Gel bait and gel bait traps use poison to kill cockroaches, and aren’t safe to use around pets. Many gel bait traps are called “child-resistant,” but this only means that the traps are hard to rip open for children. Large pets and children are still able to swallow them. If you use gel bait, use it in areas where pets and children can’t access them, such as under a washing machine. Another option is to use glue traps, which don’t contain pesticides and are safe to use around pets. 

While there are many types of wood-eating pests, the most common one in the United States is termites. They are found in every state and are typically worse in warm and humid climates. They cause billions of dollars in damage every year, which is why it’s vital that homeowners address infestations as soon as possible.

If you find bed bugs on your mattress, your first step is to put your sheets, pillowcases, pillows, and nearby linens into a trash bag and wash them in hot water. Then, vacuum your mattress and the rest of your bedroom, paying special attention to the mattress seams and crevices near your headboard. Next, use one (or more) of the solutions listed above to kill any live bugs, or call an exterminator for a professional treatment.

To freeze bed bugs, they’ll need to be exposed to very low temperatures of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for at least 4 days. You can use a remote thermostat to determine when the infested item reaches 0 degrees. Keep in mind that bed bug professionals have the high-quality tools and equipment needed to eradicate bugs using extreme cold, so it’s best to hire a pro for this method.