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While they can be effective at getting rid of bed bugs, there are risks of using bed bug pesticides if they’re not applied properly. The EPA only approves products that meet safety standards, but misuse, such as applying spray to skin, using outdoor products indoors, or overusing products, can pose serious health risks. Always read and follow label instructions carefully. For the safest and most effective results, it’s best to hire a licensed pest control professional.

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.

No, the spotted lanternfly does not sting, bite, or otherwise do anything painful or damaging to humans or animals. Do not hesitate to approach and kill the insects and any eggs you find on sight—you’ll be playing an important role in slowing the spread of these invasive and destructive pests. If you’re not sure if the insect is a spotted lanternfly, snap a picture and contact your local extension office for help identifying it.

The most common wasps are hornets, yellowjackets, and paper wasps. Both hornets and yellowjackets are black and yellow, and hornets are known to be more aggressive if their nests are disturbed. Paper wasps are black or reddish-brown with yellow markings and often build nests on eaves or branches. Of the more than 300,000 species of wasps, these are the most often encountered by pest control professionals.