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If you are looking for ways to kill bed bugs instantly, heat is the most effective instant killer. Exposing bed bugs to temperatures above 131 degrees Fahrenheit for over an hour can eliminate them. Steam cleaners and dryers on high heat work well for this method. Other options that may kill bed bugs instantly include bleach, disinfectant sprays with alcohol, diatomaceous earth, and hydrogen peroxide.

However, note that many DIY treatments won’t reach bugs hidden in cracks or behind walls. For severe infestations, it’s best to call a licensed exterminator for professional heat or chemical treatment.

The smells that keep roaches away include lemon, bay leaves, vinegar, peppermint, and lavender. Mix these scents in a diluted solution to spray in your home. Also, clean your counters and mop your floors regularly. Clean up all food spills, crumbs, and dirty dishes to keep the attractants away, and cover your trash with a tight-fitting lid.

Gophers are ubiquitous in certain areas, and the only way to completely get rid of them is to put down gopher wire two feet below the surface of your soil and vertically along the edges of your yard. Unfortunately, this may not be a practical solution unless you’re completely redoing your yard or installing an aboveground garden. Alternatively, you may consider putting underground rock barriers around the edge of your yard to discourage gopher visits. However, you’ll still likely get some pests because they can dig as deep as 6 feet below the surface.

The first signs of bed bites are itchy bites, rust-colored spots on bedding, and tiny dark fecal droppings. You might also find bed bug eggs, casings from nymphs shedding, or bed bugs themselves. Some infestations can also cause a musty odor near the bedding. Calling in a professional exterminator as soon as you notice these signs gives you the best chance of total eradication.