places with high … Read more