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Heat is the most effective instant killer of bed bugs. Exposing them to temperatures above 131 degrees Fahrenheit for over an hour can eliminate them. Methods like steam cleaners and using a dryer on high heat are effective for this. Other options that can kill bed bugs on contact include EPA-approved pesticides, bleach, disinfectant sprays with alcohol, diatomaceous earth, and hydrogen peroxide. While freezing can work, it is not an instant solution, as it can take several days at 0 degrees Fahrenheit to be effective. Keep in mind that many DIY treatments won't reach bed bugs hidden in cracks or behind walls. For severe infestations or the most effective results, it is best to hire a professional exterminator for a professional heat or chemical treatment.

Most bugs that get into and reside inside our homes are harmless. However, you should address the presence of harmful ones, such as bed bugs, roaches, or termites, that can harm you and your home. Additionally, if you notice a significant increase in bug sightings of any kind, it's a good time to perform a home inspection, looking for water or structural damage that could be inviting them in. 

You’ll find that phorid fly larvae breed in moist, decaying, organic matter. When trying to locate a breeding site, thoroughly inspect the following places in your home: drain pipes, trash cans, garbage disposal, pet waste, rotting produce, plants, compost bins, and even under appliances like the stove and refrigerator where moist food may have dropped. It’s also possible for a breeding site to form inside of a wall, crawl space, or under your home’s foundation.

If you spot a wasp nest on your property, call a professional exterminator as quickly as possible. The longer you wait to call a pro to remove the wasps, the more you risk a painful sting. The concern is elevated if you or any family members are allergic to wasps or bees—the sooner you remove the threat, the better.