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This varies based on the circumstance. Chemical-based pest control baits and poisons are usually the most potent, but they are unsafe to use around children and pets, so they won’t be a fit for every household.

Safer alternatives, such as boric acid and food-grade diatomaceous earth, can work as well, though they should still stay out of reach. Aside from that, the best thing any DIY-er can do is make their place uninviting by sealing off entry points, eliminating clutter, and maintaining a clean home.

Carpenter ants don’t eat wood. It’s a common misconception because many kinds of termites eat wood as well as live inside it. Carpenter ants, however, are omnivores and only chew into wood to create pathways and nests, discarding the chewed wood as frass which is a major indicator of a carpenter ant problem. They prefer to eat smaller insects, sweet things like spilled honey, and sources of protein like pet food.

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.

For years, it was believed that hobo spider bites were incredibly dangerous, causing flesh-eating wounds. But the rumors of their bites were greatly exaggerated, and there's been no real evidence showing a connection between a hobo spider bite and necrotizing wounds. 

That said, the spiders can and do bite, usually as a defense response. They won't attack you unprovoked, but if you take them by surprise and get close enough, they may bite you. Their bites may cause some minor irritation or itchiness.