No one likes having bug bites, and many feel that, because bed bugs seem so dirty and “gross,” bed bug bites must need special remedies in order to avoid disease. This is a common believe despite the fact that a bed bug’s ability to spread viruses and germs to humans has never been scientifically proven.  To help you separate fact from fiction, below are some of the common remedy myths you might encounter about treating bed bug bites.

In the war on bed bugs being waged across the country, the first line of defense is with a bed bug inspection. Indeed, inspection companies have never been busier as they help homeowners and businesses discern if they have a bed bug problem and, if so, pinpoint the exact locations of bed bugs within a property for effective and thorough extermination. 

With New York serving as ground zero for the national bed bug crisis, it stands to reason that college dorm rooms would be impacted by the bed bugs NYC epidemic. In fact, the problem has been so prevalent that statistics and news stories abound about college and university dorms that have experienced bed bugs NYC and on campus residences all around the country. 

As the bed bugs prolem throughout the United States has reached epidemic proportions, many are pondering whether or not they should schedule a regular bed bug inspection for their home, business or other structure. The short answer is “yes,” especially since this type of vigilance can go a long way in identifying and treating a bed bug problem at its earliest stage, before it becomes an expensive endeavor or one that has only spread the problem further.  Indeed, such regular inspections and other interventions have apparently paid off for New Yorkers. The latest figures show a decline in bed bugs in New York City areas – regarded by some as “bed bug ground zero.”

When it comes to home remedies for bed bugs, there are many: some that legitimately work and others that are merely old wives’ tales. First let’s address those that simply do not work and then move on to the best home remedies for bed bugs that, for our purposes here, are defined as solutions that can be employed without seeking the advice or assistance of a professional service. 

With New York having been deemed the “bed bug capital of America,” any decrease of bed bug activity in the state is a good gauge that the problem may also be diminishing on a national scale. According to a January 1, 2012 article in Crain’s New York Business, New York’s bed bug blight is, indeed, abating. Further proving that bed bug bites are on the decline in New York are statistics, which illustrate that the state’s efforts to help residents and tourists understand what to look for and how to avoid and treat the problem may be working. The article noted the following findings:

Today, it is not uncommon to find news reports about guests who have discovered bed bugs in their motel or hotel rooms while on vacation as one recent report out of Detroit illustrates. However, travelers do not have to guess when seeking bed bug free accommodations thanks to the Bed Bug Registry, which is specific to hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, inns and even apartment buildings. This free website will also be adding reports of bed bug sightings and experiences on cruise ships in the coming months.

One fundamental way to prevent and combat a bed bug infestation is using a bed bug mattress cover. This product not only offers a way to resolve an existing bed bug problem, but a bed bug mattress cover will also serve as a preventative measure to avoid future bed bug problems where the mattress - a prime nesting and feeding ground - is concerned. 

When it comes to bed bug treatment, there are a wealth of on and offline resource that tell you what you should do to identify and treat an infestation. However, this well-intentioned information often overlooks things one should not do in an effort to combat bed bugs.  And, bear in mind that some information, including much found on the Internet, related to bed bug treatment can actually be incorrect all together. With this in mind, we’re offering a few tips on what NOT to do when it comes to getting rid of bed bugs.

Trying to eradicate bed bugs and determining the appropriate strategy for a bed bug treatment does not have to be complicated or expensive. To get the proverbial ball rolling, there are a few key steps that kick off an effective bed bug treatment action plan: