Proven Ways on How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Fast: Expert Tips and Effective Solutions

Introduction

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs: What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals, making them notorious household pests. Measuring about the size of an apple seed, bed bugs are oval-shaped, reddish-brown, and often hide in mattresses, bed frames, and other furniture. While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, their bites can cause itching, irritation, and sleepless nights. Their ability to hide in tiny crevices and reproduce rapidly makes them difficult to control. Bed bugs are found worldwide, and infestations are especially common in places where people sleep, such as homes, hotels, and shelters.

For more detailed information about bed bug biology and the potential health risks associated with infestations, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Why Is It Important to Act Quickly?

Bed bugs can multiply quickly, and a small infestation can become a significant problem within weeks. Female bed bugs can lay hundreds of eggs in their lifetime, which hatch in about a week. If left untreated, the bed bugs can spread to other parts of your home, making eradication more challenging. Though not dangerous, the bites from bed bugs can lead to secondary infections from scratching and mental distress from the infestation.

It is crucial to act as soon as bed bugs are identified to prevent them from spreading and to minimize the damage they can cause. Rapid action can prevent the need for costly professional treatments down the line.

For more details on how quickly bed bugs spread and how to prevent infestations, check out the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website.

Identifying Bed Bugs in Your Home

How to Find Bed Bugs

Detecting bed bugs early is essential to preventing an infestation from spreading. Bed bugs are small, nocturnal insects that hide during the day and come out at night to feed. Knowing their common hiding spots and signs can help you identify an infestation before it becomes severe.

Common Hiding Spots

• Mattresses and Box Springs: Bed bugs often hide in the seams, tufts, and folds of mattresses and box springs.
• Bed Frames and Headboards: Bed bugs can nest in cracks and crevices in wooden or metal bed frames and headboards.
• Furniture: Upholstered furniture, such as couches and chairs, can harbor bed bugs, particularly in seams and underneath cushions.
• Baseboards and Carpet Edges: Bed bugs may hide in gaps between baseboards and walls or under carpets along the edges.
• Luggage and Personal Items: Bed bugs can hitch a ride on luggage, clothing, and other belongings, making travel a common source of infestations.

Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation

• Bite Marks: Small, red, itchy welts are often the first signs of bed bugs. Bites appear in clusters or lines on exposed skin, particularly on the arms, legs, and back.
• Fecal Stains: Bed bug excrement appears as small, dark spots or smears on bedding, mattresses, or furniture.
• Eggs and Shed Skins: Bed bugs lay tiny, pale white eggs, often found in mattress seams or furniture crevices. They also shed their skins as they grow, leaving thin, translucent shells behind.
• Musty Odor: In severe infestations, a musty, sweet odor may be noticeable, caused by pheromones released by bed bugs.

For further guidance on identifying bed bugs and understanding the signs of an infestation, visit the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).

How Do I Find Bed Bugs in My Home?

If you suspect you have bed bugs, thoroughly inspecting your living space is crucial. Here are the steps to take when inspecting for bed bugs:

Step-by-Step Inspection Guide

1. Start with the Bed: Remove all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and mattress covers. Carefully inspect the seams, folds, and tufts of your mattress and box spring for signs of bed bugs, such as fecal stains or eggs.
2. Check the Bed Frame and Headboard: Use a flashlight to examine any cracks, joints, or crevices in the bed frame, headboard, and footboard. Bed bugs often hide in small spaces close to their feeding source.
3. Inspect Furniture: Examine nearby furniture, including nightstands, chairs, and couches. Pay close attention to seams, cushions, and the undersides of furniture. Bed bugs can also hide in drawer joints and underneath items stored on the furniture.
4. Examine Baseboards and Carpet Edges: Look for signs of bed bugs along the edges of baseboards and under the corners of carpets. Bed bugs can hide in cracks and small spaces along walls.
5. Check Luggage and Personal Belongings: If you’ve recently traveled, inspect your luggage, clothing, and personal items for bed bugs. Bed bugs are often spread by hitchhiking on personal belongings.

For more detailed information on how to spot bed bugs and the symptoms of bites, refer to the Mayo Clinic’s Bed Bug Guide.

Immediate Steps: What to Do When You Find Bed Bugs

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Quickly

Once you’ve identified bed bugs in your home, taking immediate action is crucial to prevent the infestation from spreading. Here’s how to get rid of bed bugs fast and efficiently.

Act Fast: How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Quickly

1. Isolate the Affected Area
   • Remove and seal all bedding, clothing, and infested items in plastic bags. This helps prevent bed bugs from spreading to other rooms.
   • Place items like pillows, stuffed animals, and other non-washable items in sealed bags to treat them later using heat or freezing.
2. Vacuum Thoroughly
   • Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to thoroughly vacuum your mattress, bed frame, furniture, and any other infested areas. Pay special attention to seams, folds, and cracks.
   • Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately after use by sealing it in a plastic bag and placing it in an outdoor trash bin to avoid reintroducing bed bugs into the home.
3. Steam Clean
   • Use a steam cleaner on your mattress, furniture, and carpets if possible. Bed bugs cannot survive high heat, and steam cleaning can kill bed bugs hiding in hard-to-reach areas.
4. Use Mattress Encasements
   • After cleaning, consider using bed bug-proof encasements on your mattress and box spring. These encasements trap bed bugs inside, preventing them from feeding, eventually leading to death.

For additional quick action tips on how to handle bed bugs, refer to the EPA’s Bed Bug Control Guide.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Clothes

One of the most common ways bed bugs spread is through clothing and linens. Here’s how to treat your clothing and linens to ensure the bed bugs are eradicated:

1. Wash at High Temperatures
   • Wash all infested clothes, bedding, and linens in hot water (at least 120°F or 49°C) to kill bed bugs. Be sure to check the care label on each item, and wash those that can withstand high heat.
2. Dry on High Heat
   • Drying your clothing on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes is just as crucial as washing. The heat from the dryer will kill any remaining bed bugs and eggs.
3. Seal and Store Clean Items
   • Once the clothes and bedding have been washed and dried, store them in sealed plastic bags or airtight containers to prevent further contamination. Do not place them back into an infested area until the space has been thoroughly treated.
4. Treat Unwashable Items
   • For items that can’t be washed, consider placing them in the dryer on high heat or using a steam cleaner. Alternatively, you can place items in a freezer for several days, as bed bugs cannot survive freezing temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) for long periods.

Refer to the American Academy of Dermatology’s (AAD) advice for further guidance on handling clothing and bed bug bites.

Treating Infested Areas

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in a Mattress

Treating bed bugs in a mattress can be one of the most challenging aspects of dealing with an infestation since this is where they often hide and breed. However, following these steps can help ensure you effectively remove bed bugs from your mattress and prevent further infestations.

Step-by-Step Guide for Cleaning and Treating a Mattress:

1. Strip the Bed
   • Remove all sheets, pillowcases, and bedding from the mattress. Place them immediately into sealed plastic bags to avoid spreading bed bugs to other areas of your home.
2. Vacuum the Mattress
   • Use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool to thoroughly vacuum the entire mattress, particularly seams, tufts, and folds. Bed bugs and their eggs can hide in these tiny spaces.
   • After vacuuming, seal the vacuum bag in a plastic bag and dispose of it immediately outside.
3. Steam the Mattress
   • Use a steam cleaner on the mattress, especially in areas where bed bugs are likely to hide. The high temperature from the steam will kill bed bugs and their eggs on contact. Make sure to steam slowly to ensure enough heat penetrates the surface.
4. Apply Bed Bug Insecticides (Optional)
   • If needed, apply an insecticide labeled for bed bugs on the mattress following the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the product is safe for mattresses and follow all safety guidelines.
5. Use a Mattress Encasement
   • After cleaning, consider encasing your mattress and box spring in bed bug-proof encasements. These encasements trap any remaining bed bugs inside, preventing them from feeding and eventually leading to death. They also protect your mattress from new infestations.
   • Ensure the encasement is high quality, with a zipper that seals tightly and is designed specifically for bed bugs.

For additional mattress cleaning and encasement tips, visit the University of Minnesota’s Bed Bug Control Guide.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs on a Couch or Sofa

Bed bugs can also infest upholstered furniture like couches and sofas. Since these areas are more challenging to treat than hard surfaces, follow these steps to ensure complete removal:

Step-by-Step Guide for Treating Upholstered Furniture:

1. Vacuum Thoroughly
   • Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to thoroughly vacuum the entire surface of the couch or sofa. Focus on seams, folds, and areas where cushions meet the frame.
   • Be sure to vacuum under cushions and along the edges of the furniture. After vacuuming, seal the vacuum bag in plastic and dispose of it outside.
2. Steam Clean the Upholstery
   • Steam cleaning is highly effective for killing bed bugs and their eggs. Use a steam cleaner on all upholstered surfaces, ensuring the steam penetrates deeply into the fabric.
   • Go slowly to ensure the heat reaches all infested areas. Pay special attention to cracks and crevices, such as where the fabric meets the wooden or metal frame.
3. Inspect and Treat the Frame
   • Remove the cushions and inspect the frame for bed bugs hiding in cracks or joints. Use a vacuum to remove visible bed bugs and apply steam or insecticides if needed.
   • If insecticides are used, ensure they are labeled safe for upholstered furniture and follow all manufacturer instructions.
4. Use Furniture Insecticide Sprays (Optional)
   • If necessary, apply a furniture-safe insecticide to the infested areas. Be sure to follow the product’s label and safety instructions to avoid damaging your furniture or causing harm to yourself or your pets.
5. Consider Using Interceptor Traps
   • After treating the sofa or couch, place bed bug interceptor traps under the legs of the furniture to prevent bed bugs from climbing back up. These traps also help monitor if bed bugs are still present after treatment.

For further guidance on treating furniture and home areas, refer to the Harvard University Environmental Health & Safety Bed Bug Guide.

DIY Methods and Home Remedies

Eliminating bed bugs doesn’t always require professional intervention. Several do-it-yourself (DIY) methods and home remedies can effectively reduce and even eradicate bed bug infestations. This section will guide you through various approaches on how to get rid of bed bugs yourself, using both conventional and natural treatments.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs: Do It Yourself

DIY Methods Like Using Steamers and Vacuuming

1. Vacuuming Thoroughly
   • Target Infested Areas: Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to meticulously vacuum mattresses, box springs, bed frames, furniture, carpets, and baseboards.
   • Focus on Hiding Spots: Pay special attention to cracks, crevices, seams, and folds where bed bugs and their eggs are likely to hide.
   • Proper Disposal: After vacuuming, immediately remove the vacuum bag, seal it in a plastic bag, and dispose of it in an outdoor trash bin to prevent re-infestation.
   • Regular Maintenance: Vacuum daily, if possible, to remove any newly hatched bed bugs.
2. Steam Cleaning
   • High-Temperature Treatment: Steamers can produce the high temperatures needed to kill bed bugs and their eggs on contact (above 120°F or 49°C).
   • Application: Slowly move the steamer over mattresses, furniture, carpets, and other infested areas to ensure the heat penetrates deeply.
   • Safety Precautions: Use a commercial-grade steamer with a minimum one-gallon capacity, preferably with a steam volume control. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid injury or damage.
3. Dismantling Furniture
   • Access Hidden Bugs: Take apart bed frames, dressers, and other furniture to reach areas where bed bugs may be hiding.
   • Cleaning Components: Vacuum and steam clean all parts before reassembling.
4. Dry Heat Treatments
   • Clothing and Linens: Place infested items in the dryer on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes to kill bed bugs.
   • Portable Heat Chambers: For items that cannot be washed, consider using portable heat chambers designed for bed bug treatment.

For more detailed DIY pest control options and safety guidelines, refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs with Home Remedies

Natural Treatments: Essential Oils and Diatomaceous Earth

1. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
   • What Is It?: DE is a natural, non-toxic powder made from fossilized aquatic organisms called diatoms. It works by damaging the exoskeleton of bed bugs, leading to dehydration and death.
   • Application:
     • Lightly dust DE in areas where bed bugs are suspected, such as along baseboards, under furniture, and around bed frames.
     • Use a brush or duster to apply a fine layer; heavy piles are less effective.
   • Safety Precautions: Use food-grade DE and avoid inhaling the dust. Wear a mask and gloves during application.
2. Essential Oils
   • Tea Tree Oil: Known for its insecticidal properties.
     • Usage: Mix 20 drops of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle and apply to infested areas. Note that this method may not be effective for severe infestations.
   • Lavender Oil: Acts as a repellent.
     • Usage: Like tea tree oil, mix it with water and spray it around beds and furniture.
   • Limitations: Essential oils may help deter bed bugs but are unlikely to eliminate an infestation.
3. Baking Soda
   • Method: Sprinkle baking soda around infested areas. It is believed to absorb moisture from bed bugs, leading to dehydration.
   • Effectiveness: Limited scientific evidence supports this method; it may offer minimal assistance when combined with other treatments.
4. Vinegar
   • Usage: Vinegar can kill bed bugs on contact due to its acidic nature.
   • Application: Spray undiluted vinegar directly onto bed bugs and infested areas. Be cautious, as vinegar may damage certain surfaces.

For evidence-based recommendations on home remedies and their effectiveness, consult Penn State University’s Bed Bug Guide.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Naturally

Benefits of Natural Treatments Like Heat

1. Heat Treatment
   • High Temperatures: Bed bugs cannot survive temperatures above 120°F (49°C).
   • Whole-Room Heat Treatment:
     • Professional Services: Companies use specialized equipment to raise room temperatures to lethal levels for bed bugs.
     • DIY Options: Portable heaters designed for bed bug treatment are available but require careful use to avoid fire hazards.
   • Advantages:
     • Chemical-Free: Safe for homes with children and pets.
     • Penetrates Hidden Areas: Heat can reach bed bugs hidden deep within walls and furniture.
2. Cold Treatment
   • Freezing Temperatures: Bed bugs can be killed by exposure to temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) for at least four days.
   • Application: Place small items in a sealed plastic bag and store them in a freezer.
   • Limitations: Not practical for large items or entire rooms.
3. Encasements and Interceptors
   • Mattress and Box Spring Encasements: Trap bed bugs inside, preventing them from feeding and helping to eliminate them over time.
   • Bed Bug Interceptors: Placed under bed legs to trap bed bugs attempting to climb up or down, aiding in monitoring and reducing populations.
4. Natural Predators
   • Introducing Predators: Certain insects like ladybugs and spiders prey on bed bugs.
   • Practicality: Not a reliable or recommended method for indoor infestations.

For research on natural bed bug control methods and their efficacy, refer to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Note on Effectiveness: While DIY methods and home remedies can reduce bed bug numbers, they may not eliminate an entire infestation, especially severe ones. Combining these methods with vigilant monitoring can be effective for minor infestations. However, professional assistance may be necessary for larger or more persistent problems.

Professional Bed Bug Treatments

While DIY methods can be effective for minor infestations, bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate without professional assistance. Knowing when to call an exterminator is crucial to prevent the infestation from worsening and to protect your home and health.

When to Call an Exterminator

How to Determine When Professional Help Is Needed

Consider seeking professional assistance in the following situations:

1. Severe Infestation: If bed bugs are present in multiple rooms or have spread throughout your home, it’s time to call a professional.
2. Persistent Infestation: Professional intervention may be necessary if you’ve tried DIY methods but the bed bugs keep returning.
3. Lack of Resources: Professionals have access to specialized equipment and treatments that are not available to the general public.
4. Health Concerns: If bed bug bites are causing significant discomfort or allergic reactions, seeking expert help can provide relief.
5. Peace of Mind: Professionals can ensure that the infestation is entirely eradicated, giving you confidence and reducing stress.

For more insights on when to consider professional extermination services, visit Terminix’s guide on bed bug control.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs with Professional Help

Professional pest control companies offer specialized services tailored to eliminate bed bugs effectively. They employ trained technicians who understand bed bug behavior and have access to powerful treatment options.

Benefits of Professional Treatment

• Expertise: Professionals can identify all infestation sites, including hidden areas you might miss.
• Advanced Treatments: Access to industry-grade insecticides and equipment that are more effective than over-the-counter products.
• Integrated Approach: Combining multiple methods for a comprehensive solution.
• Safety: Proper handling and application of treatments to minimize risks to your family and pets.

Types of Professional Treatments

Professionals typically use one or a combination of the following treatments:

Heat Treatments

Explanation of Heat Treatments

• How It Works: Technicians use specialized equipment to raise the temperature in your home or specific rooms to levels lethal to bed bugs, typically between 120°F and 140°F (49°C and 60°C).
• Process:
  • The area is sealed and heated evenly to ensure all bed bugs and eggs are exposed to the lethal temperature.
  • The treatment usually takes 6 to 8 hours, depending on the size of the area.
• Advantages:
  • Chemical-Free: An eco-friendly option that doesn’t involve pesticides.
  • Immediate Results: Kills bed bugs and their eggs in one treatment.
  • Penetration: Heat reaches into cracks, crevices, and hidden spaces where bed bugs reside.
• Considerations:
  • Preparation: Homeowners must prepare the space by removing heat-sensitive items.
  • Cost: Can be more expensive than chemical treatments due to the equipment and labor involved.

For more information on heat treatments, visit Orkin’s bed bug heat treatment page.

Chemical Treatments

Explanation of Chemical Treatments

• How It Works: Certified professionals apply EPA-approved insecticides to infested areas.
• Process:
  • Inspection: Identifying all infested areas.
  • Application: Using a combination of liquid sprays, dust, and aerosols to treat affected areas, including baseboards, wall voids, furniture, and mattresses.
  • Follow-Up: Multiple treatments may be necessary to ensure complete eradication.
• Advantages:
  • Residual Effect: Some chemicals remain active for weeks, killing bed bugs that emerge after treatment.
  • Targeted Approach: Specific application reduces the likelihood of exposure to non-target areas.
• Considerations:
  • Safety: Requires careful handling to minimize risks to humans and pets.
  • Time: May require several visits over a few weeks.

For detailed information on chemical treatments, refer to Orkin’s bed bug treatment options.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Combining Heat and Chemical Treatments

• What Is IPM?: An environmentally friendly approach combining multiple methods to effectively manage pests.
• Components:
  • Inspection: Thorough assessment to identify the extent of the infestation.
  • Combination Treatments: Using heat, steam, vacuuming, and insecticides as needed.
  • Monitoring: Regular follow-ups are needed to assess the effectiveness of the intervention and prevent reinfestation.
  • Education: Providing homeowners with information on prevention and early detection.
• Advantages:
  • Comprehensive: Addresses all life stages of bed bugs.
  • Customized: Tailored to the specific needs of your situation.

Choosing a Professional Exterminator

When selecting a pest control company, consider the following:

• Certification and Licensing: Ensure they are licensed and certified to perform bed bug extermination.
• Experience: Look for companies with a proven track record in bed bug control.
• Guarantee: Some companies offer warranties or guarantees on their services.
• References and Reviews: Check customer testimonials and reviews.
• Integrated Approach: Companies that use IPM strategies for effective and sustainable results are preferred.

Preparing for Professional Treatment

• Follow Instructions: Your exterminator will provide specific preparation guidelines.
• Declutter: Remove unnecessary items to allow full access to treatment areas.
• Laundry: Wash and dry clothing and linens at high temperatures.
• Communication: Inform the exterminator of special concerns, such as pets or allergies.

Preventing Future Bed Bug Infestations

How to Prevent Bed Bugs

Preventing bed bugs from entering your home is the first and most effective defense against an infestation. Whether traveling, purchasing secondhand furniture, or simply going about your daily routine, taking proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of bringing bed bugs into your living space.

Tips for Preventing Bed Bugs When Traveling

1. Inspect Your Accommodations
   • Check the Bed Area: Upon arrival, examine the mattress seams, headboard, and bedding for signs of bed bugs, such as tiny rust-colored spots, shed skins, or live insects.
   • Examine Furniture: Inspect upholstered furniture, drawers, and closets before unpacking.
2. Protect Your Luggage
   • Use Luggage Racks: Keep your luggage off the floor and bed by placing it on a luggage rack away from walls and furniture.
   • Encasements: Consider using protective covers or encasements for your suitcases.
3. Handle Your Clothing Carefully
   • Keep Clothes in Sealed Bags: Store your clothing in sealable plastic bags within your luggage.
   • Avoid Unnecessary Unpacking: Only remove items as needed to minimize exposure.
4. Upon Returning Home
   • Inspect Luggage: Carefully examine your luggage before bringing it inside.
   • Launder Clothing Immediately: Wash all clothing, even unworn items, in hot water and dry on high heat.

For more detailed tips on preventing bed bugs while traveling, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Travelers’ Health Guide.

Preventing Bed Bugs When Buying Secondhand Furniture

1. Thoroughly Inspect Items
   • Examine Seams and Crevices: Check couches, chairs, mattresses, and other furniture for signs of bed bugs.
   • Look for Live Bugs and Eggs: Use a flashlight to spot tiny white eggs or live insects.
2. Avoid Curbside Furniture
   • Be Cautious: Furniture left on the curb may be infested. It’s best to avoid bringing these items into your home.
3. Clean Before Bringing Inside
   • Use Heat Treatments: Treat items with steam or heat to kill any hidden bed bugs.
   • Vacuum Thoroughly: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove any pests.
4. Consider Professional Cleaning
   • Specialized Services: Professional cleaners can treat furniture to ensure it’s bed bug-free.

How to Protect Your Home

Implementing preventive measures within your home can help keep bed bugs at bay and provide early detection if they do appear.

Use of Encasements and Interceptors

1. Mattress and Box Spring Encasements
   • Bed Bug-Proof Covers: Encase your mattresses and box springs in high-quality, bed bug-proof encasements.
   • Benefits: Prevents bed bugs from entering or escaping, making inspections easier.
2. Bed Bug Interceptors
   • Placement: Install interceptors under the legs of beds and furniture.
   • Function: These devices trap bed bugs attempting to climb up from the floor, helping you monitor infestations.

Regular Cleaning and Inspection

1. Maintain Cleanliness
   • Vacuum Regularly: Focus on carpets, rugs, upholstery, and around bed areas.
   • Declutter: Reducing clutter eliminates hiding spots for bed bugs.
2. Inspect Frequently
   • Regular Checks: Periodically examine beds, furniture, and cracks in walls or floors.
   • Early Detection: Catching an infestation early makes eradication easier.
3. Be Cautious with Shared Laundry Facilities
   • Transport in Sealed Bags: Use plastic bags to move laundry to and from facilities.
   • Heat Treatment: Dry clothes on high heat to kill any bed bugs.

Educate Household Members

1. Awareness
   • Inform Family Members: Ensure everyone knows how to identify bed bugs and understands prevention strategies.
2. Guests and Visitors
   • Communication: Inform guests about your preventive measures, especially if they have traveled recently.

Conclusion

Dealing with bed bugs can be a daunting and stressful experience. However, understanding how to get rid of bed bugs effectively empowers you to take decisive action.

Key Takeaways:

• Early Detection Is Crucial: Regular inspections help catch infestations before they escalate.
• Combine Treatment Methods: Utilize a mix of DIY approaches, home remedies, and professional services when necessary.
• Preventive Measures Matter: Implementing strategies to prevent bed bugs from entering your home is essential for long-term control.
• Professional Help Is Valuable: Don’t hesitate to seek expert assistance for severe or persistent infestations.

Following the comprehensive steps outlined in this guide, you can eliminate bed bugs from your home and prevent future infestations. Remember, persistence and consistency are key to overcoming these resilient pests.

For additional resources and support, consider visiting:

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): www.epa.gov/bedbugs
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/parasites/bedbugs

National Pest Management Association (NPMA): www.pestworld.org