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Pest Control questions, answered by experts

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.

Bed bugs bite your body to feed on blood. When they bite, they inject an anticoagulant, which is why you may see blood stains on your sheets if you have an infestation. The bed bugs tend to bite in clusters, so the bite marks will look like itchy, red spots in zigzagging lines of three to five bites per cluster on your skin.

The bites are itchy, but for most people, they do not cause serious or long-term health complications. Itching the wound excessively could lead to an infection, and some people are allergic to bed bugs.

Typically, bed bugs live for four to six months. However, they can live even longer in cool conditions without any food. Bed bugs breed frequently, giving rise to dozens of babies that can quickly infest your home, so it’s best to keep a vigilant eye out if you suspect bed bugs may be around.

When you spray a roach, the chemicals, usually a mix of neurotoxins like pyrethroids or pyrethrins, start affecting its nervous system almost immediately. It disrupts the roach’s nerve signals, causing paralysis and eventually death. You'll often see the roach twitch, flip over on its back, and stop moving within seconds to minutes.

If you’re wondering whether pest control services are safe, rest assured that they are very safe if you hire a reputable company. These pros will come out and assess your stink bug problem, as well as your specific treatment needs (such as kid-safe or pet-safe solutions). Always check online reviews and reputable sites like Angi to find a vetted pro that will help you safely deal with these stinky intruders for good.

The Patten, ME homeowners’ guide to pest control services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.