If you’re worried about bringing bed bugs home from your vacation, pay attention to your dirty laundry. Dirty clothes attract bed bugs. Yes, this sounds like an old wives tale. Bed bugs feed on people’s blood, what do they care about those less-than-clean T-shirts and undies that you’ve been throwing into your luggage for the
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Bed bug researchers at Rutgers University, NJ, have been researching and publishing materials designed to help the general public wade through the myriad of bed bug controls that are available today. While experts agree that the only effective way to get rid of an established bed bug infestation is through the services of a pest
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If you faced a lineup of insects, could you pick out the bed bug? How about if you faced a lineup of 5 wingless arthropods, all about 1/8 inch long, could you then pick out the bed bug? When business and leisure travelers were challenged with several enlarged silhouettes of various pests (ant, termite, head
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Bed Bug Awareness Week (June 4 -10) is here once again. It happens every year during the first full week of June to remind all those getting ready for vacation travel to be careful out there. When it comes to bed bugs, you should arm yourself with knowledge before your trip but don’t let a
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While the populations of many pests and even beneficial insects are on the decline globally, bed bug infestations are on the rise in the U.S. and around the world. Each year brings more reports of homes and businesses playing host to these unwelcome guests that feed on the blood of humans. And just as numerous
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We had a problem with bed bugs last summer and had an exterminator treat our home. I think the bed bugs are long gone but my wife is worried that they’re just hiding and hibernating and will become active again when the weather warms up. Does that happen? J. R., Boston, MA That doesn’t happen
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The guest room is clean and ready, the turkey is thawed, pies are made, guests are due to arrive for a home-style Thanksgiving. Better hope they’re not bringing bed bugs with them. It’s a rare event but it does happen, particularly when guests have been traveling and don’t arrive directly from their homes. Stops along
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I read on the Internet that clothes dryer sheets like Bounce can be used to repel bed bugs if you just rub them on your clothes. I bought some to use under my mattress cover. Do you think the dryer sheets would work on my bed as well? L.L., Dedham, MA Let me start by
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It’s time once again for “Allston Christmas.” This is the name given to an annual ritual that takes place when college students return to the city. On or about September 1 each year, move-in week leads to piles of household belongings, furniture, and mattresses piled up on sidewalks in front of residences. Those in need
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