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While it may seem counterintuitive, it is best to continue sleeping in your bed even if you have a bed bug infestation. If you move to another room, the bed bugs may follow you, which can spread the infestation to other parts of your home. To minimize bites while you sleep, wear protective clothing that covers as much of your body as possible, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. In the meantime, you should also isolate any potentially infested belongings and take steps to kill the bed bugs on your mattress as quickly as possible while waiting for professional treatment.

Some people find that treating their yards with natural substances can help to repel ticks. In fact, pest extermination companies often offer all-natural lawn treatments to repel ticks. Household ingredients like oregano oil, clove oil, thyme, and citronella ward off ticks and are natural ways to get rid of fleas.

Spotting a single scorpion in the home doesn’t mean you have a full-blown infestation, but it does mean there’s a way for them to get inside. Other scorpions could easily use the same method, like entering through an air vent, as these arachnids are social creatures that tend to live in groups. If you see a baby scorpion, however, that likely indicates a nest somewhere in the home. This is also true if you spot a scorpion with an infant on its back.

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.