Articles & Podcast Episodes

Bed Bugs: How They Are Transmitted, Spread, and Prevention Tips

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

Bed Bug Treatment: Step-by-Step Techniques for Effective Infestation Control

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 in the United States: Infestation Statistics and Control Methods Explained

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 Bites: How Long to Appear, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Tips

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: How They Start, Their Origins, and Effective Prevention Methods

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

Bed Bugs: Size, Identification, and Infestation Insights Explained

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

How Can Bed Bugs Occur? Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Prevention Methods

Bed bugs can enter homes through used furniture, luggage, or backpacks. They often spread in multi-unit buildings like apartment complexes and hotels. Bed bugs are attracted to human body heat and carbon dioxide. Check for rusty stains and look in furniture seams for their presence. Infestations relate to movement of infested items, not hygiene. The … Read more

How You Can Contract Bed Bugs: Causes, Prevention, and Control Methods

Bed bugs can enter your home by attaching to clothing, luggage, and secondhand furniture like mattresses and couches. They often hide in cracks and crevices. To prevent their entry, be careful with items you bring inside. Use mattress encasements for protection, but stay alert—bed bugs can survive outside these covers too. Preventing bed bugs begins … Read more

How Cold Affects Bed Bugs: Can Freezing Temperatures Kill Them?

Bed bugs are killed by temperatures below 0°F when exposed for about four days. They tolerate cold but thrive in warmth, being most active between 70°F and 80°F. While short cold spells allow survival, prolonged exposure below 0°F eliminates all life stages. Adult bed bugs can live up to a year without a blood meal. … Read more