Author: Nicholas Martin

Best Snake Traps in [year]: Expert Reviews
Snakes are incredibly dangerous neighbors. While they do not have legs, they can crawl inside your house without any noise. Venomous snakes kill at least 80 000 people around the world every year. In comparison, sharks, which many of us are afraid of so much, kill only 10 people per year, on average.
Some deaths from snakes’ venom are not even recorded, mainly because their victims live in rural and hard to reach areas. So, the numbers can be twice higher.
Product
Best Humane Snake Trap
Best Snake Glue Trap
Titlr
Frabill Minnow Trap, 8 x 8 x 18-Inch, Black (1268)
Catchmaster Rat, Snake and Mouse Traps 12Pk, Large Bulk Glue Rat Traps for Home, Pre-Scented…
Frabill 1271 Fishing Equipment Nets & Traps, Multi, One Size
Price
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$23.49
$14.82
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Pros
Its price is lower than for similar items.
Does not contain chemicals.
Easy way to catch snakes.
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Best Humane Snake Trap
Product
Titlr
Frabill Minnow Trap, 8 x 8 x 18-Inch, Black (1268)
Price
–
Prime
–
Pros
Its price is lower than for similar items.
My preview
Read review
Buy
Check Latest Price
Best Snake Glue Trap
Product
Titlr
Catchmaster Rat, Snake and Mouse Traps 12Pk, Large Bulk Glue Rat Traps for Home, Pre-Scented…
Price
$23.49
Prime
Pros
Does not contain chemicals.
My preview
Read review
Buy
Check Latest Price
Product
Titlr
Frabill 1271 Fishing Equipment Nets & Traps, Multi, One Size
Price
$14.82
Prime
Pros
Easy way to catch snakes.
My preview
Read review
Buy
Check Latest Price
There are 3 000 different species in the world, and 600 of them are venomous. And even though 200 of these reptiles can be used for medical purposes, people still die from them. It means, that whenever you see a snake nearby, you have to act.
The best snake trap is something you have to find yourself based on your preferences and situation with these dangerous reptiles. And I am here to help you with this. You will find a detailed guide on how to use a trap, where, and when, apart from my top 5 recommended list of products.
As a professional entomologist with decades of experience, I must say that snake infestation is not something that happens often, but you have to be prepared for it.
Top 5 Best Snake Traps
Look through these snake trap reviews before you will order one of them. I have gathered the most reliable items here, in my opinion. All of them have unique features, which I am going to mention in this list. Read the pros and cons, and choose the one that you need.
1. Frabill Minnow Trap – Reliable Humane Snake Trap

Frabill Minnow Trap, 8 x 8 x 18-Inch, Black (1268)
Check price on Amazon
Specifications:
- Material: Blend
- Number of Pieces: 1
- Item Weight: ‎2 Pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 18 x 8 x 8 inches
- Target Species: Crawfish or Minnows
Minnow Trap by Frabill works great on venomous snakes without killing them. A snake crawls in, but can’t get out through the tiny holes in the cage. No matter whether you have copperhead, black, or other poisonous snakes, you can use this trap without a bait.
I recommend you to use snake tongs or hooks to press the head of this reptile while moving the cage, especially if you are not sure whether it is poisonous or not.
The trap was created by Frabill, the company that produces humane traps and nets for pests. It is made of high-quality vinyl. The black color, according to developers, has to provide extra benefit by camouflaging the trap. The size of the product is 8 x 8 x 18 inches.
It can be placed even in saltwater and work flawlessly there. Pay attention to the affordable price. I also must warn you not to release the snake you caught close to other houses.
Pros: Cons:
humane trap;
reliable materials;
reusable;
its price is lower than for similar items;
salt-water resistant.
you will have to get rid of the snake by yourself.
2. Catchmaster Baited Rat, Mouse and Snake Traps – Affordable Non-Toxic Snake Glue Traps

Catchmaster Rat, Snake and Mouse Traps 12Pk, Large…

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Specifications:
- Material: Plastic
- Number of Pieces: 12
- Item Weight: ‎8 ounces
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 3.85 x 0.5 x 0.43 inches
- Target Species: Cockroach, Cricket, Mouse, Rat, Snake, Spider
Baited Rat, Mouse, and Snake Glue Traps by Catchmaster include 12 trays in one pack, which is a savvy offer. If you have mice or rats, you will find these traps helpful as well. I have personally checked them on rats and snakes.
All you need is to put them in the place where you saw a snake the first time or close to it. Since there are 12 trays, I recommend putting several near the entrances and windows. They do not contain chemicals, and you don’t have to worry about using them inside the house, near children or pets.
These traps are disposable. You can fold each of them in the shape you need to put under a sink or dishwashing machine. Catchmaster is a top seller of various pests’ traps. You can also buy a smaller number of trays, but I recommend picking this offer and placing traps around the house.
The glue in trays already contains an attractant, so you don’t have to worry about extra baits. The glue is powerful enough to hold the reptile inside.
Pros: Cons:
12 trays in the pack;
disposable traps;
does not contain chemicals;
contains an attractant;
powerful glue.
these trays are not reusable. Once the snake is caught, you have to get rid of it.
3. Cahaba Glue Catch Inserts 6 Pack – the Best Offer Among Big Snake Traps That Work
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The Glue Catch Inserts 6 Pack Trap by Cahaba Snake Trap is a perfect way to catch 6 feet long big snakes. The developers of the trap also recommend to use it for Tegu lizard or Iguana that can be met in Florida.
However, I can’t say anything for sure, since I have not checked it on other reptiles, except snakes which turned out great. It is lightweight and can be easily folded and pushed under the sink or wardrobe.
Cahaba Snake Trap company, which produces different baits and traps for snakes, has high reviews from their clients. This time, they offer the trap with powerful sticky glue that can handle even the long reptile, with 180 sq inches area. This product is disposable and resistant to the water.
Warning! The glue is so strong, it can hold birds as well. You have to make sure that you put it somewhere far from other animals except snakes.
Pros: Cons:
easily folded material;
strong glue to hold 6-feet snake;
works well on other pests;
disposable;
does not require additional baits.
it is not reusable.
4. Frabill 1271 Fishing Equipment Nets & Traps – Reliable Metal Live Snake Trap
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Frabill 1271 Fishing Equipment Nets & Traps,…

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Specifications:
- Material: Blend
- Size: One Size
- Item Weight: 1.05 Pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 10 x 9.75 x 9 inches
- Target Species: Minnows
The 1271 Fishing Equipment Nets & Traps by Frabill is reusable and easy to use cage for reptiles. This trap is made of high-quality galvanized metal. The product can be used underwater.
It has a unique design, made in two parts, which guarantees easy removal of the catch and bait. You can use various baits inside, it is up to you. Many users say that this trap does not need any bait.
Frabill is a top seller of snake traps on the market. It creates humane traps that do not kill reptiles. Before you will release snake somewhere, you have to make sure that the territory is empty, and there are no houses close to the place. After that, you may reuse the trap again. It is extremely important to keep your hands out of the snake during the release moment.
Pros: Cons:
humane trap;
unique design;
easy way to catch snakes;
affordable price;
reusable.
you have to release snake yourself.
5. HARRIS Supersized Snake Glue Trap – an Expert in Trapping Snakes of Big Sizes

Harris Snake Glue Trap, Super Sized for Snakes,…

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Specifications:
- Non Toxic: The trap does not use pesticides, poisons, or chemicals
- Number of Pieces: 1
- Item Weight: ‎7 ounces
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 11.81 x 11.02 x 8.66 inches
- Target Species:Cockroach, Mouse, Rat, Snake, Silverfish
Supersized Snake Glue Trap by HARRIS offers you an extra sticky trap that may hold long snakes for you. Unlike many other glue traps, it has a cap with additional glue to help you hold the snake inside while removing it from your house.
While the snake is stuck on one part, fold another and press it to its body, so this reptile would not be able even to move. The trap is 15 x 10 large. Besides, it can catch other pests like mice and rats as well.
HARRIS is popular for its traps and insecticides. It helps to get rid of different pests in your house. They created this non-toxic trap for inside use in private houses, as well as in schools, storages, hospitals, offices.
Don’t worry about children, it does not contain chemicals. However, I strongly recommend you not to touch the glue with your fingers. The item is not reusable.
Pros: Cons:
affordable price;
advanced powerful glue;
catches numerous pests;
large area of action;
non-toxic.
not reusable.
A Detailed Manual and FAQ
Let’s talk about snake traps more. This is a common name for devices that were created to capture serpents. They vary by design, price, and materials. The long story short, there are three main types of these items:
Snake Box Trap or Cage Trap
These products are slamming shut after the snake is in. This type is considered to be one of the most humane options. You can put a bait inside and wait till the snake will get trapped. After that, you will have to let it go somewhere far from people;
Glue Traps
They can vary depending on your purpose. Some of them may contain poisonous chemicals and kill the snake that stuck, and others can be humane which hold the reptile until you release it. If you prefer the first option, this is possibly the best snake killing tool among the traps you may find.
However, if the snake does not pose any danger, you may use the humane type. To release the snake, you can use simple cooking oil. Don’t release it yourself if you don’t know the type of the snake. Never let it get close to your fingers.
Minnow Traps
Such traps were not originally made for snakes, but they turned out to be one of the most effective ways to catch these reptiles. From a garter snake trap to copperheads, you will find it easy to use. It is also non-toxic and does not require additional efforts.
You may simply place the trap near the house, storage, or another facility. It is cheap and reusable. If you catch the poisonous snake, you may try to put the minnow trap with it in the fridge. The snake will fall into hibernation and die peacefully.
How Does a Trap Work?
Different types of traps have their own specifics. Usually, snakes are attracted by some kind of baits. Some glue traps are already covered with a pleasant scent that lures reptiles. They can be placed close to the nests of snakes to make the whole procedure faster.
All of the rattlesnake traps are simple in use. You don’t have to catch a snake with bare hands. Moreover, I strongly advise you not to touch snakes with your hands or other parts of the body. Make sure there is no one in your family who can do this either.
To settle down the most effective trap, start with finding the nest. Snakes prefer to live on trees or in bushes. They can move to live in your basement during the cold seasons. Check out the areas close to your house and the inside, but don’t go near snakes on your own.
Tips for Trapping Snakes
Before you will set a trap, I recommend you to learn what kind of snakes of North America you are dealing with. It is extremely important. There are numerous ways to deal with snakes, and all of them work on specific snakes. I have mentioned traps for different types, so before you buy the item, learn your enemy. My tips for you are:
- Always plan in advance. Think about what you will do after the trap is full. Depending on the type and your fear of snakes, you can either let them go or kill;
- Clean the mess in your yard. Snakes are attracted to bushes, tree branches, and other places to hide;
- Choose the best location for the trap. Find the nest, place it nearby, or secure your doors and windows. I recommend you do both;
- Pick the best bait for the snake. Snakes love to eat eggs;
- Read the local rules for snake relocations before you catch one;
- Measures of safety.
Related Post: Best Snake Chaps Reviewed
Pay attention to this paragraph as it may save your life! Do not come close to a snake with bare hands! Do not pock it! Snakes can bite. They can be deadly. Snakes do not hesitate before the attack. If you are standing near the snake, the best option is not to run but stay as still as possible.
If you have snakes in your yard, wear special protective boots and gloves. It is ok to ask for the help of a professional. There is definitely a pest control service in your area, don’t be ashamed to call them for help.
Related Post: Best Snake Gaiters to Protect Yourself
FAQ
Can a Trap Catch-All Types of Snakes?
It depends on the trap you have bought. On average, the market offers traps for the medium size reptiles like copperheads and garden snakes. But if you are looking for the one that can catch a black rat snake, you have to consider its size.
I have mentioned several traps for long snakes on the list. Some of them are glue traps, other – box traps. I recommend reading the description of the product and client reviews before you buy it.
How to Catch Garden Snake?
A garden or garter snake is the widest spread reptile around the USA’s yards. Its venom may kill salamanders, snails, worms, and other small animals they feed on. They can’t kill humans; however, their bite may cause irritation and swelling of the skin.
To catch them, use glue traps or minnow traps with baits. Usually, they make nests close to the source of water. I don’t recommend to catch them with your hands. Even if these serpents are not poisonous for you, their bite can still be infected. See the doctor if you were bitten by this snake.
How to Trap a Snake in the House?
Glue traps are the most effective when put inside the house. I recommend you to use them in the place where you have noticed the reptile. You have to act fast, so the snake wouldn’t have time to make a nest and bring more serpents into your home. Check out whether the glue contains chemicals or not before you put it in the house with children. Set up another trap to make sure that there are no snakes left.
What to Do with Trapped Snakes?
You can decide what to do with the trapped animal by yourself. Before you do it, read the official rules and laws in your state or county. If there is no possibility to release the snake somewhere in the area, you will need to kill it.
Sometimes, special research or medical institutions require specific species, so you can bring a snake there. Whenever you want to release the reptile from the glue trap, use the oil on its body.
How to Make a Snake Trap?
If you don’t have enough money to buy a professionally made trap, you can always use multiple tutorials and learn how to make it yourself. However, I strongly advise you not to do this. The main reason is that you can’t create a powerful trap by yourself, and you may easily mix wrong ingredients.
You may see the videos from people on YouTube who are sharing their secrets on how to catch the snake with an empty can from Coke. Snakes are dangerous and poisonous creatures. They will attack you whenever they will feel the threat.
I don’t recommend making snake traps at home. Each of the products on my list is pretty affordable, so don’t be greedy, it may save your life.
Related Post: Best Snake Repellents to Keep Snakes Away

Do I Need to Call Professionals?
I strongly recommend you to call professional exterminators who can remove a snake from your house if you have noticed a snake that looks venomous. If it is crawling in your yard, and you have never dealt with these reptiles before, don’t go with DIY recipes. You have to call local pest control and describe the situation. Venomous snakes can be released after you caught them.
Which Trap to Choose?
You don’t have to decide which trap you want to use right away. Learn everything you need about the snake that you saw, and make sure you can deal with it on your own. You will find glue, box, and minnow traps on the list. Check their price, materials they are made of, company developers, and read the reviews of other customers.
If you have tried one of the traps from the list, share your opinion about it in the comments. Was it helpful? Did you like it? You can describe both positive and negative experiences here.
References:
- Who can remove a snake from my garden or house? (NSW Government):
  https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/questions/snake-removal
- Common Garter Snake (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service):
  https://www.fws.gov/refuge/julia_butler_hansen/wildlife_and_habitat/common_garter_snake.html
- Snakebites kill at least 80,000 people per year and probably more (Deutsche Welle):
  https://www.dw.com/en/snakebites-kill-at-least-80000-people-per-year-and-probably-more/a-48836235
- Snakes, facts and information (National Geographic):
  https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/facts/snakes-1
2020-05-28
Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs: 7 Most Common Bed Bug Look Alikes
Being able to work with various pests infestation cases, I know how challenging it might be to find any kind of insects in your house and get rid of them once and forever. The most complicated task is eliminating bloodsucking pests such as bed bugs — highly unpleasant and annoying vermins that are hard to get rid of.
To clean your house from pests, it is important to identify them properly. Sometimes, you might think that you have bed bugs when you actually don’t, so your pest-fighting methods won’t work as they should.
To help you identify and effectively fight pests, I have written this guide with a detailed observation of what other bugs look like bed bugs, their characteristics, and habitat.
Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs: Detailed Review of the Most Popular Insects
There are plenty of various in-house pests you might get into your household and produce serious problems. Bed bugs are the ones that are so small and similar to other pests, it is really hard to know for sure which type of bug you have faced. Let’s look through the key features of bed bugs appearance and life cycle, and proceed to their pest relatives.
What Are Bed Bugs And How Do They Look
Identifying what do bed bugs look like, it is important to take into account all possible features. These insects are tiny in size, ranging from 2 to 5 millimeters depending on their life cycle period, with transparent skin color at a young age that gets rust color when they reach adolescence.
When the newborn bed bug has just had a blood meal, he turns from pale to bright red due to the small bed bug size, nearly the only moment you can see it – when the bug is feeding on your skin.
Many people ask me: “do bed bugs fly” and “do bed bugs have wings.” In case you have seen a pest that flies, that is not a bed bug. These tiny insects have no wings and cannot fly, although adult bugs have wing vestiges or wing pads – underdeveloped signs of wings that cannot be used for flying. They are also able to move fast on the furniture, floors, and walls, settling literally everywhere in the house.
Finding a bite is the first sign of pests infestation, and bed bugs can bite you anywhere, focusing on those body parts that are denuded while sleeping: face, neck, feet, hands, or shoulders. While you won’t feel the bite itself, after being bitten your skin might feel itchy or inflamed.
Bed bugs can be identified by their appearance: they have an oval-shaped flat body that gets more elongated after the meal. They have six legs and two tiny antennas that make it possible to distinguish bed bugs from arachnids or mature mites.
Before asking how to get rid of bed bugs, it is essential to identify the type of insect you have faced. To properly identify bed bugs, I highly recommend you to look through the bed bug pictures that reveal all the details of their typical appearance.
What Are Other Tiny Bugs in Bed That Are Not Bed Bugs
1. Bat bugs
2. Baby roaches
3. Ticks
4. Fleas
5. Booklice
6. Carpet beetles
7. Spider beetles
Although you might think you have bed bugs, this is not always true. There is a series of bugs mistaken for bed bugs that are usually misidentified because of similar appearance, bites, or spreading specifications.
To properly identify the type of vermins that invaded your house, let’s look through the list of such pests, opposing bed bugs vs other bugs, defining their typical features, appearance, bites, and habitat.
Bat Bugs vs Bed Bugs

Bat bugs are the most similar pests to bed bugs in their appearance – it is impossible to clearly identify whether the insect is a bat bug without a microscope: their only difference is the length of fringe hairs located near the bugs’ head.
However, bat bugs aren’t usually in-house pests as they feed on bat’s blood and reside in the places of bat’s colonies that might be situated inside a house: in chimneys, attics, or plumbing.
Trying to oppose bat bugs vs bed bugs, it is possible to see the difference in the skin color: bat bugs can have beige or light brown skin color, while bed bugs have more reddish skin.
Both insects have an oval-shaped body with non-developed wing pads and cannot fly. Bat bugs are usually found in the Midwestern US, while bed bugs are distributed worldwide.
Related post: Best Bed Bug Steamers
Baby Roaches vs Bed Bugs
Small baby roaches are usually misidentified as bed bugs because of their similar appearance and behavior. However, unlike blood-sucking insects, baby roaches are white just after hatching, but get reddish shortly after that, becoming quite similar to bed bugs. Their nighttime activity peaks are also similar to the bed bugs’ behavior.
The main difference that comes out while opposing baby roaches vs bed bugs is that baby roaches does not bite people. They try to hide in cracks and dark, tight spaces, staying close to the warmth, food, and moisture. Baby roaches are almost twice smaller and have a cylindrically-shaped body, while bed bugs are oval-shaped.
Baby roaches are also highly unpleasant pests that are hard to get rid of. It gets easier to identify them as they grow and molt, so be sure you have properly identified the pest type and take quick measures for its elimination.
Ticks vs Bed Bugs
Being misidentified as bed bugs, ticks, in fact, have a few similarities with these pests: both have a flat, brown body and can feed on human blood. Thus, it is important to not only know what do ticks look like but how they are different from other insects.
Ticks are as small as bed bugs and have no wings, so they also can’t fly. Their bites are almost unfelt and can be found nearly anywhere on your body.
When talking about differences of ticks vs bed bugs, it is necessary to say that ticks are arachnids and have eight legs, while the bed pests are insects and thus have only six legs. While the latter are in-house pests, ticks are usually found outdoors, hiding in high grass or on the leaves of trees and bushes. Ticks are usually feeding on animals’ blood, although they can bite humans.
Ticks’ bites might be dangerous, as they can carry such diseases as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and others. While bed bugs can bite you up to 10 times and then move to other locations, ticks bite you once, getting under your skin, and can stay there for several days until they are fully saturated.
They usually choose the body parts with hair or creases, such as armpits, legs, neck, or waistline. It is hard to remove a tick from your body, and it is important to be careful and not to leave the ticks’ head under the skin.
Fleas vs Bed Bugs
In case you have spotted bites on your skin that might be itchy, the first two reasons might be bed bugs and fleas. Being small and quickly moving pests, fleas also create a lot of discomforts, leaving numerous bites on the human body that look and feel distressful. Both fleas and bed bugs have brown-reddish skin and don’t have wings.
When putting fleas vs bed bugs, it is possible to see that their appearance is different: while bed bugs have horizontally-flat bodies, fleas are vertically-flat. Both insects have six legs, fleas have longer legs and can jump up to 18 centimeters high.
While bed-found pests prefer to feed on human blood, fleas usually bite furry animals, such as cats and dogs and live mostly outside. Flea bites aches immediately, while most people don’t feel the bites of bed bugs and can discover them only on the next morning.
The flea bites are usually situated on the lover parts of the body, while bed pests can bite you anywhere, focusing on those body parts that are exposed during your sleep.
Booklice vs Bed Bugs
Thanks to their size and color, booklice are mistaken for bed bugs as well, especially their nymphs: they are smaller in size and have a pale brown or creamy skin color. Booklice also has two antennas, but they are more similar to termites and have a segmented body (the head is separated from the rest of the body).
Although both insects live inside the house, booklice don’t bite people and feed on mold and fungi. They can be found in places with high humidity: under wallpapers, near the windows, damp books, or in the stored food.
Confronting booklice vs bed bugs, it can be seen that booklice is smaller and has a different appearance and living habits due to quick dehydration.
Related post: Best Bed Bug Sprays Reviewed
Carpet Beetles vs Bed Bugs
Carpet beetles are one of the bed bugs look-alikes that are usually misidentified because of their size and similar appearance. Carpet beetles have black skin with a white pattern and bright scales that might be orange, red, or reddish-colored. They are smaller than bed bugs, have an oval-shaped flat body with hair on it, and two small antennae.
There are numerous differences when opposing carpet beetles vs bed bugs, and the most important is that carpet beetles aren’t blood-feeders: they prefer flowers’ nectar and pollen, thus, they usually live on flowers and can get inside the house with the fresh bouquet.
Unlike bed bugs, carpet beetles can fly, and when getting inside the house they adapt their diet, switching to natural fabrics. Carpet beetles aren’t dangerous and don’t bite people, but the direct connection with the beatles with exposed body parts might lead to allergy.
Carpet beetles are still unpleasant house pests that might destroy carpets, clothes, and all fabrics, getting into the bed and other furniture.
Spider Beetles vs Bed Bugs
One of the vermin types that can be regarded as bed bugs is spider beetles. These pests also have an oval-shaped body that has brownish color – features that are also typical for their bed-located relatives. They are slightly smaller – from 1 to 5 millimeters, depending on their type and lifecycle stage.
They have six legs and two antennae that are usually regarded as an additional pair of legs. This makes them look similar to spiders, although they are usually misidentified for bed bugs because they look very similar to the above.
Spider beetles are foragers and aren’t considered as extremely dangerous pests but given the right conditions and free access to food, they can develop into numerous pests colonies that might create serious problems for restaurants, hotels, food stores or hospitals.
Spider beetles are usually active at night – the same time as bed bugs, and can be found inside walls or in the cracks or on the plants.
Confronting spider beetles vs bed bugs, it can be seen that these insects are less disturbing, they don’t bite people or animals and prefer to live near the food or moisture, hiding from humans.
Related post:
Best Bed Bug Heaters Reviewed
Comprehensive Hot Shot Bed Bug Fogger Review
Best Bed Bug Encasements
Best Bed Bug Fogger
Essential Oils for Bed Bugs
Bed Bug Poop Pictures
Getting to Know Your Enemy: Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs
To effectively eliminate bed bugs or any other pests from your house, it is important to know your enemy, its habits, weak sides and habitat. To help you identify the type of bug you have faced and what do bed bugs look like, I have created a detailed review of the bed bugs and bugs that look similar to bed bugs, highlighting their main characteristics and key differences that might help you define the type of insect that has invaded your house.
To clean your house from any type of parasite, it is essential to properly identify them and their location, know their habits and food preferences. Each type of pest has its typical features that can be defined even without a specialist. To help you identify the most widespread types of vermins, I have collected their characteristics in this post.
In case you have faced other types of insects that look like bed bugs, please, share the name of the bug or a photo in the comments. Where did you spot it? How the pests behaved? I am also interested in your success stories of effective pests identification and elimination!
References:
- Bed Bugs Appearance and Life Cycle (United States Environmental Protection Agency):
  https://swap.stanford.edu/20151016075053/https://www2.epa.gov/bedbugs/bed-bugs-appearance-and-life-cycle
- What Do Ticks Look Like? (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences):
  https://nysipm.cornell.edu/whats-bugging-you/ticks/what-do-ticks-look/
2020-05-22
How Long Do Ants Live and What You Can Do About It
There are numerous factors that define the longevity of ants’ life. I am going to tell you more about them. The first thing you need to understand is that you can’t simply rely on the shortness of these insects’ life, hoping that they will die on their own. If ants invaded your property, you will have to take measures, as they can live there for decades.
My personal experience, as a professional entomologist and private consultant, shows that these small insects may be hard to get rid of without proper measures. But if you are willing to learn everything about this problem, I am eager to help you. Let’s talk about the ant lifespan.
Manual into Ants’ Lifetime
The average lifespan of an ant varies depending on numerous factors. This information is important in case your house or yard has been invaded by these insects. You may check out these factors:
- The caste of ants’ colony;
- Species of ants;
- The area of habitat. Ants in cooler areas live longer, surviving winters in hibernation;
- Quality of food and water;
- The shelter that protects the whole colony.
Providing access to your food, you automatically extend the life of ants. The whole colony may exist on your supplies from the kitchen. While ants are an important part of this world, and they have important roles in nature, it does not mean that they have to prosper in your apartment or house.
The Role in the Caste System
While some ants have a longer life, others live just a few months. One of the main factors that must be taken into consideration is the social role of the longest living ant in the colony. The types of ants:
- Male ants are those who live during the smallest period of time. They have to mate with females, and after that, they die. Male ants live for a few days after reaching adulthood.
- Worker ants support the life of the colony. They take care of others, being non reproducing females. Their lives are several years long, on average.
- Queen ants can live for 30 years or so. They lay eggs and produce other members of the colony. They will not be able to survive without a worker and male ants.
Here is the explanation of why some ants live longer than others. This is the reason why it is difficult to answer what is the lifespan of an ant. It depends on the place in the social hierarchy or caste that a particular ant belongs to. Anyway, the queen of ants lives longer than other members of the colony, but this insect is dependable of others.
Species
Different species have different longevity of life. The most common fire ants’ workers live only five weeks in general. However, odorous house ants’ workers can survive inside your home for up to 3 years.
The Life Cycle
During their lives, ants experience numerous metamorphoses that change their bodies. They have three-stage of growing up before they will be adults. While the average life of this insect is not long, they all pass the complete ant’s life cycle:
- Egg. The cycle of ant’s life begins with an egg. Fertilized eggs are females, while unfertilized ones are males;
- Larva. Larva looks like a tiny worm. It does not even have eyes. Larva requires a lot of food, and workers are feeding them;
- Pupa is another metamorphosis. They look like adults, but still with wings and antennae pressed close to their bodies. Some species of ants can spin cocoons around their bodies for protection on this stage of development;
- Adult. This is the final stage of life. These ants are full-grown and ready to reproduce. The exoskeleton is already developed.
Depending on the specie and the region, this life cycle can vary by time. Usually, it takes up to several months to progress from an egg to an adult. Sometimes it takes only a few weeks.
FAQ
What Is the Average Lifespan of an Ant?
As I’ve told you before, the longevity of the life of these insects depends on many factors. Usually, males live just for a few weeks after reaching adulthood. They mate and die.
Worker ant lifespan is a little bit longer. Workers that are the main feeders and protectors of the colony die after several months of adult life. Queens live up to twenty-thirty years, depending on the prosperity of the colony and inside/outside conditions.
In a tropical climate, ants do not hibernate. They stay active for the whole year. In cooler areas, they hibernate in winter.
How Fast Do Ants Reproduce?
The adult age of ants separates them by castes. Only queen ants that live longer can lay eggs. However, they can’t do it without male ants which usually die after mating with queens. Queens do not stop laying eggs even for a day.
They produce up to thousands of eggs per day. It does not mean that every egg survives. However, the population of ants rises extremely quickly. In a few years, the population of ants can grow to the million in a colony.
How Long Do Queen Ants Live?
Queen ants live longer than other members of the colony. Usually, they can survive for 30 years, in proper conditions, and depending on the hard work of other ants. They require feeding and protection of workers as well as mating with male ants.
How Big Can Ants Get?
On average, adult species reach 2 inches. The size varies from 0.03 to 2 inches. However, queens can grow bigger than 2 inches. The biggest ants noted by scientists reached 5.9 inches. But they have not survived till our days.
How Long Can Ants Live Without Food?
While the food gives ants energy, they can easily survive for a couple of weeks. Workers will do everything to save queens. However, without proper feeding, the colony will not be growing.
Can’t We Just Wait Till They Die?
In some rare cases, worker ants can live for several years, and queens may hold on for decades. It does not mean that they are going to live this long. However, as I have already mentioned, ants reproduce quickly and lay thousands of eggs almost every day.
Without your actions, the colony will grow to feed on your food and drinking your water. It is important to realize that even after the first generation is dead, the colony still survives.
If you had a deal with ants previously, share your experience in the comments below. How long did they live in your home?
Also read:
References:
- Identifying Household Ants (Texas A&M):
  https://citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/household/ants-house/ent-2013/
- Ant Life Cycle (Arizona State University):
  https://askabiologist.asu.edu/individual-life-cycle
2020-05-20
Does Cornmeal Kill Ants, Like For Real?
Does cornmeal kill ants?
Well, to put it simply, I have a bigger chance of dying from my last week’s burger than an ant dying from eating cornmeal. It’s just food to them, plain and simple.
More on the matter, those lucky bastards don’t even have to worry about their cholesterol level, unlike me and my burgers.
Ants And Cornmeal
The legend says that ants will ingest cornmeal but can not physically digest it. Some even go as far as stating that the poor buggers will explode from the inside after a hefty cornmeal snack.
All of that is rubbish.
First and foremost, ants are omnivorous, meaning they can eat everything from meat to veggies to sweets just like humans. In fact, some of the things that eat ants are other ants. Their mandibles are not for show, you know.
Some of these tiny insects are capable of chomping through solid wood or even concrete. Corn can not and will not stop them in any way.
Secondly, worker ants – the ones that deliver the food to the colony, are only capable of eating liquid food, so if they decided to munch on some cornmeal, they’d use enough saliva to moisturize it into a liquid mess of nutrients. That’s how they eat their meats and veggies anyhow.

Lastly, ants are naturally attracted to cornmeal. If it did anything to them, their population would either have been under threat of extinction by now, or the newer generations would have learned to avoid the dangerous product. Neither has occurred so far.
Still think using cornmeal to kill ants is a good idea?
Well, you should. It’s just that you shouldn’t use cornmeal alone.
Cornmeal Ant Killer?
Will cornmeal kill ants? Nope, it wouldn’t. It is capable of something else though – ants can’t resist the taste of the flour.
Yes, using cornmeal alone would be the same as feeding an entire ant colony with snacks (which is kinda cool when you think about it).
Combining it with actual ant poison, on the other hand, might do the trick.
Why is the cornmeal ant trap the perfect preventive strike against a spreading colony of ants?
- Workers cannot eat hard food. They only drink notorious liquids. This means they will take every last flake of the flour into the nest where most of the food is given to larvae.
- In return, the larvae will consume poisonous cornmeal and convert it into liquid so the workers can enjoy a nice meal after a heavy day’s work.
Boom, you’ve just eliminated an entire nest with nothing but “spiced” cornmeal. That’s what I call strategic thinking!
Why Use Cornmeal?
You must be thinking something along these lines to yourself: “Ok, but if I poison the nest, I win the war. It makes sense so far. Why do I have to use cornmeal though?”
You see, most poisons are sold in liquid form. Sure, you can use a bit of boric acid and will get rid of a couple of workers, but since your weapon is liquid, they’ll happily eat the treat before heading back home.
Making a paste that combines a deadly venom and the food most ants love so much – now that is a diabolical trick to play on the unsuspecting insects.
FAQ
Why Does Cornmeal Kill Ants?
It doesn’t unless combined with actual ant poison. Otherwise, it is just food.
Will Cornmeal Kill Fire Ants?
Cornmeal alone will not kill any species of ants.
How to Kill Ants with Cornmeal?
You’ll need to mix it into a paste with ant poison and scatter the mixture around the house.
Words of Caution
If you are considering using cornmeal in combination with poison, please keep in mind that ants are not the only creatures living outside your house.
Your friends or neighbors might own pets that will be interested in the corn paste scattered around the yard. Little children may wish to explore the bate as well and so could many more curious bystanders, both human and insect in nature.
If you are looking for a word of advice from a seasoned extermination veteran, I’d always go for the sealed commercial solutions. Most of them are really thought through and sealed in a way that the ants are the only ones getting in and out.
Conclusion
The cornmeal myth is quite fun, though I am a bit sad that this 100% natural solution does not work in favor of the exterminator.
That being said, I have tried a couple of organic ant poisons in my life, and some of them showed promising results. For instance, you can combine corneal with vinegar or lemon acid for nice performance without any serious risks to creatures larger than an ant.
Have you, by any chance, heard any other peculiar insect-related stories you’d like me to fact-check or debunk? Feel free to share them with me. I am always on the lookout for more insights and experimentation.
Also read:
References:
- What is an Omnivore? (Northwestern University):
  https://www.qrg.northwestern.edu/projects/marssim/simhtml/info/whats-an-omnivore.html
- Collecting Worker Ants (Arizona State University):
  https://askabiologist.asu.edu/collecting-worker-ants
- Boric Acid (National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University Extension Services):
  http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/boricgen.html
2020-05-20
How to Get Rid of Possums: Effective Opossum Removal Methods
Possums and opossums seem to be cute and quite friendly when you see them in pictures. But, when they get on your territory and spoil the harvest or even settle inside your apartment, they don’t look that cute anymore.
Looking for a food source, possums can damage your crops, trees, as well as feed on your leftovers, making complete chaos while turning the trash bin over. If you faced such a small but rather disturbing problem, let me help you. As a pest consultant and exterminator, I can give you some useful advice.
How to Determine a Possum?
The possums are small marsupial mammals that look like rodents. The first representatives of this species appeared in the Cretaceous period, which is about 100 million years ago, and have not changed significantly since then. The appearance of a possum is very similar to a rat.
Possums can be confused with rats and mice due to their narrow muzzles and long bare tails, which also work like animal’s fifth paw. Because possums live on the trees, their tails help them to move around and cling to branches.
The possum itself is a relatively large animal. The length of its body is up to 45 centimeters, and another 30-32 takes the tail. The female individual has a bag on its stomach to carry the cubs like a kangaroo. A newborn possum is born completely blind and weighs only 5 grams. The mother carries its offspring in a bag for 60 days until it is strong enough.
Pregnancy in possums lasts only a couple of weeks, or rather up to 13 days. They can bring up to 25 cubs for once. From the age of two months, cubs travel on their mother’s back, holding on to their fur.
Possums are omnivores like humans. They eat everything, including fruits (for example, grapes or plums), seeds, cereals (corn, etc.), and smaller rodents or other pests. Various lizards, frogs, snails, slugs, and worms are also on their menu. But their favorite yums are birds, their eggs, and crabs.
Since possums are nocturnal animals, they are more active at night. In the afternoon, possums sleep in hollows of trees or other shelters. The animals live in small groups with up to seven adults and babies of the current breeding season. A dominant male marks the territory to scare other possums away.
Strangers with a different smell are expelled from their territory. Opossums do not like cold weather. Therefore, in rainy or windy weather, their activity is limited. Animals become inactive and hibernate most of the time. This way of life allows them to save energy during the winter season as the possibility of obtaining food is decreased.
From my own experience, I can tell that possums are very smart creatures, and catching them is not so easy. Did you hear the ‘play possum’ phrase? This is actually the possum’s favorite game. The creature pretends to be dead. These animals not only imitate the death with their appearance, but they also emit the smell of a corpse.
Possums vs Opossums: Is There a Difference?
Possums and opossums are different mammals, although together they belong to the infraclass of marsupials. It is more suitable to call possums all species of the Couscous family that live in Australia, New Guinea, and a number of islands in Oceania. Opossums are the species of the possum family that mostly live in America.
The name confusion arose from James Cook’s expedition a long time ago. His biologist described the Australian animal he saw as the one from the possum family, but the words ‘possum’ and ‘opossum’ are applied with equal success to both American and Australian mammals.
The main feature of the possum is a thin membrane, stretching along the sides of the body from the wrist to the ankle. When the possum jumps, the membrane stretches and forms an aerodynamic surface. This allows the animal to go a distance of up to fifty meters.
By stretching or pulling the membrane, possum regulates the direction of its flight. Possum males mark the territory with odorous glands located on the chest, forehead, and back of the body. Males are distinguished from females by a small bald spot on their forehead, in the place where the gland is located. Females have a bag that is designed for carrying offspring.
Potential Possums Dangers
Like I’ve already stated, the possums are omnivores, so they eat many different plants and animals. Their diet often consists of herbs, nuts, fruits, seeds, and grains. Small rodents, birds, frogs, insects, worms, snails, slugs, and snakes can also become possum’s lunch or dinner.
In addition, possums are scavengers, as they like to delve into trash cans or containers in search of leftover food. Possums also eat corpses of animals that have been killed by a car or abandoned by other predators. Because they eat insects, slugs, and snails, possums are considered useful animals for gardens.
They also help to control the population of rats and cockroaches that they compete with for food. In fact, sometimes, possums kill their competitors fighting for food.
The possum is one of North America’s most bloodthirsty animals. Farmers hate possums with fierce hatred because they raid poultry houses where they kill a huge number of birds. Therefore, the appearance of a possum endangers both your garden and household.

How to Inspect for Possums Signs
To determine whether you’re dealing with possum problems, you have to check on your property very attentively. Keep in mind that possums are mostly inactive in the daytime, so you probably won’t notice them until the night comes.
But that doesn’t mean you have to wait till the possum comes into your bed. Inspect your kitchen, pantry, and any other room where you have food or plants. The possum is unlikely to get inside your fridge, but it can climb into the leftovers.
There were also cases when people found possums in their bedrooms. So, be careful and don’t be afraid of a possum attack. The possum won’t fight a predator that is bigger than itself.
How to Get Rid of Possums: a Step-By-Step Guide
How to catch a possum in the house? This question has several answers, but you can use this universal guide.
Step 1: Survey Your Property for Damage
Whether you’re getting rid of possums in the garden or trying to catch a possum in the house, the first thing you have to do is to find signs of its activity. Inspect your house and yard carefully. Pay attention to the plants and livestock (chickens, pigeons, etc).
The possum feasts on their eggs and birds as well. In addition, the possum can be feeding on your food leftovers, so check on the garbage cans and bins to see whether the animal visited your house.
Step 2: Find the Nest
Possums are loners, but female individuals are the most active when they carry their cubs. They need to feed their offspring, so they are looking for constant food sources. After you inspected your house and yard, decide on where the possum is most likely to settle.
If it damaged your garden, look for the pest outside. The possum has probably built its nest near the source of food. Therefore, if you found possum signs inside, inspect all of the cracks and corners in the house.
Possums can settle in attics, under floors, under the porch, and in the garden (on trees, see the picture above). Sometimes, their activity is destructive, and they scatter garbage all over your site, so you can easily find their location.
Step 3: Bait the Possum
If you still haven’t found a possum’s location, arrange some bait traps for it. Get some of its favorite yums (eggs are the best option) and put them on possible possum routes along with a cage trap. Make sure to check it every day.
Step 4: Develop a Treatment Plan
To develop a treatment plan, you need to consider whether you have to scare possums away from your house or garden. There are many products to deal with possums both inside and outside. Some of them are cruelty-free and humane, while others can kill the animals.
Remember that Australian and US laws have different regulations for possum/opossum killing. It’s better to check your official state site for specific information.
My advice is to use several effective methods at once to scare the possums away. Consider using baits, traps, natural ingredients, electronic ultrasonic repellers, or choose high-quality opossum repellents.
Best Possums Control Remedies
In this section, I’m going to tell you about some products I and my fellows used for possum control. The list is made in random order, so don’t consider one product to be better than another. These products will help you if you search for how to repel possums methods, choosing a possum bait, and other treatments.
1. Duke Large 1-Door Humane Animal Trap – the Best Possums Trap

Duke Traps Heavy Duty Large Cage Trap
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Specifications:
- Material: Alloy Steel
- With a bait hatch door
- Item Weight: ‎0.05 Pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 30 x 12 x 12 inches
- Target Species: Possum, Armadillo, Cat, Raccoon
One of the simplest ways to get rid of a possum is to catch it with a special trap. If you are against animal cruelty, I recommend you to consider the Duke Humane Animal Trap.
The trap itself is a cage with a simple mechanism. Put cardboard at the bottom so that the possum’s paws do not fall between the ribs of the cage. Once the animal gets inside, the door will close, you can take it out, and let the possum free. The cage has smooth details, so the pest won’t get injured.
How to use: Put some food inside and use the trap according to the instructions.
Pros: Cons:
totally safe and humane way of possum removal;
made of durable material, so you can use it for many years if needed;
simple working mechanism.
it might be a bit pricey.
2. One of Best Possums Repellents: Bonide Chemical Co 239 037321002390 Shot Gun Rtu Animal Repellent
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Repels-All Animal Repellent Concentrate – 32…

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Specifications:
- Active Ingredients: Garlic, Dried Blood, Whole Egg Solids, Clove, Fish Oil, Onion and Wintergreen
- Yield: One quart will yield 2 gallons of finished spray; One gallon will yield 8 gallons of finished spray
- Item Weight: 2.33 pounds‎
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 0.4 x 0.19 x 0.81 inches
- Target Species: Deer, Rabbits, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Dogs, Cats, Raccoons, Porcupines, Armadillos, Birds, Rats, Mice, Beaver, Ground hogs, Skunks, Voles, Moles and Shrews
Repellents are one of the safest ways to keep rodents and possums away from your property. The ingredients used in Bonide Chemical Animal Repellent are safe for both humans and pets, but the effect is amazing.
The repellent affects possum’s nasal mucous, and acts like a trigger that scares these pests away. The Bonide product is also safe for the garden and your house; therefore, you can use one gallon to process the whole territory.
How to use: Just pour the repellent around the perimeter of your garden and house for the best effect.
Pros: Cons:
made with safe and non-toxic ingredients;
doesn’t spoil the soil of the garden;
works for different kinds of animals.
the effect may disappear after the rain.
3. Organic Possum Repellent: Shake Away 2852228 Fox Urine Granules

Shake Away 2852228 Fox Urine Granules,…

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Specifications:
- Active Ingredients: Fox Urine 5%
- Item Form: Granules
- Item Weight: 2.08 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 4 x 4 x 9 inches
- Target Species: Rabbits, Groundhogs, Possums and other small animals
This product works on the basis of the predator-prey relationship. Shake Away Fox Urine Granules is a natural repellent that scares away small pests like possums, mice, and rabbits. Possums are genetically programmed to avoid territories that are marked by bigger predators. And foxes are the most common predators to haunt on opossums.
How to use: Use the granules as directed in the instructions for the best effect.
Pros: Cons:
natural repellent;
doesn’t get spoiled because of the weather;
scares away the rodents as well.
can’t be applied at home.
4. Poison to Try: Farnam Just One Bite II Bait Chunks

Farnam Just One Bite II Bait Chunks, 8lbs (64, 2…
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Specifications:
- Active Ingredients: Bromethalin 0.01%
- Item Form: Bite, Chunks
- Item Weight: 10.56 Ounces
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 19 x 16 x 9 inches
- Target Species: Norway Rats, Roof Rats, Cotton Rats, Polynesian Rats, House Mice, Eastern Harvest Mice, Golden Mice, Meadow Voles
Once again, before using lethal traps or poisons, I urge you to check information on your state’s official web resource to make sure whether you’re allowed to kill possums. Anyway, if you chose to take extreme measures, Farnam bait might be helpful in the battle for your territory.
Bromadiolone is the active ingredient of the product, and it is what kills possums. The animal dies after eating only one dose of the poison.
How to use: Use as a separate treatment or as a bait in the trap.
Pros: Cons:
an effective treatment;
can be used with a trap;
one dose is enough to kill a possum immediately.
non-humane way to get rid of pests.
5. Coon Gitter Bait: Best Possums Trap Bait
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Coon Gitter Works Good in Dp & cage Sets Nuisance,…
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Specifications:
- Work great in traps
- Item Form: Pellets
- Item Weight: 12 ounces
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 8 x 5 x 2 inches
- Target Species: Mouse, Raccoon
Another humane option to catch a possum. The Coon Gitter Bait was originally designed for luring raccoons, but the experience shows that it also works for smaller pests.
For the best effect, I recommend using it with the cage trap. Put some bait inside the trap and catch the uninvited guest easily. The ingredients used for the product are safe and non-toxic for pests and pets as well.
How to use: Put the stated amount of the bait inside the trap and wait until the animal comes for the smell of it.
Pros: Cons:
safe for both outside and inside usage;
works amazingly together with a cage trap;
non-toxic bait.
it might be dangerous if you have small kids in the house.
Possums Prevention
These creatures are pretty smart, and getting rid of them may be a difficult task. High intelligence and dexterity allow possums to get to any feeding trough or to get deeply planted bulbs from the ground. Their strong paws help them to achieve any food they want.
The easiest way to deal with possums is to prevent their appearance. It is much easier to control animals outside than trying to drive them out of your house. Therefore, you have to do everything so that possums won’t show up on your territory.
To deter possums from your yard and apartment, you have to follow some simple rules.
Eliminate Its Source of Food
The only reason why possums have settled in your property is that they need food. You already know that these animals eat almost anything. So, make sure you got rid of insects, snakes, wood, dead plants, etc.
Seal the Trash
The most visible sign of possum activity on your lawn is the scattered garbage. Remember that possums do like to get into the trash bins to find treats, so you have to make sure your leftovers and other trash are safe from these pesky little destroyers.
Protect Your House
Possums are likely to settle in the house attics. So, it is better to clean the attic and check whether there are materials that can be used to make a nest. You can also scatter the hair of pets. A constant smell of predator’s presence will frighten pests.
If you can not cope with the possums, then just feed them. Make a special feeder and provide them with their favorite food. Set the feeders in open spaces, so the possums can easily find them, or sprinkle the seeds outside the area. The pests will remember where to find food and probably won’t bother you anymore.
FAQ
How Do Possums Get into Your House?
They can get into the house through the window or the door. The risk increases if you have greenery around the house, since possums are likely to set in tree hollows. Be careful when you ventilate your rooms. To prevent possum appearance, consider getting special window grids.
What Attracts Possums?
Possums come to human residences in search of food. As you already know, possums eat everything, so it isn’t hard for them to find a treat in your house or backyard.
How to Get a Possum Out of Your House?
The best way is to catch the animal with a rodent or specially designed trap and let it out outside. If you don’t want to deal with it yourself, call your local pest agency and ask for opossum extermination help.
How to Get Rid of Possums Naturally?
Sometimes, to deter possums from yard or house is quite a complex task even for a professional. The thing is that possums are omnivorous, and they also can eat poisonous snakes, which makes them immune to almost anything. My advice to you is to keep your house and yard clean from trash, insects, and animal corpses.

Is Possum Pest Control Effective?
What to do with possums when they show up on your territory? They eat birds, eggs, spoil the grown vegetables, your favorite flowers in the garden, and turn everything upside down if they settle inside.
The fight against possums is not a single day task; it takes time and patience. If you want to get rid of dependents forever, you have to mobilize your knowledge and start the battle immediately.
What to do with a possum if you found it in your garden or house? The decision is up to you. In case you need more information on how to kill a possum and whether you’re allowed to do it, browse your state’s official source.
In this guide, I’ve tried to give complete information on how to keep possums away from inside and outside the house using both humane and more radical methods.
Still, maybe you have experience in getting rid of possums using other methods? I would like to know! Also, if you have any questions about opossum control, please let me know in the comments section below.
References:
- Damage by Possums Trichosurus Vulpecula to Farm Crops and Pasture(Victoria University of Wellington):
  http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Vic74Zool-t1-body-d4-d8.html
- Cretaceous Period (Humboldt State University):
  https://natmus.humboldt.edu/exhibits/life-through-time/visual-timeline/cretaceous-period
- Opossums vs. Possums? (Purdue University):
  https://ag.purdue.edu/btny/ppdl/Pages/opossumPossum.aspx
- A Guide to the Care and Use of Australian Native Mammals in Research and Teaching (National Health and Medical Research Council):
  http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download;jsessionid=6E88DBD2FCB304BD110EF4C6D6094DE5?doi=10.1.1.676.1268&rep=rep1&type=pdf
- What omnivores eat: direct eects of induced plant resistance on herbivores and indirect consequences for diet selection by omnivores (Journal of Animal Ecology):
  http://www.eeb.cornell.edu/agrawal/pdfs/2000/Corrine-2000.PDF
- Possums and possum control; effects on lowland forest ecosystems (by I.A.E. Atkinson, D.J. Campbell, B.M. Fitzgerald, J.E.C. Flux, M.J. Meads):
  http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.515.9582&rep=rep1&type=pdf
2020-05-19
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like: Know Your Enemy
Hi, I’m Nicholas Martin. I’ve been in the pest control industry for over 25 years. Customers often ask me what do bed bugs look like and how to identify them to prevent the next infestation on time. That’s why I decided to write this guide to answer all the important questions.
To make the guide more descriptive, I supply every paragraph with real bed bug pictures. Using my guide, you can prepare yourself for bed bug infestation that may potentially happen or spot the problem at any stage. Read on to learn more!
What Are Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are parasitic insects that adapted to survive in close proximity to humans and feed on blood. The name of this pest is due to its favorite habitat, the human bed! Despite the tiny size, the parasite can cause you tons of unforgettable troubles.
Adult Cimex lectularius the most common.
The first problem is the bed bug bites. The most common symptoms include rashes. Bed bug bites can lead to various health issues. Take a look at pictures of bed bug bites below to make sure that the bites on your body don’t belong to simple mosquitos or other pests.
Bed bug bites over the body. Pic 1
The bites can become evident during minutes or several days after the bite. Some people don’t react to bed bug bites at all. They can be easily confused with bites of fleas, ticks, and other domestic pests. The skin symptoms are also similar to common types of hives, fungal infections and some stages of eczema.
Bed bug bites over the body. Pic 2
The allergic reaction may cause fever or fatigue. In rare cases, tough complications, such as vasculitis or even necrosis. However, you won’t face such consequences if you are healthy and live in a clean house.
It’s also impossible to catch infections through a bedbug bite, so don’t worry too much if you’re facing the problem of bed bugs. However, you shouldn’t start treating the symptoms without seeing your doctor first.
Bed bugs are widely spread all over the world, and it’s usually rather difficult to get rid of them, as they can survive in unobvious places for up to a year without food. If you travel a lot, think about moving into an old house, or want to buy second-hand furniture, you should detect bed bug larvae and adult bugs before it’s too late.
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like
Unless you’re an entomologist, it’s quite easy to confuse bed bugs with other small brown bugs. As you can see on bed bug images above and below, an adult specimen has a tiny prolonged oval-shaped brown or reddish-brown body. The size can’t be bigger than an apple seed.
The actual size of a bed bug is from 1 to 7 mm. A bug is flat when it’s hungry and starts to look like a balloon after it is full. This feature is similar to ticks and fleas, so be vigilant. To distinguish them right, you should know what do bed bugs look like up close.
Macro photo of a bed bug nymph.
Identification Basics
How many legs do bed bugs have? Six. But fleas also have 3 pairs of legs, so you can be confused easily. Chiggers have 4 pairs of legs and more ball-shaped bodies, which makes them easier to identify. Looking for bed bugs in your house, you shouldn’t be focused only on finding adult bugs, though, as they never leave their covers during the day and usually keep hiding at night if there’s no food around.
Mattress bed bug nest images are not for the faint-hearted.
Look for other signs instead. True evidence of bed bug presence is rusty stains on your mattresses and sheets. Another sign is bed bug feces. They’re rather hard to see as they are small as a pencil point, but can tell you that a problem has started for sure. Bed bug fecal spots are also a sign of cockroach infestation, so double check your findings.
Bed bug fecal spots and shed skins.
Unfortunately, the only way to make sure that feces on your furniture are left by bed bugs is to touch them. Wear thin medical gloves and touch them. Cockroach feces are always granular because they eat hard food. Bed bugs eat only blood, which means that they defecate with dried liquid. As a result, their spots have a smooth feel when you touch them.
Related Post: Most Effective Bed Bug Mattress Covers.
Baby bed bugs near an adult specimen.
The next common question is, what does a baby bed bug look like. As you can see in the image below, baby bed bugs, which are also called nymphs, are almost identical to adult species. However, their bodies are more transparent, colored in light reddish-brown, and have visible black points on their backs.
If you find baby bed bugs, it means that there are several adults around for sure. If a nymph insect is hungry, it can even be of pale yellow or almost white color.
How big is a bed bug? 1-7 mm as it depends on its age.
The lifecycle of a bed bug includes 7 stages, such as:
- Larva;
- Five stages of nymphs;
- Adult insect.
When a bed bug reaches the final development stage, it can start to mate and lay eggs. A single female insect can lay up to 250 eggs during its life. The eggs hatch in 6-10 days.
Hatched and live eggs on the carpet behind the bed.
When parasites reach the first nymph stage, they need to find a source of blood to survive and keep progressing. Each nymph stage lasts 5-7 days if a bug can find a regular blood host. In fact, not all bugs reach the adult stage, but if they succeed, they can survive up to one year without food and keep replicating to let the population grow.
That’s one of the hatched bed bug egg pictures from my archive.
Where do Bed Bugs Hide
If the infestation doesn’t look like one of the pictures of bed bugs on mattress above, it can be quite difficult to find them if you don’t know their average shelters. Save the list of the most common hideaways and start the inspection. I recommend you to take a flashlight and a magnifying glass not to miss tiny eggs and larvae.
Adult bed bugs mating near their eggs.
Common bed bug covers include:
- Pillows – check stitches, zippers, tags, and the padding;
- Mattresses – you should pay extra attention to zippers, tags, stitches, and other parts that have folds;
  Bed bug larvae and adults in sofa stitches.
- Upholstered cushions – soft and fuzzy upholstery is a very convenient hideaway for bed bugs on all development stages;
- Suitcases & travel bags – every travel bag or suitcase has lots of stitches and folds inside, and pests love to travel along with you sitting there safe and sound;
- Cracks in furniture – look for cracks and roughnesses on your bed frames. Parasites can hide within any tiny crack and stay there for months if it doesn’t feel safe to come out. You can find them even within the screw heads of your furniture;
- Drawers – there are lots of joints in bedroom tables and other furniture around the house. These are not favorable, but rather common hideaways for insects;
- Loose wallpapers – even if you don’t know about loose wallpaper areas in your bedroom, these tiny bloodsuckers will find them for sure;
- Chipped paint – this one is similar to loose wallpapers;
- Curtains – check out the bottoms, rods, and pleating of your bedroom curtains. There’s always a chance that parasites hide in folds and stitches of your curtains;
- Bedroom carpets – in some cases, bed bugs can infest long-fiber carpets near your bed, so inspect them too;
- Outlets – not a common cover, but I’ve seen them there too;
- Under air conditioner base – this looks like a hard-to-reach area, but these pests are quite stubborn and can settle down under the ceiling as well. In addition, it’s a perfectly ventilated and cool place, which is great for lengthy surviving without food.
- Behind baseboards – this is perhaps the most secure hideaway for insects, as you can’t see them without dismantling baseboards. Check baseboard heaters too, if you have them. Bugs can breed there when you don’t use heating.
- Frames of vents – vents are similar to air conditioners as they create perfect cool and dry conditions for breeding and surviving.
- All types of wooden framing – as you can see on some of bed bug infestation pictures that I provide, bed bugs love cracks in the wood and wooden framings. Check them no matter where they are.
Bed bugs within a wooden framing of a table.
How to Identify Bed Bug Infestation
Now let’s learn how to find bed bugs. Most of my customers say that they start suspecting a bed bug infestation when they see specific bites on their skin. So, If you go to bed feeling fine and see itching bites in the morning, it can be considered as a sign.
A bite with a blister reaction.
On the other hand, you should remember that bites can become feasible after several days. It means that a parasite could bite you during a trip, and your home isn’t infested. There’s also a chance that you were attacked by other insects. Besides, the common reason for itching bite-like spots all over the body is allergic hives.
Related Post: 7 Best Bed Bug Traps Reviewed.
Remember what you ate in the evening and make sure that you don’t have an allergy to one of the meal`s ingredients. Hives caused by tropical fruits, food chemicals, lactose, alcohol, and other products usually look very similar to bed bug bites. But if you see blisters and small bruises, know that you have typical parasite bites.
Empty shells can look like these too.
While bites don’t always mean that your home is infested, keep looking for other clues. The lifecycle of every bed bug implies shedding. These pests shed 5 times during their lives to reach the adult stage. As a result, they leave empty shells all-around their places. You can also find shed egg skins, but they’re extremely small and hard to notice.
Empty bed bug exoskeletons look like transparent shells.
When you’re on a trip, and you have to stay in a hotel or a rental apartment, you should inspect your mattress to make sure that there are no feces and larva.
Next, lift the mattress to check for eggs and adult species at the bottom. If you find them, hurry up to let the hotel staff know about it, ask for a new room, or book a room in another hotel if it’s possible.
Bed bug excrements on bedsheets.
It’s also essential to keep your bags and cases away from beds and couches to make it hard for insects to get in there. If you’re not sure whether can bed bugs fly or not, don’t worry. They do have wings, but they cannot use them. Their legs are also unable to jump.
These 2 factors don’t let the parasites spread around as rapidly as fleas do. Bed bugs can smell humans and animals. That’s why it’s important to keep your dirty clothes in plastic bags during the journey in order to make your suitcase and clothes unattractive to pests.
Infestation on a travel backpack.
The last and the most apparent proof of the infestation is bed bug aggregations. Look at bed bug nest images above and below to understand what they look like. A typical gathering includes adult insects, nymphs, larvae, eggs, shed skins, and multiple feces.
Insects usually hold together to simplify mating. If you find such a gathering in your house, you have to call a professional to start serious treatment.
Typical bed bug aggregation on a mattress.
Summering up the infestation signs, here is a checklist that you can save to use right away:
- Itching bites over your body – low infestation probability;
- Fecal stains – medium infestation probability;
- Bed bug shed skins and nymphs – high probability;
- Live and hatched eggs – obvious infestation;
- Parasite aggregations – obvious infestation, call the professional
Horrific bed bug aggregation example.
Knowledge Is Power
Now that you know what do bed bugs look like, you can identify the infestation and start the treatment in time. You can come back to this guide to compare pics of bed bugs with what you see at home or hotel and estimate the size of the problem.
Remember, knowledge is the only way to fight these parasites effectively. Don’t panic and learn what not to do during the infestation, as this type of pests isn’t dangerous for your life. Start treatment in time, be patient, and you’ll get rid of them very soon.
Related Post:
If you have any questions left after reading, you’re welcome to ask me in the comments or look for answers in other PestControlHacks articles related to bed bugs. You can also add value to the article and share your own experience in the comments section.
Have you ever faced a bed bug infestation? Tell us more about it below. Do you have any exciting stories related to the topic? We’re all eyes!
References:
- Bed Bugs (Entomology at the University of Kentucky):
  https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef636
- Introduction to Bed Bugs (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency):
  https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/introduction-bed-bugs
- How to Find Bed Bugs (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency):
  https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/how-find-bed-bugs
- How to Identify a Bed Bug Infestation (Dini M. Miller, Ph.D., Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech):
  https://ucanr.edu/sites/practice/files/269119.pdf
2020-05-07
Best Bed Bug Powders in [year]: Expert Reviews
Bed bugs are tiny, brownish, oval insects. Despite their small size, they can become a real problem for you. In fact, even if you have never faced the problem of bed bugs, you, most likely, have heard that they are the hardest pests to kill.
Therefore, there are a large number of possible ways to get rid of them. Special sprays, traps and bed covers are among such methods. Each of these approaches has both advantages and disadvantages. Good to know that sometimes, it is better to combine several of them to achieve the best results in the short term.
Product
My Top Pick
Title
Rockwell CimeXa Insecticide Dust (2) 4 oz. Bottles
Harris Bed Bug Killer, Diatomaceous Earth (4lb with Duster Included Inside The Bag)
HARRIS Bed Bug Killer Powder, 4oz with Application Brush
Price
$26.80
$23.99
$9.99
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–
Pros
Can be used against other pests, not only bed bugs.
Eco-friendly.
Can be applied in two ways.
My review
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My Top Pick
Product
Title
Rockwell CimeXa Insecticide Dust (2) 4 oz. Bottles
Price
$26.80
Prime
–
Pros
Can be used against other pests, not only bed bugs.
My review
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Product
Title
Harris Bed Bug Killer, Diatomaceous Earth (4lb with Duster Included Inside The Bag)
Price
$23.99
Prime
Pros
Eco-friendly.
My review
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Product
Title
HARRIS Bed Bug Killer Powder, 4oz with Application Brush
Price
$9.99
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Pros
Can be applied in two ways.
My review
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Today, I want to discuss only one method that can help you to kill these annoying insects, but in great detail — bed bug powders. If you type it in Google, you will see thousands of pages and manufacturers. So, how to pick the best bed bug powder? When do you need to apply this approach? Is it harmful to your health? There are thousands of unanswered questions in your head when you decide to purchase bed bug powder.
In this article, I want not only to raise these questions but also to provide you with informative and useful answers. Also, I conducted a comprehensive study during which I have tested several dozens of the most popular bed bug powders and narrowed down to the five most effective ones. I suggest starting with this list!

TOP 5 Best Bed Bug Powders
Bed bugs are the insects that hide in small and dark places. They can live without food for several days, therefore, it is hard to detect the places of their greatest congestion. It is the reason why all pest control managers recommend applying remedies against bugs under all skirting boards, behind the sockets and other inaccessible places.
Due to its friable structure, bed bug killer powder can get even to the tiniest places. This fact makes the powder one of the most effective tools in the fight against bed bugs.
Today, there are thousands of powders available on the market. Most of them are not as effective as advertised. But these five products are really great and will definitely help you to get rid of bed bugs.
1. Best Bed Bugs Powder Treatment: Rockwell CimeXa Insecticide Dust
Sale
Rockwell CimeXa Insecticide Dust (2) 4 oz. Bottles
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Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Silicon dioxide 92.1%
- Coverage Area: 2 oz. per 100 sq. ft.
- Item Weight: 6.7 ounces
- Package Dimensions: 3.4 x 3.6 x 10.15 inches
- Target pests: Ants, Wasps, Crazy Ants, Cockroaches, Firebrats, Silverfish, Spiders, Mites, Bed Bugs, Lice, Fleas, Ticks, Stored, Beetles and Moths and Drywood Termites
Rockwell Labs is one of the most well-known companies that manufacture various products for the pest control industry. I like their bed bugs killers because the company has its own laboratory where scientists from different countries conduct thousands of experiments each year to find the best anti-pest remedy.
Today, CimeXa is the key and the most effective bed bug powder in their assortment. By the way, it also kills many other pests, too, not only bed bugs. You can use the powder against indoor spiders, ticks, roaches, ants, etc. The remedy is completely odorless and non-repellent. Unlike other popular, effective powders, CimeXa contains not so many toxic and poisonous substances in its composition, therefore, it can be used in a house with children or animals.
Pros: Cons:
Low-toxicity;
Can be used against other pests, not only bed bugs;
The result is noticeable in the first days of use.
Quite costly if you need to treat more than 1 room;
2. Organic Bed Bug Powder: HARRIS Bed Bug Killer

Harris Bed Bug Killer, Diatomaceous Earth (4lb…

Check price on Amazon
Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Diatomaceous Earth
- Item Form: Powder
- Item Weight: 4 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 6.14 x 3.16 x 14.74 inches
- Target pests: Bed Bugs, Fleas, Roaches, Silverfish, Ants, Earwigs, Beetles, Slugs
HARRIS is one of the oldest companies operating in the pest control market. Only imagine, the company was founded in 1922 in America. The pest killer products manufactured by HARRIS have quickly become the market leaders.
If you have read my previous articles and reviews, most probably, you have already met the products manufactured by the company more than once. Therefore, I will not dwell on the brand for a long time but will tell you more about the best diatomaceous earth for bed bugs in their product line — HARRIS bed bug killer.
This pest powder can easily reach even the most inaccessible places in your house. At the same time, it is very simple in use: the bed bug killer contains the powder duster that makes the application really simple. Due to a concentrated and innovative formula, this pest killer by HARRIS will continue to kill the insects for weeks after application. My experiments show that the bed bugs that come into contact with the killer, usually die within 48 hours.
But the greatest advantage of the HARRIS bed bug killer is that it is completely eco-friendly. The pest control remedy is registered with the EPA (Environment Protection Agency) standard and listed with the Organic Minerals Research Institute rules.
Pros: Cons:
It kills the bed bugs within two days;
Easy in use;
Eco-friendly.
It is usually sold in small size;
The bed bug powder is not shipped to all countries.
3. Powder That Kills Bed Bugs Within Two Days: HARRIS Killer Powder with Application Brush

HARRIS Bed Bug Killer Powder, 4oz with Application…

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Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Malic Acid
- Item Form: Powder
- Item Weight: 6.2 ounces
- Package Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 11 inches
- Target pests: Bed Bugs & Eggs
It is the second pest killer produced and sold by HARRIS. This pest control remedy can kill not only the mature bed bugs but also their eggs. Due to the usage of innovative formula with unusual pesticides, the powder can kill the insects that have already become resistant to traditional pyrethroid pesticides. Users can apply the killer using two methods:
1. Puffer tip: it allows people to get into the inaccessible places;
2. Brush: this method is used for dusting hard surfaces.
HARRIS killer is often used in hotels, motels and hospitals, apart from houses. Although it is low-toxic, it is recommended to leave the house after you apply the powder. Similar to the previous powder, HARRIS Killer Silica powder also continues to kill the insects even after being applied one week ago.
Pros: Cons:
It kills bed bugs and their eggs;
Can be applied in two ways;
Long-lasting effect.
Does not kill other insects.
4. Effective Diatomaceous Earth for All Insects: JT Eaton 203 Bedbug and Crawling Insect Powder with Diatomaceous Earth
No products found.
Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Silicon Dioxide 85%
- Item Form: Powder
- Item Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Package Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 11 inches
- Target pests: Bed Bugs, Ants, Cockroaches, Crickets Fleas and more
If you want to buy the powder that kills not only bed bugs but also actively acts against other insects, such as ants or roaches, then I recommend you to take a precise look at the powder by JT Eaton. It is a company specialized in producing various remedies against insects. The company has been operating for more than 80 years on the market and has a lot of satisfied clients, so you can be sure of their product’s quality.
This powder effectively absorbs fluids from insects, as such, they die from dehydration within a couple of days. The product can be applied in houses with children and pets. Moreover, it has a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros: Cons:
1-year warranty;
Low-toxic;
Kills all insects.
Expensive;
The product gets sold out very fast.
5. Super-Effective Bed Bug Dust: Hot Shot Bed Bug Killer Dust With Diatomaceous Earth
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Hot Shot Bed Bug Killer Dust With Diatomaceous…

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Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Silicon Dioxide 85%
- Item Volume: 8 Fluid Ounces
- Item Weight: 10.1 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 9.88 x 3.25 x 3.25 inches
- Target pests: Bed Bugs, Fleas, Ants, Cockroaches, Silverfish, Beetles, Earwigs, Millipedes, Centipedes, Crickets, Slugs, Grasshoppers
HotShot is a company with significant experience in producing effective pest controls. In their assortment, you can find the products not only against bed bugs but also against ants, roaches and other insects.
This remedy is effective only if bed bugs come in contact with the powder. Therefore, it is recommended to apply the product in the areas where the insects usually hide, like bed frames, mattresses, etc. This bed bug killer dust is more effective when you use it with other insect killers but not as a standalone product.
Pros: Cons:
It kills various insects;
Affordable price;
It can get into inaccessible areas.
It kills the insects only after they contact with powder;
The bed bug killer is not shipped to all countries.
Buyer’s Guide
Now you’ve learned about TOP-5 the best bed bug powder. What’s next? How to use these bed bug killers? And, most important, are they really effective against insects? In this section, I will answer these and similar questions. So, keep reading!
What Is Bed Bug Powder and What Are the Common Active Ingredients?
There are many effective pesticides to control bed bugs. In spite of this fact, the powders are continuing to become more and more popular every year. Why? The most obvious powder’s advantage is its long-lasting effect. It means that the remedy keeps on killing the insects for several weeks after you apply it.
Also, you need to think about purchasing a bed bug powder if you have several different types of insects at home, not only bed bugs. Another benefit of using bed bug powders is their texture. As it consists of tiny elements (dust), a powder can easily penetrate the cracks and other inaccessible areas. Therefore, it is recommended to use the powder if the infestation territory is really large. The common ingredient is silicon dioxide.
Similar to all pest controls, the bed bug powder also has disadvantages. First of all, you should be aware that the dust will be everywhere. Secondly, you will have to look after children and pets so they do not accidentally eat the powder.
How to Apply Bed Bug Powder Correctly?
Usually, the bed bug powders contain several additional devices for a simpler and more convenient way of application. Moreover, each product has detailed application instructions (which I highly recommend to read before starting to use the remedy). All powder should be applied to the places where the insects live, do not skip cracks and crevices. Also, don`t forget to apply the product under the carpets, if you have any.
How much of the product do you need to apply? It is hard to answer. The debates between pest control managers and insects science on the average dosage of bed bug powder per use keep on going.
My own recommendation is to apply small portions of products systematically. Use the powder at least for two weeks. But remember that the bed bugs tend to return, therefore, continue to apply the remedy a couple of weeks after the insects are gone.
FAQ Section
1. Does Bed Bug Powder Really Work?
Unlike bed bug sprays, powders work mechanically – they remove the fluids from the bed bugs, so they die due to dehydration. By the way, it is important to remember that it takes several days for insects to die from the product. So if the bed bug comes in contact with powder, it will die only after a few days, not immediately. During this period of time, the powder will gradually kill the insect.
2. Is Bed Bug Powder Safe for Humans?
According to the “Harmful Effects of Bed Bug-Killing Method of Diatomaceous Earth on Human Health” survey published in the Journal of Insect Science, diatomaceous earth dust and bed bug powders are one of the safest methods used against pests. Of course, there are chemical elements that dust contains, but they are harmless to people.
Therefore, you can bravely use the bed bug powders in the house with children and pets. The only recommendation, as I have already mentioned above – is to keep an eye on them, so they do not accidentally eat the portion of bed bug dust.
3. How Long Does It Take Bed Bug Powder to Work?
The bed bug powders are well-known for their low-toxic properties and long-lasting effect. In fact, the vast majority of anti-insects powders will continue to kill the pests for several weeks after being applied. So, yes, they really work!
Related Post: Best Bed Bug Foggers & Bombs Reviewed
4. Can You Get Rid of Bed Bugs Using Only Powder?
It is difficult to answer this question because it depends on several factors:
- The size of the infestation area;
- Existing resistance of bed bugs to pest controls;
- The infestation area itself.
Let me explain each of these points. The first one is the size of the area. Commonly, the powders are recommended to use if you want to cover a large territory. The disadvantage of this method is that it creates a mess as the dust will be everywhere around. At the same time, try to avoid using bed bugs powder on the terraces or other semi-outdoors areas as the wind can easily blow it away.
The second factor is the resistance of bed bugs to pest controls. In fact, it is very hard to develop resistance to the bed bug powders. The reason is, as I have mentioned above, it is a mechanical killing method, not a chemical one. Despite this, my recommendation is to take into account the probable resistance of the bed bugs.
The last factor is the infestation area itself. If there are way too many bed bugs and other insects in your house, it is recommended to use other remedies to get rid of bed bugs. Usually, when having a severe pest infestation, people tend to combine powders with sprays.
Related Post: Best Bed Bug Heaters for Quick and Easy Treatment

Have a Question About Best Bed Bug Powder?
Now you know the advantages and disadvantages of powders, what powder kills bed bugs and what does not, how to choose the best one, and lots of other useful information regarding bed bugs powders. As usual, under the article you will find a comment box, where you can discuss the review and ask additional questions that keep on bothering you. So, feel free to share your thoughts and opinions on bed bugs powders below!
References:
- Pesticides to Control Bed Bugs (United States Environmental Protection Agency):
  https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/pesticides-control-bed-bugs
- Bed bugs (University of Minnesota Extension):
  https://extension.umn.edu/biting-insects/bed-bugs
- Harmful Effects of Bed Bug-Killing Method of Diatomaceous Earth on Human Health (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health):
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6790245/
2020-05-07
How to Get Rid of Chipmunks: Effective Chipmunk Removal Methods
By far and away, the biggest problem with chipmunks is that many of us underestimate them. It is totally normal to be in two minds about these little creatures, as they are not simply adorable, they may easily ruin your garden. Chipmunks look like little squirrels with black stripes on their backs. They are native to North America and widely spread there, accustomed to people.
These rodents may devour plants in your garden one by one, while you will be trying to catch them. I want to share my experience as an entomologist, and pest control consultant, here with you. I am going to discuss humane methods to get rid of chipmunks as well.
Everything You Need to Know About Chipmunks
Chipmunks or Tamias Striatus (eastern chipmunk) dwell on the territory of Northern America and are rodents that belong to the Sciuridae (squirrels) family. However, you can’t call them squirrels, as they are entirely different species. Scientists recorded 16 types of chipmunks in the USA. The main signs of American chipmunk:
- Its body is up to 6 inches long;
- There are 5 black and 2 tan links on its back;
- It lives in suburbia or woodlands.
Chipmunks vs. Squirrels
Before we discuss how to kill chipmunks or kick them away from your home, let’s talk about the difference between squirrels and chipmunks. Both rodents can be a pain in the neck if you ask me, but we are currently talking about chipmunks. Some of them may look similar, but that’s only natural as they belong to one family.
For example, even though chipmunks and ground squirrels have similar coloring, they are still different from tree squirrels with their round-shaped and furry tale. The main difference is in length and coloring:
- Chipmunks are 6-12 inches maximum in length, while the squirrel is 12-20 inches in length with a tale;
- Squirrel does not have stripes on the fur;
- The tale of the squirrel is round, while chipmunk’s tail is straight;
- Squirrels are gray in the USA, while chipmunks are light-brown with stripes and white bellies;
- Squirrels can easily dwell in the city parks, building nests on trees; chipmunks prefer woods and living in the ground, where they make holes. So, if you were wondering do chipmunks live underground, the answer is, yes. They decorate holes with moss and leaves.
They eat similar food, but squirrels may consume more. Both rodents have small pointy ears. And yet, it is extremely hard to mistake one for another.

Dangers That May Be Caused by Chipmunks
Although chipmunks look like characters undervalued by Disney, they are anything but harmless. Like any rodents, the family that includes rats and mice, these cuties can easily carry multiple diseases that may spread to humans. Don’t try to catch it with your bare hands, as it may bite you with particles of rabies or plague on its teeth.
Since chipmunks’ teeth are constantly growing, they have to chew almost everything around them, including walls, pipes, boxes, clothes, furniture, and pictures. Once you have them in your house, it is better to act fast. While the loss of favorite clothes may be sad, chipmunks chewing wires inside the house’s walls are extremely dangerous.
What Attracts Chipmunks to Your House?
If you want to attract chipmunks to your yard or invite them to your house, you will have to follow the next steps. Before we start, I want to point out that while these creatures are easy to summon, they are incredibly hard to get rid of. Anyway, I recommend using practical knowledge, to make a perfect bait:
- Plants with seeds. Chipmunks are in love with sunflowers and their seeds. You may also try coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, Coreopsis. When the weather gets colder, chipmunks feed on seed heads, left by gardeners.
- Fruits. These rodents adore berries. If you want to attract them, you can place cranberries, hawthorns, dogwood that is flowering, and crabapples. They also enjoy peaches, apples, cherries, and pears. To cap it all, chipmunks will eat all fruits and berries in case they are hungry.
- Nuts. Usually rodents can’t live without a good amount of nuts. They prefer walnuts, beeches, hickories, oaks, and everything that can be chewed. If you have nuts somewhere around, you can arrange a simple trap to catch chipmunks.
- Insects. Chipmunks eat various small insects. You can lure them with wildflowers and grass so that chipmunks will be really appreciative for this;
- Water. Rodents can’t survive without the proper amount of drinking water. Sooner or later, they will be attracted to the bowl of water.
- Chipmunks also eat tiny birds and birds’ eggs. They don’t mind consuming frogs and snails as well. Even worms will be good for the chipmunk if there are no berries and nuts. And don’t forget that they love to chew furniture. They do not have preferences, but they can easily possibly find oak of the highest-quality and price that will be a delicious course to serve.
What chipmunks hate the most:
- The lack of leaves and garbage at your yard. Cleaning up your house means that rodents can’t hide anywhere.
- They will really appreciate it if you leave at least one big pile of old leaves;
- The lack of bushes in the garden. Rodents like to hide in berry bushes. They can use the bush as a temporary nestle;
- Daffodils and garlic are definitely among the most hateful things on earth for chipmunks. It’s like an old proverb says – one garlic a day, keeps a chipmunk far away. Ok, there is no such a proverb, but you may consider planting both of them in the garden;
- The lack of water. If you love to feed birds, keep their feeders off the ground, in some unreachable place for chipmunks.
How to Identify Whether You Have Chipmunks
It’s a tricky question. The first thing that comes to mind is to follow the furry creature that is running back and forth around your house and yard. Yet, sometimes they can be too ingenious to get caught.
Sooner or later, you will see the obvious signs of chipmunks in your yard or house. They will leave chewed fruits, flowers, and furniture. Take a good look under your feet. If there are holes in the ground, it is time to catch little rodents. The obvious signs are:
- Small footprints on the ground;
- Bites on the furniture;
- Holes in the lawn and in the walls;
- Shells of seeds stocked in piles;
- Chipmunk poop;
- Chewed fruits.
Getting Rid of Chipmunks
It sounds easier than it is. Chipmunks are smart and fast. Their small sizes give them an advantage as they may easily hide from anyone. There are numerous ways of how to catch a chipmunk. Here are my top favorites:
- There are natural repellents like hair clippings, for example. The smell of human beings scares away rodents. While you will get rid of chipmunks, nitrogen that your hair contains will serve a good deal, being a well-known fertilizer.
- Electronic repellents are non-toxic, they spray water and spread ultrasonic pulses that scare animals away from the lawn.
- Liquid repellents. As for the liquid repellents, they can be toxic and non-toxic, so the choice is yours. Spray them on the specific areas in the yard.
Related Post: Most Effective Chipmunk Repellents Reviewed.
- DIY repellents. You may do the homemade version by mixing cayenne pepper and water together. Add a tablespoon of olive oil inside, and shake it before you apply the substance.
- And my favorites are dry repellents. Their action lasts longer. They will prevent rodents from getting inside your house, and you can actually put them anywhere.
- Chipmunk Traps. We have already discussed with you what chipmunks love to eat. Now, when you have perfect bait, you can arrange a self-made trap or buy one from the local store. The trap is considered to be the humane way to get rid of rodents. You don’t have to kill them. Once they are trapped, take them far away from your house and release them.
- Poisons. A poison for chipmunks can be bought at the store or made at home. I prefer to use poison that is specially developed by professionals. This way, you will not accidentally do yourself harm and will have some guarantees of quality. You have to check out all the places with the poison. I do not recommend this method if you have chipmunks in the walls. They may simply die in there, and it will be impossible to get rid of them.
- Exclusion. This is one of the oldest methods that you can choose. Seal all the holes in the walls and cut the access to the wires and gas pipes. I also suggest making sure that all your TV lines, vents, and electricity cables are hidden and unreachable for rodents. Check all the rain gutter downspouts, by pumping the water inside. Chipmunks love to nestle there. After that, cover them or secure them with the DIY fence, rodents can’t climb.
- Shooting. This is another option on the list. However, I don’t recommend you doing it. It is legal to hunt chipmunks in every state, in case you are wondering. You have to be a good shooter and use an air rifle or 22 caliber rifle. At the same time, you have to check out whether it is legal to shoot a firearm in the place where you live.
Preventing Chipmunks
It is easier to prevent something than to deal with consequences. So, even if you don’t have chipmunks at home, I still recommend following the next steps:
1. The L-shaped footers around your house, porch, and sidewalk will cut the way for chipmunks;
2. You have to get rid of all the small rocks and wood on your lawn. Do not leave hiding spots for rodents;
3. If you have enough money and time, you can surround your territory with the gravel border free of plants;
4. Plant small bulbs of flowers under the wire or in a plastic container, like a cage, so that chipmunk wouldn’t be able to dig it through;
5. Don’t forget to plant daffodils among other flowers to scare the rodents away;
  Cut the trees whenever they are reaching your house. Chipmunks can easily climb them, and nestle at the top of your house;
6. Keep bird seeds unreachable for rodents, and if you can, avoid keeping food outdoors.
FAQ
1. How Many Chipmunks Live Together?
While these rodents are not exactly the friendliest ones in the animal kingdom, they can still peacefully coexist with each other. Sometimes chipmunks even create a colony of some kind. It includes up to 10 members. During their mating season, they interact with each other more than during the rest of the year. On average, only one rodent lives in a burrow, except for when the mother takes care of her small children.
2. When Do Chipmunks Come Out of Hibernation?
Everything depends on the climate chipmunks live in. In the Northern states, rodents hibernate from late October to the middle of March. In the central part of the USA, chipmunks can go to hibernation only in winter. They do not sleep during the whole three months actually, they wake up each several days to feed, raise the temperature of their bodies, etc.
3. Can Chipmunks Cause Damage?
Chipmunks may look adorable and tiny to cause any damage. And this is what many people say when the first chipmunk appears in their yard. If you also face this problem, believe me, after some time, you will call me asking to get rid of chipmunks in your yard! The damage they may cause:
- The holes they make around the lawn can damage the foundation of the house, sidewalks, barns, and so on;
- Their teeth are long and require lots of chewing. Once they are close to the furniture, you can say goodbye to it;
- Chipmunks may climb into the holes at the walls and get to the wires. You probably can imagine what may happen after they chew them;
- These creatures can carry various diseases on teeth. Have you ever heard of the plague? What about other deadly viruses?;
- They can mess with the flower bulbs that you’ve recently planted;
- These animals are capable of eating the entire harvest for which you were waiting so eagerly.
4. What Are Common Methods of Chipmunk Control?
The first thing you need to do is to keep chipmunks far from your house. You can use repellents, traps and fences to protect your home. Make sure that all the hardware is unreachable to rodents. Use baits to attract chipmunks to a specific spot and trap them. According to the law, you can’t release these animals near yours or your neighbor’s house. You have to take the cage at least 1 mile away from houses before you release the creature.
If you can’t deal with chipmunks yourself, I recommend you to call professionals. They will get rid of rodents for you. There are local control services you may contact.
5. How to Seal a Chipmunk Hole?
There are numerous ways to seal chipmunk holes. All of them can be made even by amateurs, free of charge. Here are my 3 favorite recipes on how to get rid of chipmunk tunnels:
- You have to cover all the holes in the lawn. Search for small ones. You need to search for holes under rocks as well;
- Push dirt into the holes to seal them temporarily. You can use soil to pack chipmunks nestles with it. Do it with each hole you see in your yard;
- Put gravel above the hole. Thus, rodents will not be able to dig through it. I suggest mixing gravel and soil for a better effect;
- The fence is always a great idea. But this time, make sure that it is at least 8 inches deep into the ground, so chipmunks will not be able to dig under it;
- Seal holes in the walls. This is actually one of the primeval things you have to do. Make sure that there are no holes left in the building.
DIY Recipes on How to Keep Chipmunks Out of Garden?
We have already discussed numerous ways of how to fight against rodents. Now let’s discuss how not to let them settle down in your yard or at the house. Here is the list of most hateful smells for chipmunks:
- The smell of humans scares them away. I suggest you use your hair or clothes with your smell when fighting the chipmunks;
- The urine of foxes, dogs, or other predators will definitely force them to stay away from your yard;
  Cinnamon, peppermint, eucalyptus, citrus, and garlic are also on the list.
Can Chipmunks Ruin the House?
If you have noticed chipmunks digging holes around foundation, it is a sign that you have to act fast. There are two types of holes that chipmunks dig: the smaller one is for summer, the deeper one is for winter. Both of them are not wide in diameter, as the rodent itself is not that big. Although chipmunks look rather adorable and harmless, holes must be sealed immediately. Chipmunks may cause damage to the whole structure. The more they dig holes and chew the wood and wires, the bigger damage they cause.
If you are worried about the safety of you and your family, you need to take measures immediately. I advise you to put a fence around the foundation of the house. You don’t have to wait until chipmunks appear. Find out whether you live in the area of rodents’ habitat, and take preventive measures before it is too late.
Do Mothballs Work on Chipmunks?
In numerous cases, mothballs help to get rid of not only chipmunks but squirrels and other rodents. The naphthalene in mothballs has an intense odor that chipmunks can’t stand. As they have a good sense of smell, they can feel mothballs from afar and will keep the distance. However, I don’t recommend using mothballs. Naphthalene is a chemical that may be dangerous for animals and humans. It may cause nausea, dizziness, liver diseases, and stomach problems. You have to keep away mothballs from ventilation and far away from children and pets. If you have bought the pack, you need to read instructions carefully, as there is a difference between mothballs.
Top 6 Chipmunk Removal Products
With the first evidence of chipmunks in house, I recommend you take measures. Here are my most bellowed and trusted products. There are many more of them, and if you have found something that is missing, you can make your suggestions in the comments.
1. Kensizer Small Chipmunk Trap – the Best Humane Chipmunk Deterrent
Sale
Kensizer Humane Rat Trap, Chipmunk Rodent Trap…

Check price on Amazon
Specifications:
- High Sensitive Trigger Mechanism
- Material: Aluminum
- Item Weight: ‎0.5 Pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 10.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 inches
- Target Species: Chipmunks, Mice, Rats, Voles, Opossums, Hamsters
Small Chipmunk Trap by Kensizer is one of the leaders among humane traps for chipmunks. It does not kill rodents after they are trapped. Once the animal touches the bait, the cage is locked down. The size of the product is 10.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 inches. In case you need more length or height, there is a large choice of options at the store. Kensizer developers produce live traps and are incredibly popular on the market.
The trap is made from Aluminum. It is lightweight. After the chipmunk got trapped, you have to remove it from the trap somewhere far from your house and use the cage again. It is easily washable. The mechanism in the cage is sensible.
Pros: Cons:
Humane way to get rid of rodents;
Lightweight;
Durable;
Sensitive trigger.
Does not kill chipmunks.
2. Intruder 16525 The Better Rodentrap – the Leader Among Snap Traps that Eradicate Chipmunks

Intruder 16525 The Better Rodentrap
Check price on Amazon
Specifications:
- Color: Gray
- Material: Plastic
- Item Weight: 7 ounces ‎
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 7 x 3 x 3 inches
- Target Species: Chipmunks, Rats
The 16525 The Better Rodentrap from Intruder is a snap trap that kills chipmunks in a clean and fast way. The trap is made of stainless steel of high quality. It has a powerful trigger mechanism that immediately closes the trap, once the rodent is inside. All you need is to find the perfect bait, like seeds or nuts.
It is a reusable product. After you get rid of one chipmunk, you can clean the trap, put another bait inside, and wait for the next chipmunk to get in. The rodent suffocates inside, without leaving blood traces. After you notice the first signs of chipmunk infestation, you may order one trap. If there are more rodents in your house, you can buy several of them.
Pros: Cons:
Powerful trigger inside;
Weightless and small;
Affordable price;
Durable.
This trap actually kills chipmunks.
3. JT Eaton 166004 709-PN Bait Block Rodenticide Anticoagulant Bait – the Deadliest Poison to Eliminate Chipmunks

JT Eaton 709-PN Bait Block Anticoagulant…
Check price on DoMyOwn Check price on Amazon
Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Diphacinone .005%
- Number of Items: 144
- Item Weight: ‎1 ounces
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 11 x 11 x 10 inches
- Target Species: Mice, Rats
The 709-PN Bait Block Rodenticide Anticoagulant Bait made by J T Eaton is a top-selling product. It has a flavor of peanut butter and attracts rodents with a good sense of smell. It also kills rats and mice, so if you have them, this poison should be spread in places visited the most by the rodents. Make sure that there are no holes in the walls, or you will have dead animals trapped inside.
There are 144 blocks of rodenticide in the pack. Each weighs 1 ounce. Even one block can kill a small chipmunk. There is an expiration date of 1 year. You have to check it before ordering the product.
Pros: Cons:
Acts almost immediately;
144 blocks in a pack;
Kills mice and rats as well;
Affordable price.
If the chipmunk dies in the wall, the whole house will stink until you remove the corpse.
4. Rugged Ranch the Chipmunkinator Trap – Live Chipmunk Removal Option

Rugged Ranch Live Chipmunk Trap, Catch & Release…
Check price on Amazon
Specifications:
- Color: Black
- Material: Metall
- Item Weight: ‎2.45 Pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 14.5 x 14.5 x 4 inches
- Target Species: Chipmunks
If you don’t want to kill chipmunk in your yard, there is a trap from Rugged Ranch. It can catch over 20 of rodents at one time. There is a 2-door entry for animals to come in, but it is impossible for them to go out.
The trap is made of solid materials. It is reusable and does not contain chemicals. You can use Chipmunkinator Trap in your yard and at the house.
Pros: Cons:
Reliable structure;
Catches up to 20 rodents at one time;
Does not kill animals.
It is more expensive than similar products.
5. Plantskydd Animal Repellent – Organic Formula to Fill Chipmunk Holes

Plantskydd Animal Repellent – Repels Deer,…

Check price on Amazon
Specifications:
- Actine Ingredient: 100% Dried Blood
- Protects: Approximately 1,750 Square Feet
- Active Growing Season: 6-8 weeks
- Item Weight: 3.5 LB‎
- Target Species: Deer, Rabbits, Elk, Moose, Hares, Voles, Squirrels, Chipmunks and Other Herbivores
This Animal Repellent by Plantskydd scares away even big animals, like moose and deer, elk, and numerous other herbivores. At the same time, it does not destroy your plants. This repellent works on 1 750 square feet territory. There are no animal parts inside, only 100 percent dried blood.
The repellent was created in the USA. There is a guarantee period. It does not contain any harmful chemicals.
Pros: Cons:
Scares away various rodents and big animals;
Is not harmful to your plants;
Easy to use;
Organic materials only.
It is not the cheapest product.
6. Thanos 8X Solar Sonic Repellent Spikes Traps – the Helpful Organic Chipmunk Repellent
No products found.
Specifications:
- Color: Green
- Material: Plastic
- Item Weight: 1.59 pounds‎
- Package Dimensions LxWxH: 11.57 x 5.28 x 5.08 inches
- Target Species: Moles, Groundhogs
If you want a humane way to get rid of chipmunks, 8X Solar Sonic Repellent Spikes Traps by Thanos is your choice. It gets rid of multiple rodents without killing them. The device is charged by solar energy. All it needs is 4 hours under the sun, and it will work for 5 days in a row.
The product covers a diameter of 40 feet. If you have an acre of land, you will need 12 solar repellers. The pack includes 8, but you may not need to cover such a large area. There is a guarantee that offers money back if the reseller doesn`t show results in 60 days.
Pros: Cons:
Scares away chipmunks;
Easy to remove and transport;
Durable;
The 60 days money back guarantee.
It costs more than similar repellers.
Pick Your Ideal Option
You don’t have to decide straight away which measure is the best for you. Some people prefer to scare chipmunks away, others start a hunting season with a rifle. I gathered the most beneficial products on the list above and shared all my tips and tricks with you. If you want to try out several recipes and products, you can do this.
Those readers who have already followed my advice or used the products I recommended, please write your honest opinions about them. Did you like them? Were they helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
References:
- Eastern Chipmunk (Indiana Department of Natural Resources):
  https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/5695.htm
- Eastern Gray Squirrel(North Carolina Wildlife):
  https://ie.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/277/2019/08/Gray_Squirrel.pdf
- Diseases directly transmitted by rodents (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):
  https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/diseases/direct.html
- Mice, Voles, Chipmunks, and Moles (College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources):
  http://www.ladybug.uconn.edu/FactSheets/mice–voles-and-moles_8_199447496.pdf
- Mothballs – Regulation, Proper Uses and Alternatives (National Pesticide Information Center):
  http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/ptype/mothball/regulation.html
2020-05-06

Best Steamers and Vacuums for Bed Bugs in [year]: Expert Reviews

As an entomologist-blogger, I have received numerous requests from the audience regarding effective elimination of bed bugs that have become one of the most problematic categories of urban pests.

Product

Best Bed Bug Steamer

Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner with 17-Piece Kit – Powerful, chemical-free cleaning for floors, cars,...

Best Bed Bug Vacuum

Housmile Bed Vacuum Cleaner Special-Purpose Mattress Vacuum Cleaner with Powerful Suction Upgraded...

Pure Enrichment PureClean Steam Cleaner with 17 Accessories, Multi-Purpose Household Rolling Steamer...

Steamfast SF-370 Canister Cleaner with 15 Accessories-All-Natural, Chemical-Free Pressurized Steam...

Title

Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner with 17-Piece Kit – Powerful, chemical-free cleaning for floors, cars,…

Housmile Bed Vacuum Cleaner Special-Purpose Mattress Vacuum Cleaner with Powerful Suction Upgraded…

Pure Enrichment PureClean Steam Cleaner with 17 Accessories, Multi-Purpose Household Rolling Steamer…

Steamfast SF-370 Canister Cleaner with 15 Accessories-All-Natural, Chemical-Free Pressurized Steam…

Price

Prime

–

Pros

Kills 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, mold, and pathogens.

Effectively helps people who are allergic to dust.

It can be used on all types of surfaces.

High-quality steam nozzle.

My review

Read review

Buy

Check Latest Price

Best Bed Bug Steamer

Product

Title

Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner with 17-Piece Kit – Powerful, chemical-free cleaning for floors, cars,…

Price

$149.77

Prime

–

Pros

Kills 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, mold, and pathogens.

My review

Read review

Buy

Check Latest Price

Best Bed Bug Vacuum

Product

Title

Housmile Bed Vacuum Cleaner Special-Purpose Mattress Vacuum Cleaner with Powerful Suction Upgraded…

Price

$49.99

Prime

Pros

Effectively helps people who are allergic to dust.

My review

Read review

Buy

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Product

Title

Pure Enrichment PureClean Steam Cleaner with 17 Accessories, Multi-Purpose Household Rolling Steamer…

Price

$139.99

Prime

Pros

It can be used on all types of surfaces.

My review

Read review

Buy

Check Latest Price

Product

Title

Steamfast SF-370 Canister Cleaner with 15 Accessories-All-Natural, Chemical-Free Pressurized Steam…

Price

$129.99

Prime

Pros

High-quality steam nozzle.

My review

Read review

Buy

Check Latest Price

I have worked with an enormous number of cases connected with cleaning up the house from these parasites. It is essential to find do-it yourself control options for eliminating bed bugs that can be applied at home. After receiving so many questions about effective methods of solving this issue, I decided to make a detailed overview of the tools, techniques, and approaches that will help bed bugs leave your house as fast as possible.

Top 7 Best Steamers and Vacuums for Bed Bugs: a Comprehensive Overview

To cleanse your house from the bed bugs to main products that will help you do it yourself quickly and effectively are steamers and vacuums. But behind choosing and using steamers to control bed bugs, there is a set of tips that will help you do that effectively. To find a high heat steamer that will perfectly suit your case and budget, it is important to look through the best models on the market. The same refers to selecting the best bed bug vacuum to purify your residence. Let’s look through the most reputable products.

1. Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner: High Heat Steamer for Home, Cars, Floors, and More

Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner with 17-Piece Kit –…

Specifications:

Color: White
Surface Recommendation: Home, Tile, Grout Cars, Floors, Windows, Furniture
2-year Limited Warranty
Item Weight: 9 pounds
Package Dimensions: 15.98 x 15.2 x 14.25 inches

Dupray is an experienced steam cleaners provider that develops cleansing tools for commercial, home, and industrial use. The brand has two main product lines: steam cleaners and steam irons, with several key models for each sphere of implementation.

Dupray Neat steam cleaner is the best steamer for bed bugs for those who are looking for high-quality and all-in-one steamer. In goes with a 18-piece professional kit that includes wands to get in every nook and cranny. The steam cleaner can reach the temperature up to 275F (135C), while the minimum temperature to kill the bugs effectively starts from 160-180F (71-83C).

While killing the bugs, the Dupray Neat steam cleaner also eliminates 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, pathogens, and mold, completely fumigating your house without any professional assistance.

This steamer is safe for your health – it is chemical-free, cleaning your house from bed bugs without harming your family, pets, or plants. It uses ordinary tap water and doesn’t require expensive fluids. Despite being high-powered, this steamer is lightweight and easily portable. It has smooth-rolling wheels, quickly getting anywhere you need with zero floor scratches. With a high level of effectiveness, quality, and usability, this is the best steam cleaner for bed bugs that I have ever tested.

Main characteristics:

Can work up to 50 minutes before filling up;
Great (1600 ml) tank capacity – pretty large for such steamer;
Extra long 6’6” adjusted steam hose;
Built-in funnel – a great feature that excludes any messes;
Retractable handle – it is easy to take the item anywhere you need;
ETL listed for USA and Canada – official certification is one of the best proofs of the steamers’ quality;
Heating time – up to 7 mins.

Pros:	Cons:
Powerful seamer that can reach a temperature of 275°F; No-chemical steaming; Lightweight and easily portable; Kills 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, mold, and pathogens.	Doesn’t have water indicator to watch the time left for steaming; You should wait for about 20 minutes for the steamer to be refilled.

2. Housmile Mattress Vacuum Cleaner: Best Vacuum for Bed Bugs with UV Light

Sale

Housmile Bed Vacuum Cleaner Special-Purpose…

Specifications:

Color: White, Black
Is Cordless: No
Special Feature: Portable
Item Weight: 5.19 pounds
Package Dimensions: 14 x 11 x 7 inches

Housmile Electronics is a reliable US-based producer of household technological tools that combine pro-quality standards with a harmonious design that perfectly fits into any interior. Their set of products is broader than Duray’s, but still limited enough to focus on the features of each item.

Housmile Anti-Bacterial UV Vacuum Cleaner is definitely the best vacuum cleaner for bed bugs I have reviewed. It is extremely powerful and has a HEPA filtration system that kills 99.8% of bacteria as small as 0.3 microns. Most importantly, this vacuum cleaner has an advanced UV light protection that is 20% higher as compared to other UV vacuum cleaners that allow to kill bed bugs, mites, microorganisms, and bacteria with 99.7% effectiveness.

This vacuum cleaner for bed bugs is a perfect solution for people that are allergic to dust and mites: it will remove all types of parasites and bacteria without extra products required. It is easily portable and simple to use: there are only two buttons present: on and off. You can easily use the cleaner around your house – it is lightweight and has a small handle.

Main characteristics:

HEPA filtration – advanced filtering that captures 99.8% of particles;
Double-rolling brush 6000 cycle/min – it gets all the dirt out and absorbs it effectively;
Activated carbon filtration – effectively blocks the pollution inside the vacuum cleaner;
UV tube sterilization – a powerful weapon against bacteria, mites, and bed bugs;
2000ml capacity dust box for longer use.

Pros:	Cons:
Washable filters – no need to buy new filters for every use: just wash the dirty filter and let it dry out; Gets the dust mites and bed bugs out of the deep of the furniture and sucks them away; Effectively helps people who are allergic to dust; Is free of chemicals; The item has a large capacity box.	Washable filters still have to be renewed periodically;

3. Pure Enrichment PureSteam XL Rolling Cleaner: Indoor and Outdoor High Heat Steamer

Sale

Pure Enrichment PureClean Steam Cleaner with 17…

Specifications:

Power Source: AC
Surface Recommendation: Hard Floor, Upholstery, Carpet
Capacity: 1500 Milliliters
Wattage: 1500 Watt
Item Weight: 15.72 pounds

Pure Enrichment products are all developed to purify air and household, and are intended for health and personal care. Starting from the air purifier, this brand is currently producing a series of high-quality items for clean and healthy wellbeing.

PureSteam XL Rolling Cleaner is a universal household cleaning system for floors, windows, furniture, cars, and more. It is accompanied by an 18-piece set that includes all nozzles required to clean up all types of surfaces. Its 1.5-liter water boiler can produce hot pressurized stem for over 45 mins without recharging. Thus, it is possible to eliminate bed bugs without heavy chemical cleaning.

This commercial steamer for bed bugs is really useful: it has an extra-long power cord bed bug steamer wand to reach into any place in your house easier and without accidental stops. Reaching the temperature over 220 F, this bed bug steamer effectively kills bugs hidden on your mattress, sofas, furniture, carpets, and even floor and walls. Its high quality and effectiveness are supported by an official 5 years warranty from the manufacturer. This professional steam cleaner has an ETL mark, which means it meets all requirements of North American safety standards.

Main characteristics:

Heating-up time – 8 mins;
It has a 16-foot power cord and a 3-foot wand;
Improved water tank that might contain up to 1.5 liters of water;
45 mins of work non-stop;
Portable kit with 18 various nozzles for all types of cloth and surfaces.

Pros:	Cons:
Lightweight and easily portable; Kills bed bugs, bacteria, and mold effectively; It can be used on all types of surfaces.	Has to be linked to the socket – not autonomous; Doesn’t have auto shut-off.

4. Steamfast SF-370 Multipurpose Steam Cleaner for Bed Bugs

Sale

Steamfast SF-370 Canister Cleaner with 15…

Specifications:

Color: White
15 Versatile Accessories
Surface Recommendation: Windows
Item Weight: 8.42 Pounds
Package Dimensions: 15.4 x 9.5 x 12 inches

Steamfast is a US-based company producing high heat steamers for home use. The brand focuses on manufacturing professional-quality steamers that can be used throughout the house, including all surfaces and types of cloth, and won’t cost like premium-level cleaning tools. Their product line is limited to steam cleaners, fabric steamers, steam humidifiers, and accessories.

Steamfast SF-370 steam cleaner is designed for comfortable use with its 15-foot power cord, integrated cord wrap, and 6. 5-foot hose that allows you to reach even the most complicated places in your house easily. This steamer has quiet and comfortable wheels and a useful handle, following you everywhere during the steam cleaning process. It has a 48-ounce water tank that heats up in 8 minutes, providing 45 minutes of effective steam cleaning.

This steam cleaner is also equipped with the accessories kit that includes 15 various nozzles and cloths for different surfaces. All mop pads are machine washable, while brushes can be quickly washed under the running water. The high temperature and pressure allow the steamer to kill bed bugs without harsh chemicals. The steamer has a steam status indicator that turns on when the steamer is ready for use – no need to double-check it or monitor the time every minute.

Main characteristics:

48-ounce water tank for the prolonged use;
Gets ready for steaming in 8 minutes and works for 45 mines without refilling;
Has an extended power cord (15 foot) and an adjustable hose;
Steam status indicator for comfortable timing;
15-items kit with nozzles for all surfaces;
Machine washable mop pads.

Pros:	Cons:
Effective tool against bed bugs; Easy to use; High-quality steam nozzle; 2 years official warranty.	No place to hide nozzles; The hose could be longer.

5. Raycop Lite Vacuum Cleaner for Bed Bugs: Portable Vacuum with UV Light Sanitizing

RAYCOP LITE UV Sanitizing HEPA Allergen Vacuum…

Specifications:

Surface Recommendation: Fabric
Is Cordless: No
Form Factor: Handheld
Special Feature: Corded, HEPA Filter, Pulsating Pads, UV Light Santiziation, AllergenLock
Item Weight: 4.29 pounds
Package Dimensions: 11 x 14 x 6 inches

Raycop is an experienced producer of vacuums for household use. This brand is focused on developing the best cleaning equipment with the patented Rayclean technology that includes UV-C light, pulsation, HEPA clean air exhaust, and suction. Their product line is limited to cordless and handheld UV vacuums, which allows the manufacturer to focus on creating the most effective product.

Raycop light vacuum cleaner is the lightweight easily portable product with implemented patented RayClean technology that effectively removes bed bugs, dust mites, and 99.99% of bacteria. Bacteria are eliminated by UV light waves that require minimum exposure time to reach all types of bacteria on fabric surfaces. The vacuum cleaner has special pulsating pads with vibrations up to 5000 times per second that lift up dirt, mites, and bed bugs, removing them three times more effectively compared to common cleaners.

A great advantage of this vacuum cleaner is HEPA filter with a fine mesh that effectively traps all pollutants, dismantling 99.99% of bed bugs, dust mites, pet dander, and pollen that occupy the household surfaces. This cleaner helps in reducing allergens and irritations that affect your health and wellbeing.

Main characteristics:

The item weighs 4 pounds – it is an extra lightweight vacuum cleaner for bed bugs that can follow you anywhere;
HEPA filtrations system – collects and eliminates 99.99% of bacteria, mite, and bed bugs;
UV light paralyzes bed bugs and dust mites, killing harmful bacteria;
Pulsating pads – they effectively lift up and loosen particles;
Improved suction system – the product doesn’t get trapped in the fabric.

Pros:	Cons:
Easily portable and lightweight; UV light sanitizing system; Removes allergens and pollutants; Works with all types of surfaces; Doesn’t suck the cloth inside.	Is used only with the cord; It can sound noisy when in use.

6. McCulloch MC1275 Steam Cleaner: High Heat Powerful Steamer

Sale

McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner, 45…

Specifications:

Color: Yellow, Black
Surface Recommendation: Floors, Tile, Windows
Wattage: 1500 Watt
Item Weight: 12 Pounds
Package Dimensions: 17.2 x 10.5 x 13.5 inches

McCulloch is an experienced producer of professional equipment for workers. The brand has started from chainsaws and developed several other product lines that include grass trimmers, leaf blowers, robot lawnmowers, and steam cleaners that can be used for household care.

McCulloch MC1275 Steam Cleaner is a high-quality cleaning tool that can be applied for both professional and household use. This is one of the most popular steamers to kill bed bugs because of its high quality, ergonomic design, and chemical-free effective cleaning. It has an 18-item kit with all types of nozzles and pads that will help you effectively clean your house from bed bugs, mites, and bacteria. This cleaner is equipped for steam cleaning both inside and outside the house, working on all types of surfaces.

For non-chemical killing bed bugs with a steamer, McCulloch cleaner effectively eliminates all bugs and mites with hot steam 43 psi pressure. It can be applied on ceramics, sealed wood, cement, laminate floor, and more. 48-ounce water tank with a lockable steam trigger allows using the steam cleaner for 45 minutes. This device has an extra-long 9-foot hose and 15.7 power cord to reach all places in your house. Killing bed bugs with the steamer that heats up to 200F becomes easier because of its lightweight design – it weighs only 12 pounds and can be easily transported to the required place.

Main characteristics:

High steam rate – up to 33-37 g/min, and powerful steam pressure that can get up to 43 psi to remove the maximum amount of bugs, dust, and mites;
Power cord length is 15.7-foot – advanced construction that helps in cleaning up hidden parts and fabric of the furniture;
Extended steam hose: 9-foot long to help you reach the most distant places in your house;
A secure water tank that may accommodate 48 ounces of water;
Equipped with 18 steaming accessories.

Pros:	Cons:
Heating up time – 8 minutes; Gets heated up to 200F; Can be applied both indoors and outdoors; Can be used on all types of surfaces.	Has to be left to cool down for 10 minutes before refilling; Not the best design option.

7. Atrix VACBP1 HEPA Backpack Vacuum Cleaner for Bed Bugs: Best Backpack Vacuum Cleaner Model

Atrix HEPA Backpack Vacuum

Specifications:

Form Factor: Cannister
Surface Recommendation: Upholstery
Special Feature: HEPA filter
Wattage: 1400 Watt
Item Weight: 12 pounds
Package Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 9 inches

Atrix is an experienced pest control tool producer that creates professional-level vacuum cleaners. They can be easily used at home in case you need to eliminate bed bugs, dust mites, and germs from your furniture. The brand produces a developed set of vacuums, filters, and accessories for pest control, bacterial sanitizing, and air filtering.

Atrix ERGO backpack VACBP1 is an excellent choice for those who want to eliminate bed bugs with a vacuum cleaner that is both powerful and lightweight. This vacuum cleaner has a unique backpack design: no need to use handles, transporting the tool with you. It weighs 10.3 lbs and has a belt loop that fixes the cleaner comfortably on your back and stores all accessories.

This vacuum cleaner has an 8-Quart HEPA filter that safely captures all particles and bacteria. It can also be used as a blower, featuring 3 blower nozzles for comfortable work.

Main characteristics:

Useful backpack design – it is easier to use the cleaner throughout the house;
Powerful filter with 8-quart HEPA filtration system;
Applicable for outdoor use;
Effectively kills and collects bed bugs from all types of surfaces;
Has a belt loop to fix the cleaner and hold all accessories.

Pros:	Cons:
Useful backpack design; Comfortable transportation; Advanced filtration system; Easily converted for use by right- or left-handed people.	Doesn’t have a UV sanitizing system; The suction can be too powerful to lift the cord from the floor comfortably.

Buyer’s Guide: All Tips to Choose the Best Steamers and Vacuums for Bed Bugs

How to choose a vacuum cleaner for bed bugs? Does steam kill bed bugs effectively? What are the differences and tips for the usage of this device? Let’s go through the most important facts about bed bugs management and prevention, which may help you clean the house from pests easier and in the shortest period of time.

There are two types of vacuum and steam cleaners: corded and handled cleaners. While the first items will work till a water tank or filter needs cleaning or refilling, the second type may require energy recharging. But they are more lightweight and easy-portable. If you are a supporter of easy cleaning – they are a perfect match. The corded cleaners might suit those people that require more powerful items and don’t want to spend their time on battery recharging.

Related Post: Most Effective Bug Sprays Reviewed.

Steam cleaners help you kill bed bugs with high temperatures and can reach the most distanced places that you won’t be able to clean up with a common cloth. It is better to choose the one with a vibration system that pulls the bugs up and those that can reach a higher temperature. For vacuum cleaners, it is better to choose more useful handled models that have a UV sanitizing system to effectively kill and slow the bed bugs.

Use your cleaner on the mattresses and sofas, getting to the most distant parts of the furniture. I recommend to apply it using the hose on the carpets, walls, and tables to find any bed bugs that may be present there.

FAQ Section about Vacuums and Steamers to Kill Bed Bugs

1. What Type of Steamer to Use for Bed Bugs?

I highly recommend choosing a high-quality powerful steamer with a minimum steaming temperature of 180F. Look for the item that has a long cord and hose to reach anywhere you need.

2. How Long to Steam Bed Bugs?

When steamed, bed bugs are killed pretty quickly, but to find as many of them as possible, you will need to steam your mattress several times. 30-45 minutes is more than enough for a double bed or a big sofa.

3. What Steam Temperature Kills Bed Bugs?

As I have already said, bed bugs are killed with 160-180F. Therefore, try to use a steam cleaner with high-temperature steam heating.

4. How to Get Bed Bugs out of Vacuum Cleaner?

Take out the filter and wash it thoroughly under the running water. I recommend you to apply washing chemicals for a better effect.

Summarizing the Review: Best Steamers and Vacuums for Bed Bugs in 2020

Working as a pest fighter, I have tested numerous steamers and vacuums that eliminate bed bugs from the household. Although there are various models with specific design, additional nozzles, and handles on the market, what really matters in terms of professional pest-fighting are the features like high-quality cleaning, sanitizing, and filtration. To help you clean your house from bed bugs by yourself, I have reviewed the best cleaners on the current market that show great results for a reasonable price. If you have already tried other models that have worked for you, please, leave the information about them in the comments.

Related Post: 5 Best Bed Bug Powders Reviewed.

When choosing your preferable device, I recommend you paying attention to such technical features as steam heating temperature, UV sanitizing system, and HEPA filtration. I also prefer the items that are easily portable, have long hose and cord. What do you think of the most important criteria related to the decision-making process? Do you prefer a steam or vacuum kind of cleaners to kill bed bugs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

References:

Using Steamers to Control Bed Bugs (The University of Minnesota):
https://www.bedbugs.umn.edu/bed-bug-control-in-residences/steamers
Bed Bugs Management and Prevention (Karen Vail, Professor, and Pat Barnwell, Program Assistant III Entomology and Plant Pathology):
https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/PB1763.pdf

2020-05-03

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs: Effective & Safe Solutions

Bed bugs are tiny, extremely fast insects, which are less than pencil’s eraser in size. They feed on the blood of animals and human beings. You may hardly notice them before they will bite you. After feeding, their bodies turn red and swell.

And although bed bugs can’t fly, they compensate for the lack of this ability by moving extremely fast, crawling on the walls, ceilings, and floors. One female bed bug may lay over 1 hundred eggs, which you may not notice because of their tiny size.

Product

Best DIY Bed Bug Control Kit

HARRIS Bed Bug Killer Value Bundle Kit - Diatomaceous Earth Powder, Toughest Bed Bug Powder,...

Best Bed Bug Killer Insecticide

Rockwell Labs - CXID032 - Cimexa Dust - Insecticide - 4 oz

Best Bed Bug Steamer

Best Bed Bug Spray

MGK Bedlam Plus® | Fast-Acting Bed Bug Spray Aerosol | Insecticide Spray | for Indoor Use on...

Title

HARRIS Bed Bug Killer Value Bundle Kit – Diatomaceous Earth Powder, Toughest Bed Bug Powder,…

Rockwell Labs – CXID032 – Cimexa Dust – Insecticide – 4 oz

Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner with 17-Piece Kit – Powerful, chemical-free cleaning for floors, cars,…

MGK Bedlam Plus® | Fast-Acting Bed Bug Spray Aerosol | Insecticide Spray | for Indoor Use on…

Price

–

$15.25

$149.77

$22.85

Prime

–

Pros

Contains all essential remedies against bed bugs.

Kills multiple types of insects.

2 years warranty.

Does not leave stains.

My review

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Buy

Check Latest Price

Best DIY Bed Bug Control Kit

Product

Title

HARRIS Bed Bug Killer Value Bundle Kit – Diatomaceous Earth Powder, Toughest Bed Bug Powder,…

Price

–

Prime

–

Pros

Contains all essential remedies against bed bugs.

My review

Read review

Buy

Check Latest Price

Best Bed Bug Killer Insecticide

Product

Title

Rockwell Labs – CXID032 – Cimexa Dust – Insecticide – 4 oz

Price

$15.25

Prime

–

Pros

Kills multiple types of insects.

My review

Read review

Buy

Check Latest Price

Best Bed Bug Steamer

Product

Title

Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner with 17-Piece Kit – Powerful, chemical-free cleaning for floors, cars,…

Price

$149.77

Prime

–

Pros

2 years warranty.

My review

Read review

Buy

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Best Bed Bug Spray

Product

Title

MGK Bedlam Plus® | Fast-Acting Bed Bug Spray Aerosol | Insecticide Spray | for Indoor Use on…

Price

$22.85

Prime

Pros

Does not leave stains.

My review

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Buy

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Being a professional entomologist and working in a pest control industry, I am used to different stories of lost battles with bed bugs. Many people prefer not to call professionals and are too ashamed to buy bed bug killers until it is too late. Therefore, I am here to help you with the questions you may have, providing my advice on how to kill bed bugs.

Everything You Want to Know About Bed Bugs, but Are Afraid to Ask

Bed bugs are tiny blood-drinking insects. They can barely reach 0,20 inches size and are usually compared with apple seeds. Bed bugs adore darkness and prefer to hide in a mattress or inside the walls. While these creatures don’t usually cause any health problems, except for vasculitis in rare cases, they feed on humans and animals. Their bites can be painful and followed by itching.

People who have their bedrooms infested by bedbugs usually look sleepy and tired in the daytime, as insects have to feed on them often.

One female insect can provide 250-bed bug eggs during its life. Each egg is tinier than dust. In case of danger, bed bugs are hiding and can exist for several months without feeding. These insects have flat brownish bodies that are swollen after the bug has fed (see more bed bug images). The color of their skin is getting redder because of the blood.

Young bed bugs are called nymphs. They have to shed skin up to 5 times a day until they become adults. Each shedding period requires taking a meal before. This means that younger species attack humans and their pets even more frequently, sometimes leaving three bites in a row.

On average, it takes up to 1 month for youngsters to grow into adults. After that, they can produce over 3 generations of new bugs in a year. Grown-up species can survive a year without food in case of outside threats.

Bed bugs may leave different marks on your skin as compared to other insects having a similar look. If you want to understand what kind of a bug is biting you each night, take a close look at the area that was bitten:

Fleas usually bite lower parts of the body, where they can jump. Their bites begin to itch after they were left. Some people may not notice bites of fleas. Fleas prefer to feed on animals over humans;
Ticks are not that similar to bed bugs as fleas. They have white stripes or spots on them. Ticks do not live in big groups like bed bugs. They dwell outdoors, while bed bugs prefer to stay at home. When a tick is feeding, it buries the head under the human’s skin. You feel their whole bodies on your skin like a small tubercle;
Bed bugs are brown, have wide bodies, and don’t need to crawl under your skin to feed on you. They have a feeding tube like almost all insects that suck blood. They pick one small area and bite it. Bed bugs are unlikely to attack you during the day, preferring to stay unnoticed. Their bites are painless at the beginning. They start itching some time later, giving these insects the chance to leave the place of crime.

Bed bug bites

When Do Bed Bugs Appear?

Bed bugs are sneaky little parasites. They can move completely unnoticed and hide so well that you would never get them out without extra help. There are several ways these insects can sneak into your house:

If you bought second-hand furniture, you have to check it out for bugs. Even in case a seller assured you that there were no bugs, you need to make sure that it is true. Half cases of infestation happen when a person buys the used furniture;
After you come back from a journey, you have to check twice on all your purses, luggage, and even backpacks. The hotel you were staying in could have been infested, and you wouldn’t even know. Bed bugs might easily jump into your luggage and travel with you;
A house without cleaning can get easily infested by bed bugs carried by guests, pets, or even through open windows;
If you live in an apartment complex, and your neighbors have bed bugs, they can be brought to you, even in case you open the front door.

Potential Dangers

Bed bugs rather irritate you than cause any harm.

They suck your blood for up to 1-2 minutes and bring you discomfort. However, they don’t carry any disease. The skin may go red and swollen. You will start itching. Some people do not feel anything at all. In some rare cases, there is bleeding after the bite. Multiple bites may cause an allergy and rash.

These unpleasant and, sometimes, painful small bites that bed bugs leave on your skin, may lead you to insomnia. The level of stress will be increased, and you may feel anxiety. Moreover, constant biting may cause anemia. While you are scratching the bites, you may infect them.

The Signs That Your House Is Infested

There are multiple little signs you may leave completely unnoticed until the red dots on your skin will finally get your attention. Exterminating bed bugs is a hard job mainly because these insects are used to hide in the darkest places in the room. I recommend you to pay attention to these signs:

You can see tiny brown insects that are moving quickly, crawling on your walls and ceiling;
There are red bloody dots on your sheets;
You have itchy swollen red marks on your skin. Pay attention to your upper body to exclude the possibility of being bitten by fleas;
Little black spots (bed bug poop) on the carpet that can be visible with the help of magnifying glass and a flashlight;
Yellow eggs that are small and barely noticeable, but numerous;
Your dog or cat is itching constantly.

First of all, according to the Center for Disease Control, you have to check your mattress, as they love to dwell there. After that, take a flashlight and search under the bed. The insects may live inside the walls if they have cracks. Make sure you check all the dark places in the house. Bed bugs are really good at hiding.

Don’t underestimate these creatures. They won’t limit themselves with a bedroom. Sooner or later, they will invade all your apartment or house. After a while, bed bugs will travel to your neighbors next door as well.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs on Your Own

Before you call professionals who will heat the apartment for several hours or spray the poison, you can try getting rid of bed bugs by yourself. You can’t just ask them politely to leave. To kick away the insects you have to follow the next steps:

Change your bedding. Put the used sheets in the washing machine at high temperatures. After that, you have to dry them on the highest temperature as well;
Clean your curtains, table cloths, stuffed animals, your clothes, and even shoes. Bed bugs can hide anywhere;
Buy a stiff brush, if you don’t have one already, and scrub the mattress to remove the bugs and their eggs;
Use a vacuum cleaner on your bed, your carpet, and curtains. Once everything is done, change the cleaner bag. If it is durable, you have to wash it in hot water after all garbage was collected in a plastic bag. Don’t leave it in your home; After vacuuming, use a steamer that heats to 120°F and steam every corner of your home. Steam cleaning is extremely effective against bed bugs.
If you have some seasonal clothes hidden, make sure there are no bed bugs on them. As we have found out before, these creatures can live up to 1 year without eating;
In case you have cracks in the walls, repair them immediately. If you can’t do it right now, at least put some glue inside;
You have to keep all your things in order. Pick up everything from the floor, as bed bugs may hide in your things;
I know it may sound harsh, but there are cases when your mattress can’t be saved. If your bed is heavily infested, you have to get rid of the mattress. Throw it away and buy a new one.

Sometimes, these actions are not enough. In such cases, you have to call pest control to use chemical treatments. However, I recommend you not to rush and first try to get rid of them by yourself, using the products I mention on the list below. Try to stay away from harmful chemicals as much as possible. The remedies you can use by yourself are:

Foggers;
Sprays;
Dust;
Mattress encasements;
Traps;
Steamers.

The market offers over 300 pesticides that are approved for use by officials. The most common ingredients in all bed bugs sprays are pyrethroids. Some bed bugs have gained resistance to these ingredients. There are pesticides that can be used only by professionals to prevent poisoning. If you want to apply chemicals, I suggest you call pest control. The most common ingredients of the best bed bug treatment are:

Phenylethyl propionate and neem tree oil are a part of the botanical group. They contain an extremely low number of toxins and are not harmful to pets and humans. However, there is no constant protection from bed bugs;
S-Hydroprene, methoprene, and pyriproxyfen form the group of IRGs, or insect growth regulators. They have a low level of toxicity as well. However, they may be harmful to the fish, so be careful when applying these ingredients near fish tanks;
Diatomaceous earth, boric acid, and fumed silica are considered to be mineral compounds in dust bed bug extermination products. They have almost zero level of toxicity. Diatomaceous earth is usually used on pets, while other ingredients must be out of reach for them. You have to avoid direct contact of these ingredients with your skin. Do not inhale them under any circumstances. Protect your nose with a mask, while applying these ingredients;
Pyrethrins are compounds derived from plants. There is a moderate risk of toxicity for a long period. These ingredients are harmful to the nervous system and may trigger an allergy. EPA classified them as carcinogens;
Isopropyl Alcohol is a known type of rubbing alcohol. It is not toxic. However, the substance is flammable, and you have to be careful when applying it.

Related Post: Best Bed Bug Steamers & Vacuums

Whereas we have discussed active components that help us to get rid of bed bugs with the low level of toxins, let’s mention some potentially harmful ingredients that must be applied by professionals. Here is my list of unfavorable ingredients:

Chlorfenapyr. As you may guess from its name, this is a chemical that contains chlorine and is considered to be moderately toxic. EPA categorizes it as a carcinogen. The component is really effective, and it kills all the insects during several days;
Propoxur and carbaryl belong to the N-Methyl carbamates group of chemicals. They are highly toxic, according to the Bed Bug Research Institute, and may be dangerous for the nervous system of people, especially young children, and pets. They are listed as carcinogens in EPA reports and can’t be used in places reachable by kids;
Imidacloprid, dinotefuran, acetamiprid, and clothianidin belong to the group of Neonicotinoids. These ingredients are toxic. They are harmful to the skin and nervous system. Acetamiprid contains the lowest level of toxicity for people among all of them;
Malathion and DDVP or dichlorvos are organophosphates. Even the low concentration of these chemicals can be harmful to humans. You have to keep these components far from children;
The group of pyrethroids includes multiple chemicals. The most spread are permethrin, bioallethrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, and esfenvalerate. They are dangerous to the nervous system, people with asthma and allergies. These chemicals are harmful to people and pets almost equally, but cats are exposed to them the most;
Sulfuryl Fluoride is getting on your nervous system as well. It is usually used in fumigants. You have to get away while the component is active. It has to be used with other chemicals as well.

FAQ: All You Want to Know About Bed Bugs

Are Bed Bugs Dangerous?

According to the EPA, even though bed bugs were not noticed in disease-transmitting, it is hard to ignore the issues they may cause. Besides health issues, they may lead to anxiety and other mental health problems. Negative effects that may be brought in case you miss bed bug removal are:

Multiple allergies of bites. Sometimes, it can lead to anaphylaxis;
Infections of your skin, including eczema, impetigo, and even lymphangitis;
In case of severe bed bugs infestation, their bites may even cause anemia;
Insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.

Why Do I Have Bed Bugs?

The State Department of Health of New York claims that getting rid of bed bugs has been one of the hardest tasks of the human race for many thousand years. It is impossible to feel 100 percent secured from them, as the pests may crawl from your neighbors or hide in your backpack during the trip. Don’t think that these insects are the problem of dirty apartments and houses. It is not true. There are numerous ways to get them:

From the used furniture you bought in the second-hand or posh antiquity store;
Hotels and Airbnb apartments where you stayed during the holiday;
Your neighbors, if you live in apartments;
From gyms and lockers of common use;
Trams, buses, subway, and almost all public transport you use.

Do I Need to Throw Away My Mattress and Furniture if I Have Bed Bugs?

This is the extreme measure that usually no one takes. You don’t have to go that far. Even if you get rid of everything, there are chances that bed bugs will not leave you. They can survive without furniture or bed alone. Bed bugs spread extremely fast, and are really good at hiding.

Getting a new bed and furniture requires lots of money, and not everyone can afford it. Instead, you can try to get rid of bed bugs yourself or call a professional.

Can You Get Rid of Bed Bugs on Your Own?

You can try doing this with my advice. As I’ve told you before, there are multiple organic or low-toxic remedies for these insects. You may get familiar with the list of items I personally had an experience with. You will find them below. I don’t recommend you to create your own homemade powders or sprays, as they may be dangerous for your health. In case you can’t exterminate bed bugs yourself, I suggest you call your local pest control.

Related Post: Hot Shot Bed Bug Fogger Review.

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?

Bed bugs usually dwell in the dark and are almost unreachable for humans places. They like to hide in various cracks in walls and ceilings. Except the bed mattresses and cracks in old furniture, they may live behind the wallpapers, baseboards, and pictures. They may stay unnoticed in the thick carpet floors, in cushions, clothes, and sofas. These insects can settle down inside your car. You may find them in municipal transport.

How Much Does Bed Bug Extermination Cost?

It actually depends on local tariffs, a number of companies that provide similar services, and a number of insects that ruin your life. On average, home owners may spend somewhere near $1 000 or $2 000 to get rid of the pests.

However, it is really important to find out the level of infestation at your house. The size of your home really matters here. The price for pests control services starts with $300 on a small territory and goes up to $5 000 in a huge heavily infested private house.

What Kills Bed Bugs Instantly?

There is no immediate cure from bed bugs unless you call exterminators. They will quickly seal your apartment or house and kill the insects with high temperatures or chemicals. As we have already discussed here, bed bugs are afraid of high temperatures. This is why I recommend you to follow the next rules:

Always wash your clothes and bedsheets at high temperatures;
Rise the temperature while ironing clothes;
Don’t forget to throw away the content of the vacuum cleaner, after you are done with the cleaning.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in a Mattress?

As I’ve told you before, you don’t have to throw your mattress away once you notice bed bugs. But what can you actually do about it? I have a few tips that will help you to save the mattress:

Use the steam cleaning on your mattress;
You can even iron your sheets on the mattress, or the mattress itself. Remember that heat is your best weapon;
Check out the list of the treatments I recommend below and pick the least harmful to spread it on your mattress;
Use the hot dryer for your sheets and pillowcases. You need over 120 degrees and 30 minutes to kill the pests if they live there.

Is There a Chance to Get Rid of Bed Bugs for Good?

Nobody can give you a 100 percent guarantee that even after extermination made by pest control bed bugs wouldn’t return. There is still a chance that a few months or years later they will come back to your home. With international travel ability, bed bugs continue to cross one country after another. The number of bed bugs is growing each year.

And in case you think that in the modern era there is no place for these insects, think again. The increase of bed bugs number was noted in the 1990s. Since that time, bed bugs continue to invade our homes and hotels.

How Can I Save My Money?

You have to calculate everything in advance. If you can’t buy new furniture and mattress, don’t throw them away. Try to follow all my recommendations, as they will cost you nothing. Do laundry more often and iron your clothes to kill the bugs yourself. You may want to check out the prices of all the insecticides I recommend. Compare them and decide which one is the best for you.

Although you may find it weird, I strongly advise you not to underestimate your enemy. You can’t kill bed bugs immediately, they are fast in both crawling and reproducing. You may not even notice that there are hundreds of eggs under the bed until it will be too late. If you have the problem you can’t deal with by yourself, don’t hesitate to call the pest control.

Is It Shameful to Have Bed Bugs?

No! It is not shameful at all. Why do people keep thinking that bed bugs are a problem of poverty and dirt? Any house can be invaded by the army of nasty insects. You don’t need to be ashamed to ask for help.

Top 7 Bed Bug Treatments

1. Rockwell Labs CXID032 Cimexa Dust Insecticide – the Most Effective Bed Bug Treatment for Unreachable Areas

Sale

Rockwell Labs – CXID032 – Cimexa Dust -…

Specifications:

Active Ingredient: Silicon dioxide 92.1%
Coverage Area: 2 oz. per 100 sq. ft.
Item Weight: 6.7 ounces
Package Dimensions: 3.4 x 3.6 x 10.15 inches
Target pests: Ants, Wasps, Crazy Ants, Cockroaches, Firebrats, Silverfish, Spiders, Mites, Bed Bugs, Lice, Fleas, Ticks, Stored, Beetles and Moths and Drywood Termites

The CXID032 Cimexa Dust Insecticide was created to get rid of multiple pests, from bed bugs to roaches, spiders, and ants. The product kills all types of bed bugs, including adult species, nymphs, and eggs. And even if an insect has developed an immunity to parathyroid, Cimexa will exterminate it. The product was created by Rockwell Labs, the company developer of house tools and professional saw blades. Now, it helps to eliminate bed bugs.

Due to the long nose of the bottle, this insecticide can be applied on the walls, inside the tiniest cracks, and in usually hard-to-reach places. Overall, you may apply the remedy on the carpets and mattresses as well. The product does not have any odor. It does not leave stains on the furniture, and it is resistant to the water. Once you apply this insecticide, it will remain unchanged for over 10 years, if you need it.

Pros:	Cons:
Long-lasting effect; Kills multiple types of insects; Can be applied on hardly reachable surfaces; Acts on bed bugs resistant to parathyroid; Affordable price.	One bottle may not be enough for the big house.

2. Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner – Eco-Friendly Bed Bugs Extermination Machine

Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner with 17-Piece Kit –…

Specifications:

Color: White
Surface Recommendation: Home, Tile, Grout Cars, Floors, Windows, Furniture
2-year Limited Warranty
Item Weight: 9 pounds
Package Dimensions: 15.98 x 15.2 x 14.25 inches

The Neat Steam Cleaner from Dupray is the best bed bug steamer on the market that I have ever tried. It cleans unreachable places, forcing bed bugs to leave your house. A cleaner is a great tool not only during the infestation period but afterward as well. It is not only a cleaning solution, but also a nice sanitizer. You can supply the steam of 275 F, which is more than enough to kill bed bugs.

Neat Steam Cleaner was created by Dupray, the developer of cleaners. The company is a top-seller, with one of the highest ratings at the stores. It offers a lifetime warranty on the boiler of a steam cleaner, and 2 years on the whole product. The high temperature is what kills bed bugs, and you may easily bring this temperature anywhere around the house. You can use the cleaner for 50 minutes in a row, before filling it up.

Pros:	Cons:
Effective in killing bed bugs; 2 years warranty; Works 50 minutes in a row; Steam can be heated to 275 F; Eco-friendly.	It’s more expensive than other products on the list.

3. BEAPCO 10013 4-Pack Bed Bug Detector Coaster – Best Trap for Identification and Bed Bug Prevention

BEAPCO 4-PACK Bed Bug Detector Interceptors | Eco…

Specifications:

Color: Gray
Number of Pieces: 4
Item Weight: 8.8 ounces
Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 6 x 3 inches
Target pests: Bed Bugs

The 10013 4-Pack Bed Bug Detector Coaster is a great way to identify bed bugs. I have already mentioned the detector that you have to put under the bed’s legs in my tips above. This is a natural way of bed bugs control. If you want to find out whether you have bed bugs or not and do not want them to climb up your bed, put Bed Bug Detector Coaster. It helps to find out where these insects are coming from.

BEAPCO company has been producing traps for insects for several years. It has moderate prices and is highly appreciated by customers. The outer walls of the trap allow insects to climb easily inside, but inner walls are too smooth for them to get out.

The trap does not contain any chemicals and is not harmful to pets. There are 4 items in the pack. The product is washable and reusable. You can always check out whether bed bugs are still there.

Pros:	Cons:
Family-friendly product; Durable; 4 items in the pack; Perfect trap for bed bugs; Almost unseen in a room.	Does not kill all bed bugs in the house.

4. Bedlam Plus Bed Bug Aerosol – Best Insecticide Spray That Is Killing Bed Bugs and Their Eggs

MGK Bedlam Plus® | Fast-Acting Bed Bug Spray…

Specifications:

Item Volume: 17 oz
Item Form: Spray
Item Weight: 1.3 Pounds
Product Dimensions: 10.51 x 3.86 x 2.6 inches
Target pests: Bed Bugs

Bedlam Plus Bed Bug Aerosol is the spray that is easy to apply on any surface you need. It kills both bed bugs and their eggs. The spray sticks for several weeks on the carper, wood, and ceramic surfaces. The product was created by an MGK company that develops insecticides. The company guarantees that this is a stainless and water-safe insecticide.

You can use the spray far from the kitchen or places where you eat food. It can be applied in private houses, schools, hotels. It is perfect to use for cracks in the walls, pictures, mirrors, alarm clocks, and radios. You can also spray it on rugs. After that, you will have to remove the bedding and wash it.

The Bedlam Plus Bed Bug Aerosol kills even bed bugs that are resistant to the pyrethroid. The spray is safe for pets. However, you have to make sure that the product did not get into your eyes during the work.

Pros:	Cons:
Easy to apply; Affordable price; Does not leave stains; Kills eggs as well; Pets-friendly.	You have to wait till the spray will stick to the surface.

5. Bed Bug Proof Linenspa Zippered Encasement On Mattress – the Best Mattress Case to Prevent Bed Bug Infestation

Linenspa Zippered Mattress Encasement – Waterproof…

Specifications:

Size: Queen
Fabric Type: 100% Polyester
Material: Surface: 100% Polyester | Backing: 100% Polyurethane
Closure Type: Zipper
Water Resistance Level: Waterproof

Those who are searching for the treatment for bed bugs that is natural and perfect in combination with other options, have to take a look at Bed Bug Proof Mattress Encasement. It does not exterminate bugs. This encasement protects your mattress. And while you are busy with killing pests, your bed will be completely secure from them. Bed Bug Proof Mattress Encasement was created by Linenspa, the company that sells bedclothes of high quality.

The products act as a barrier for insects, stopping them from climbing up your bed and hiding. You can always wash it in the machine. The fabric is smooth, allergic-free, and lightweight. It looks stylish while serving multiple specific purposes, including saving you from bed bugs, fleas, dust mites, and various allergens.

I’ve tried it, and it feels extremely soft and pleasant on the skin. The company developer gives 10-year warranty for the product. The fabric is thin, breathable, and perfect for children.

Pros:	Cons:
Family-friendly; Does not cause allergies; Lightweight fabric; Feels soft and natural; Warranty.	Quite expensive comparing to linen bedding.

6. ZappBug Heater – the Natural Bed Bug Killer that Exterminates All the Insects

Sale

ZappBug Heater Bed Bug Killer, Bed Bug Heater…

pecifications:

Circuits Needed: 1
Treatment Time: 3-8 Hours
Includes: 1500-Watt Thermal Unit
Item Weight: 10 pounds
Item Dimensions: 43 x 22.75 x 24 inches

The Heater is a simple, but great and reliable killing machine. Without removing bed bugs one by one using sprays everywhere, simply place your furniture into the Heater. It is not complicated at all. Heater fries adult bed bugs, as well as younger nymphs, and even eggs. There are no harmful chemicals and no pesticides. However, this product consumes the electricity.

The Heater is made by ZappBug, the producer of portable bed bug heaters. The company says the heater is easy to store, as it folds flat. It has a large size of 23×37.5×23. You can adjust the temperature to the level you need. The product can be heated from 120F to 155F.

This temperature is safe for most of your furniture and clothes but will kill bed bugs. The pack includes a wireless thermometer, so you can see when you reach the 155F. Usually, it takes up to 80 minutes to kill the insects on it. Please, do consider the item’s size. The bigger it is, the more it has to stay in the heater.

Pros:	Cons:
Family-friendly; No chemicals; 100 percent killing warranty; Easy to transport and store.	The size of the item does not allow to put the whole bed inside it, though there are bigger options.

7. HARRIS Bed Bug Killer Value Bundle Kit – the Best Way to Kill Bed Bugs with This Complete Bed Bug Treatment Kit

HARRIS Bed Bug Killer Value Bundle Kit -…

Specifications:

Scent: Unscented
Item Form: Spray, Powder
Item Weight: 10.78 pounds
Package Dimensions:13.54 x 8.66 x 8.15 inches
Target pests: Bed Bugs

Bed Bug Killer Value Bundle Kit from HARRIS offers not one product but a set of them to stop bed bugs for good. This is a perfect mix. If one product does not kill the insects, then others will. Bed bugs simply don’t have a chance to survive. Bed Bug Killer Value Bundle Kit was produced by HARRIS, the registered EPA company that manufactures insecticides in the USA.

It offers bed bug powder bottle, gallon spray, diatomaceous earth powder, and a powder duster in a pack. You are able to use all of these items at the same time but in different places around the house. Together they are the deadliest weapon you have. All you need to do is to read the instructions carefully, and use a protective mask during the application of powder and spray.

Pros:	Cons:
You may apply the product on all the surfaces in the house; High positive results; You don’t have to buy all of the items separately; Quality of the products checked by millions; Kills all types of bed bugs.	It costs more than separate products on the list.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Naturally?

I have already discussed the best ways to prevent bed bugs attacks on your home. So, let’s skip this part with ironing and washing using high temperatures. I am not the biggest fan of home-made remedies, as you may have already noticed.

I believe that you have to buy professionally made bed bug killers or call pests control. Why? I just found them less helpful than insecticides from experts. However, you have to know all your options. Here are home-made remedies I have heard about:

Herbs. Dried or fresh lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, and mint. You have to put them around your house. They will do you no harm, anyway. Lavender is also known as a moth killer, while mint can scare away rats, as far as I know. There are numerous insects that hate these plants, just make sure you will not frighten your homies or beloved ones. Just make sachets and place them close to your bed and dresser;
Essential oils. The components are the same, but instead of dry herbs, you can use aroma oils. Except eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender, and mint, you can add citronella and tea tree oils. If you are using tea tree oil, make sure that it will be applied in places unavailable for pets, as they may suffer from allergy. Some people rub these oils in the frame of a bed. Others prefer to do laundry by adding a few drops of these oils. You can even create a home-made spray, by mixing oil and water;
Diatomaceous earth. I have already mentioned this product. And, as you remember, you have to keep it away from skin and eyes to avoid irritation. Sprinkle it around the room and under your bed. Don’t inhale it;
Use the dryer sheets on your mattress. You will need up to 10 dryer sheets, which you will have to put under the mattress. Bed bugs will hate the smell. If you are ok with it, you can put it into the pillowcases and your dresser as well;
You can buy special pillow cases of non-permeable fabric. They don’t have crannies and seams for insects to hide. Such cases are washable and not really expensive;
Try interceptors. You may install four of them under the bed’s legs. This will prevent bed bugs from crawling on your bed. If you can’t buy them, you can always make them from plastic dishes. Just make sure that there are borders that wouldn’t let insects crawl up on the bed.

Which Method to Choose?

Although I’ve shared all my secrets and tips with you, the products that I have checked out and was satisfied with their results, you are not obliged to choose one of them. I suggest you take a good look at your situation with bed bugs, calculate your chances, take into consideration the money you can spend, and go for the most appropriate solution for you. If you had to deal with bed bugs, write your comments below.

Share how you got rid of them with me and the readers. I wonder whether you have already tried one of the products I described there, so write down your impressions.

References:

Bed Bugs FAQs (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/bedbugs/faqs.html
Bed Bugs (University of Minnesota Extension):
https://extension.umn.edu/biting-insects/bed-bugs
Pyrethrins General Fact Sheet(National Pesticide Information Center): http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/pyrethrins.html
Bed Bug Control (Pesticide Research Institute):
https://www.pesticideresearch.com/site/pri-resource-centers/pest-mgmt/pest-mgmt-bulletins/bed-bug-control/
Bed Bugs: A Public Health Issue (United States Environmental Protection Agency): https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/bed-bugs-public-health-issue
Bed Bugs – What They Are and How to Control Them (New York State): https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/pests/bedbugs.htm

2020-04-30

Best Bed Bug Sprays in [year]: Expert Reviews
Today, I would like to talk about small, usually brownish, oval insects that I like to call “tiny vampires” — bed bugs. Despite the fact that bed bugs cannot fly, they are one of the most dangerous and annoying pests. Bed bugs are of small size and move very quickly. In addition, people that have ever faced them know that it is really hard to get bed bugs out of the house.
These insects can hide absolutely everywhere, starting from the suitcases and baseboards and ending with the small, hard-to-reach gorges between furniture. Bed bugs feed only on blood, so they live close to people.
As a rule, these insects only require about 5-10 minutes to engorge with blood, after which they hide for several days in a secluded place to digest food and lay eggs. By the way, one female lays hundreds of eggs at a time!
Product
My Top Pick
Professional Bed Bug Insecticide
Best Natural Spray
Great Value
Title
BEDLAM Plus 17 oz, Clear
Tempo Ultra SC 240 ML (8.12 oz) Multi Use Pest Control Insecticide ~ Spiders Bedbugs Roaches…
Bed Bug Killer 16 oz EcoVenger by EcoRaider, 100% Kill Efficacy, Bedbugs & Mites, Kills Eggs & The…
Harris Toughest Bed Bug Killer, Liquid Spray with Odorless and Non-Staining Extended Residual Kill…
Price
$22.39
$61.06
$19.45
$59.99
Prime
–
–
Pros
Two active ingredients.
Can be used indoors and outdoors.
Eco-friendly.
Can be used in homes with people and pets.
My review
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Buy
Check Latest Price
Check Latest Price
Check Latest Price
Check Latest Price
My Top Pick
Product
Title
BEDLAM Plus 17 oz, Clear
Price
$22.39
Prime
–
Pros
Two active ingredients.
My review
Read review
Buy
Check Latest Price
Professional Bed Bug Insecticide
Product
Title
Tempo Ultra SC 240 ML (8.12 oz) Multi Use Pest Control Insecticide ~ Spiders Bedbugs Roaches…
Price
$61.06
Prime
–
Pros
Can be used indoors and outdoors.
My review
Read review
Buy
Check Latest Price
Best Natural Spray
Product
Title
Bed Bug Killer 16 oz EcoVenger by EcoRaider, 100% Kill Efficacy, Bedbugs & Mites, Kills Eggs & The…
Price
$19.45
Prime
Pros
Eco-friendly.
My review
Read review
Buy
Check Latest Price
Great Value
Product
Title
Harris Toughest Bed Bug Killer, Liquid Spray with Odorless and Non-Staining Extended Residual Kill…
Price
$59.99
Prime
Pros
Can be used in homes with people and pets.
My review
Read review
Buy
Check Latest Price
Bed bugs are carriers of many problems and inconveniences, they also can be a cause of different allergic reactions. This is why today I want to tell you about one of the most effective ways to deal with bed bugs — sprays. They can easily penetrate into various crevices and inaccessible places.
Also, we will talk with you about how to use these sprays correctly and whether they are harmless to people. I hope that my advice will be useful, and you will find the most effective bed bug spray. So, if you are interested in this topic, read on!

Top 7 Best Bed Bug Sprays
Before we continue, I want you to understand the principle of bed bug treatments. There are many ways to deal with bed bugs, ranging from folk remedies to chemical ones. I am committed to the second method, as I consider it more effective in combating these insects. There are several chemical methods:
1. 1. liquids;
    gas;
    sprays;
    powders.
Personally, I like sprays the most. And there are several reasons for this:
1. 1. they can be used in the house;
    one of the safest ways for people;
    easy to buy.
Also, there is another, no less important factor. As I wrote above, bed bugs often like to hide in very narrow and inaccessible places. Let’s be honest, for a human, it’s almost impossible to get there. But, if you are armed with a spray, worry no more!
1. Best Bed Bug Spray: Bedlam Plus 17 oz

BEDLAM Plus 17 oz, Clear
Check price on DoMyOwn Check price on Amazon
Specifications:
- Item Volume: 17 oz
- Item Form: Spray
- Item Weight: 1.3 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 10.51 x 3.86 x 2.6 inches
- Target pests: Bed Bugs
This is my favorite spray and the strongest bed bug killer that I have ever tested. Plus 17 oz spray is sold by Bedlam. Most probably, you have not heard about this brand before.
The company was established not so long ago, therefore, it does not have a large network of distributors or ads. When I first tried this spray, I was really skeptical about the result. But it definitely exceeded all my expectations!
Firstly, it is completely safe for all fabrics and materials for which water is safe. Secondly, you can use it with mattresses, carpets and wooden furniture. Thirdly, the spray contains 2 active ingredients to enhance the effect.
Although Bedlam claims that two weeks is enough to completely remove all bed bugs, in my case, I managed to do it in 10 days. And the first instant result was in a couple of days. Press the button below to check the availability and price of the most effective bed bug spray.
Pros: Cons:
For use on various fabrics and other materials;
Two active ingredients;
Kills all bed bugs in the short term.
Due to high demand, it is often out of stock.
2. Professional Bed Bug Spray: Tempo Ultra SC

Tempo Ultra SC 240 ML (8.12 oz) Multi Use Pest…
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Tempo is one of the most famous bug spray sellers with high-quality home tools and various insect repellents in their assortment. Several months ago, my friend recommended that I try Ultra SC. He works in the pest control company, so his recommendations are valuable for me.
As a rule, people ask such companies for help in the last turn, when none of the methods helped, because the house after disinfection becomes unsuitable for people for a couple of weeks. However, Ultra SC is one of the few professional tools that can be used in houses or flats where people live.
Tempo US Ultra is highly concentrated, therefore, it is recommended to ventilate the rooms very often while using it, and after spraying, you should go out for a couple of hours. The remedy is only sold in the big bottles, so the price is around $30. But for a professional spray, it is not too high.
Pros: Cons:
Meant for professional use;
Can be used indoors and outdoors;
Manufactured by Bayer.
Not eco-friendly;
Small bottles are quickly sold out, so, as a rule, only large ones remain.
3. Best Natural Spray: Bed Bug Killer by EcoRider

Bed Bug Killer 16 oz EcoVenger by EcoRaider, 100%…

Check price on Amazon
Specifications:
- Item Volume: 16 Fluid Ounces
- Item Form: Spray
- Item Weight: 1.2 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 3 x 4 x 10 inches
- Target pests: Bed Bugs
One of the cons I mentioned in Tempo Ultra SC reviews was it’s not eco-friendliness. Because of this, it may seem that all sprays against bed bugs are dangerous for the environment. However, this is not at all true. BedBug Killer by EcoRider is completely non-toxic. There are numerous surveys that confirm this, among them:
1. 1. experiments by several universities published in Journal of Economic Entomology;
    USDA IR4 PHP Program;
    recent research by Rutgers University.
If you have doubts or want to know more about the surveys that prove this spray’s eco-friendly, you can google it. The Bed Bug Killer spray was manufactured by EcoRider, a large American company that specializes in products against various insects, such as bed bugs, ants, roaches, and mosquitos.
You can buy one bottle or a pack of them. Also, the size of the bottle also varies. Therefore, the price is very flexible and depends on these factors.
Pros: Cons:
Manufactured by a well-known company in the field;
There are several buying options;
Eco-friendly.
The price is above average;
Not shipped to all countries.
4. Best Good Smell Spray: HARRIS Bed Bug Killer Spray

Harris Toughest Bed Bug Killer, Liquid Spray with…

Check price on Amazon
Specifications:
- Item Volume: 128 Fluid Ounces
- Scent: Unscented
- Item Form: Spray
- Item Weight: 1 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
- Target pests: Bed Bugs
As a rule, all chemicals do not smell very nice. For some, this may not be important at all as the main thing is a result. However, if the smell of the product you purchase is important to you, I advise you to buy Bed Bug Killer. It is a completely odorless spray with a killing formula for the bed bugs.
Moreover, this remedy can kill not only mature insects but also their eggs. Remember, I mentioned above that one bed bug female can lay hundreds of eggs at a time?
Similar to Tempo Ultra SC, it is often sold in big-sized bottles. Bed Bug Killer spray by HARRIS is completely approved for use in homes with people and pets by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By the way, the company often offers discounts. So, you can buy it at a very affordable price. For example, at the time of writing, the discount was 11%.
Pros: Cons:
Can be used in homes with people and pets;
Odorless;
Frequent discounts.
Sold only in big bottles;
Quite expensive.
5. Spray to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Very Fast: PT Alpine Flea & Bed Bug Pressurized Insecticide

PT Alpine Flea & Bed Bug Pressurized Insecticide -…
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Specifications:
- Item Volume: 20 Fluid Ounces
- Item Form: Spray
- Item Weight: 1.2 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 2.7 x 2.6 inches
- Target pests: Bed Bugs
This spray is effective not only against bed bugs, it also kills other insects. As a rule, the causes for insects indoors infestation are very similar. Therefore, if you have ants or cockroaches, then it is more likely that after some time, other insects may appear.
PT Alpine Flea & Bed Bug Pressurized Insecticide helps you kill the existing bed bugs and prevent the appearance of new ones by killing their eggs.
Among the advantages, it is worth mentioning that the spray is completely safe for pets and people. Also, despite the small size of the bottle (only 20 ounces), this spray is quite enough for the territory of more than 2,500 square feet. PT Alpine Flea & Bed Bug Pressurized was manufactured by the German chemical company BASF SE.
By the way, it is the second largest chemical producer in the world. Hence, do not doubt the quality of PT Alpine Flea & Bed Bug Pressurized.
Pros: Cons:
Manufactured by one of the largest chemical producers in the world;
High-quality;
Kills the bed bugs within several days.
No official warranty;
Sold out very quickly.
6. Great Bed Bug Killer Bundle & Commercial Bed Bug Spray: HARRIS Bed Bug Killer Value Bundle Kit

HARRIS Bed Bug Killer Value Bundle Kit – 32oz Bed…
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Specifications:
- Scent: Unscented
- Item Form: Gel, Spray, Powder
- Item Weight: 15.8 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 8.7 x 6.2 inches
- Target pests: Bed Bugs
This is the last item on my list. At the beginning of the article, I wrote that there were different means of fighting against bed bugs. Among them, gels, sprays, powders, and traps. I also wrote that, in my opinion, the most effective way to kill the bed bugs and their eggs were sprays. But nothing prevents you from combining all the means to enhance the effect. That is why I added in my list the bundle kit that includes:
1. 1. Liquid: Harris Resistant Bed Bug Killer, 32oz;
    Aerosol: Harris Resistant Bed Bug Aerosol, 16oz;
    Powder: Harris Bed Bug Silica Powder, 8oz;
    Trap: Harris Bed Bug Glue Traps, 4 Pack.
The bundle kit was manufactured by an American company named Harris. It has more than 55 various products to kill the insects of various types: roaches, bed bugs, stink bugs, and even scorpions.
Pros: Cons:
Four remedies in one kit;
High-quality;
Manufactured by the company specialized in insect killers.
A bit pricey;
Beware of the fakes.
7. The Remedy With Tons of Positive Bed Bug Spray Reviews: Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug
Sale
Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug, Flea and Tick…

Check price on Amazon
Specifications:
- Item Volume: 1 gal
- Item Form: Spray
- Item Weight: 9.43 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 4.88 x 8.95 x 12 inches
- Target pests: Bed Bug, Flea, Tick
People often ask me how I find sprays for testing. The answer is very simple: usually, my friends who also study harmful insects advise me to try a particular product. The second source is various specialized magazines or sites. Very rarely, I decide to buy or test the spray after reading the reviews on the Internet or seeing nice packaging.
Amazing but it was the case with Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug. Before the purchase, I came across its reviews on various sites and forums several times in a row. People strongly advised it and named it the “most effective commercial bed bug spray”. When I tried it, the result exceeded all expectations!
This spray kills bed bugs, their eggs, fleas, and ticks within a couple of days. You can even use this remedy as a spot treatment around bed frames and mattresses.
Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug is a concentrated spray. Due to this, it can kill even pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs. But, at the same time, the spray can also be harmful to sensitive people. Therefore, I highly advise you to go out for a couple of hours after spraying it indoors.
Pros: Cons:
Highly concentrated for killing even the toughest bed bugs;
Affordable price;
Several options for buying.
Can be harmful to humans.
Buyer’s Guide About Best Bed Bug Insecticide
In this section, I want to dwell on the most common questions about bed bug sprays. Here you’ll find the answers to several of them:
1. 1. What are the sprays types?
    How to use them correctly?
    When and what type of sprays you should apply?
    What are the safety issues in controlling bed bugs?
By the way, if you have a question, you can ask me in the comments box below.
How Do Bed Bug Sprays Work?
There are two types of sprays: chemical and natural. Note that even the natural and eco-friendly remedies contain chemical ingredients, but they are harmless to people and the environment. No matter the spray type you buy, the principles of its work are the same:
1. 1. First, you need to spray the remedy on the bed and all other places where bugs can possibly hide like furniture (commonly, bed sprays work well on the mattresses and the wood);
    Then you need to leave it for a couple of hours;
    After that, clean the bed and make it. That’s all. You can sleep there!
I highly advise you to spray the remedy not only on the bed but also across the room. Always remember that bed bugs move very fast! That’s why, as soon as you spray the remedy on the bed, it will become a dangerous habitat for them and they may run to a safer place.
The spray contains substances that can kill the bed bugs during the inhalation. However, one breath is not enough for them. Therefore, I recommend you to ensure there is poison all over the room.
Related Post: EcoRaider Bed Bug Spray Review
What Are the Common Active Ingredients?
EPA has registered more than 300 various products that can be used against bed bugs, most of them are OK to use at home, but several items are only allowed to be used by a professional.
These seven pesticides chemical classes are the most used in the bed control management:
1. 1. pyrethrins;
    pyrethroids;
    desiccants;
    biochemicals;
    pyrroles;
    neonicotinoids;
    insect growth regulators.
Let’s look at each of them more closely. The first two pesticides, pyrethrin and pyrethroid, are completely natural and eco-friendly. Therefore, they are the most common compound that the indoor sprays contain. Desiccants work as the destroyers of the waxy, protective outer coating of the bed bugs. One of the benefits of using the desiccants is that insects cannot become resistant to them.
Cold pressed neem oil is the only biochemical pesticide that is allowed to be used in bed bug sprays, according to the EPA. By the way, this ingredient is also used in a variety of cosmetic remedies, such as shampoos. Similar to biochemical pesticides, the pyrroles have only one product that can be used in sprays against bed bugs — chlorfenapyr.
This chemical can disrupt certain functions in the insect’s cells that cause their death. Neonicotinoids act on the nervous system of bed bugs, forcing it to work continuously. And insect growth regulators change the size of the mature insects.
Related Post: Bed Bug Bully Review: Is IT Effective Enough?

How to Use Bed Bug Sprays Correctly?
I know that most of my readers will most likely ask themselves: “Why did he include this question in this guide?” After all, everything is clear:
1. 1. I need to open a bed bug spray;
    spray it on the bed;
    leave for a few hours;
    and then rinse the mattress.
However, it is not as simple as it may seem. A lot of people make numerous unobvious mistakes at every step. That is why I decided to tell you in detail how to apply the spray against bed bugs on the bed. So, the process consists of three steps:
Step 1: First of all, you should evaluate the “scale of the disaster.” After that, choose a spray you want to buy and do not forget to carefully read what area the spray can cover. After all, the last thing you need in this situation is to suddenly find out that you can spray only half of the room. Then count how much money you will spend for a spray. Sometimes it turns out that it is much cheaper to call the a pest control expert;
Step 2: Focus on spraying your bed and mattresses. Do not forget that bed bugs like to hide not only in the mattress but also in small gorges between furniture or baseboards. Moreover, after processing, most likely, the insects will quickly migrate from your bed to other parts of the room. Therefore, treat it thoroughly, take the time. Pay particular attention to the small holes and the spaces between the bed and the mattress;
Step 3: Now carefully monitor the situation. Although modern sprays kill bed bug eggs, it is still possible that you could miss some small gorge. Therefore, repeat Step 2 after a few days and throughout the month. If bed bugs still appear, then contact the experts.
Related Post: 7 Best Bed Bug Mattress Encasements
Related Post: 5 Best Bed Bug Heaters Reviewed.
Most Effective Bed Bug Treatment: Have You Chosen Yet?
In this article, I’ve tried to answer the most widespread questions related to bed bugs sprays. Now you know what are the main ingredients in the bed bugs sprays, how much they cost, are they really effective against bed bugs, and so on. I hope that the information will be useful and you find something new here. If you have some questions, please, ask me in the comments below. I will answer as soon as possible.
References:
1. - Understanding Bed Bug Treatments (The University of Minnesota):
    https://www.bedbugs.umn.edu/homeowners-and-tenants/understanding-treatments
  - Safety Issues in Controlling Bed Bugs (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency):
    https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/safety-issues-controlling-bed-bugs
2020-04-28
How to Get Rid of Fleas in Carpet: Effective Carpet Flea Control Methods
Fleas in carpets are a rather unpleasant situation, and you probably want to know how to get rid of them. I know a lot about killing fleas in the carpet, even if they’ve been living there for a long time. I tested all the methods from a scientific perspective and selected the most effective of them to help you save time and money.
In this detailed guide, I gathered everything I know about carpet flea treatment, flea control and prevention. It includes a description of reasons for parasite infestation, ways to detect them, and the most effective ways to get fleas out of the carpet. Below you will find instructions for chemical delousing and natural flea treatment for carpet. Don’t waste your time on traditional practices and learn how to solve the problem professionally.

The Reasons for Carpet Fleas Infestation
Pests in houses are a very common problem when you have pets. Our little friends can bring these micro bugs home even after a 10-minute walk on the street. Bug legs are designed for precise jumping on long distances, which lets them attack your pets from several meters. When they reach the animal’s body, female specimen can lay eggs in the fur, which is warm enough for their growth.
As eggs grow, they become dry and fall down. Hatched larvae usually inhabit warm places, such as pet cushions, human bedrooms, and carpets, where they can hide amongst fibers until they become mature insects. Usually frequent, thorough vacuuming solves the problem in advance, but if larvae have enough time to spin a cocoon, it becomes very hard to vacuum them. That’s why proper flea treatment for carpets is essential in such cases.
These small insects can also get into your house through windows, even if you don’t have pets. They can jump inside instinctively or get thrown inside by the wind. Due to their small size (2mm max), they can easily get inside through mosquito nets and tiny cracks.
Signs Your Carpet is Infested
The first and the truest sign that your house is infested by carpet bugs is the presence of parasites in your pet’s hair. Your pet is likely to tell you about the problem as soon as adult parasites get on its body. The animal will start scratching more frequently than it used to, trying to remove the reason of itching. Other signs include dark specks that are bug feces and tiny grey and black pieces on the pet’s bedding and carpets.
If you don’t notice anything like that, but want to do some additional checking, I’ll tell you another simple method. Take a bowl of hot soapy water and put it in the middle of the carpet. Then switch off all the lights around and shine your smartphone flash above the bowl. If you really have an infestation, adult bugs will start jumping towards the light and falling into the bowl where soap will kill them fast. However, that’s not what kills fleas in carpet completely, so read further to learn how to kill fleas in carpet.
How Long Do Fleas Live in Carpet?
You can kill adult parasites on the bodies of your pets, but can fleas live in a carpet without a host? Unfortunately, they can stay in your carpets for another 2-3 months. If you don’t start proper carpet flea treatment, they can keep breeding forever.
However, such a scenario is possible only if they have a source of blood. That’s why they usually die when you do scheduled treatment for your pets often enough. When the blood source is absent, these annoying vermins cannot live longer than a few days.
During this period, they’re still able to lay down many eggs. But how long do flea eggs live in carpet? Before hatching, they can live up to 3 days within larvae. The hatching period can last up to 12 days.
Removing Fleas From Carpet
Natural Remedies
First, let’s figure out how to get rid of fleas in your carpet without chemicals. The primary step that you should undertake is cleaning. The tougher your pest problem is, the more often you should clean the entire house. Don’t forget about corners, upholstery, and all other surfaces as pests can survive even in a thin layer of dust under your bed.
Make sure that every spot of the house is clean before starting to use any remedies. One of the best natural remedies to start with is diatomaceous earth. Sprinkle it on the carpet after vacuuming and spray some boiled lemon water with a small amount of rosemary oil. These 3 components are powerful vermin deterrents.
Instead, you can try to sprinkle fine-grained salt and borax. Leave them overnight to let them get deep into the carpet fiber and make vacuum the house in the morning. The minus of this method is that you must keep animals and kids away from treated carpets before you ensure that they’re clean.
How to kill flea eggs in a carpet along with adult specimen? My favorite natural method is the steaming of carpets and furniture. This method requires a simple domestic steam generator. However, I’d recommend you to pay a professional cleaner to do it fast using a more powerful streamer.
Other Remedies
Chemical methods of removing fleas from carpet include pet-friendly carpet sprays and pet-safe insecticides. They can work for up to 14 days after spraying, letting you vacuum out dead carpet fleas. Vacuum the carpet every day or two to complete the procedure. If the situation is too harsh, you’d better call a professional and follow my recommendations after full-cycle treatment. You will find them in the next paragraph.
How to Prevent Infestation
1. Care About The Yard
It’s always better to prevent the infestation in advance than fight bugs when they start replicating in your house. If you live in a house with a backyard, I’d recommend you to trim grass and trees regularly to make the area potentially dangerous for most insects. For a better result, you can use pet-friendly outdoor sprays. It will be excellent prophylaxis against all kinds of pests. To keep away bigger animals that may bring in jumpy insects from the street, don’t feed your pets outside and always close the rubbish container.
2. Provide Animals With Regular Hygiene
As a pet owner, you must provide your small friends with regular thorough flea treatment. Talk to your vet to choose the right schedule and an effective control product. Besides, you can get special food supplements that will make your pet’s skin undesirable for all parasites.
Related Post: Best Cat Flea Treatments Reviewed (Safe & Effective)
3. Vacuum and Change Vacuum Bags Frequently
Vacuuming is one of the best preventive measures against vermins. However, it won’t be effective enough if you don’t clean the container right after vacuuming. Tiny bandits can live and breed within the vacuum bag and get out through the filters. Follow this rule, and you won’t need to care how to get fleas out of carpet. It’s a must-do even if you don’t have pets, because you can easily catch bugs on your shoes and pants even during a short walk.
4. Clean Dogs After Walking
Any vet will say that you have to clean your dog very often. This will not only make your pet healthier but also protect it from most types of parasites. Buy an anti-parasite dog shampoo and use natural repellents. For example, I spray my dog with lemon water before each walk, and it works perfectly well. Don’t forget to bath your pet on time, and you will reduce the probability of infestation. In addition to that, you should comb your pets outside the house to prevent them from falling on the floor.
Related Post: Best Dog Flea & Tick Treatments Reviewed
5. Wash Pet Bedding & Use Carpet Spray
Pet bedding is the most common place for bug breeding. That’s why you should wash it in hot water to avoid headache and schedule removing fleas from carpet for later. To finalize the results, use the pet-friendly carpet spray on the bedding too.
Top 5 Carpet Flea Treatment Products
1. Virbac Knockout E.S. Area Treatment Carpet Spray – Best Flea Spray for Carpets
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Virbac Knockout E.S. Area Treatment Carpet Spray,…

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Specifications:
- Active Ingredients: Pyriproxyfen: 2-[1-Methyl-2- [4-phenoxyphenoxy] ethoxy] pyridine 0.1% Pyrethrins 0.05% N-octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide 0.4% Permethrin [*(3-Phenoxyphenyl) methyl (+ or -) cis-trans-3- (2,2-dichloroethenyl) 2,2-dimethylcyclopropatecarboxylate] 0.4%
- Scent: Unscented
- Item Form: Aerosol
- Item Weight: 1 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 2.5 x 2.5 x 9.5 inches
- Target Species: Fleas, Ticks
Virbac Knockout E.S. Area Treatment Carpet Spray is a convenient spray that’s designed to penetrate the carpet structure without damaging the fiber. You can use it not only for drapes, upholstery, and cracks in the floor and walls. Active ingredients of this product are pet-safe, so you can spray it on pet beddings as well. However, it’s always safer to clean it in hot water after treatment as some animals may be allergic to one of the components.
This spray can prevent the development of the infestation for up to 7 months, depending on the size of the problem. Don’t forget to apply it to cracks in floors as larvae hide there quite often. One 16 oz. spray is enough to cover up to 2100 square feet, so it’s enough for large houses with multiple carpets, many furniture items, and wooden floors with cracks. Vibrac spray doesn’t leave a sticky mess and annoying odors, but I’d recommend you not to spray it too close to furniture to avoid wet stains.
Pros: Cons:
Pet-safe components;
1 spray is enough for 2100 square feet;
No mess and odor;
Prevents infestation for up to 7 months.
Quite costly.
2. Precor Plus Fogger – Best Fogger
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Zoecon – Precor Plus Fogger – 3 x 3 oz. cans
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Specifications:
- Active Ingredients: Permethrin 0.58% , Methoprene (IGR) 0.09%
- Item Form: Fogger
- Item Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 6 x 2 x 1.9 inches
- Target Species: Fleas
Precor Plus Fogger offers nearly the same characteristics as the Knockout Spray by Vibrac. You can use it to kill adult carpet fleas, larvae, and their eggs successfully. One 3 oz can is enough for covering up to 3000 square feet of carpets, cracks, and furniture. However, it’s more effective to cover a smaller area with more fog as it tends to wear off if there are drafts in the house.
The effect will be notable for up to 7 months if you follow all the recommendations and fog all the possible hideouts. It’s safe to let your small children and pets inside after fogging, but I’d not recommend you to let them be around for around 2 hours after the procedure to ensure that anyone can breathe it in.
While the effectiveness of this product is similar to the previous one, the application method is different. If your house has many hard-to-reach corners, it’s easier to treat them with a fogger than trying to spray the insecticide under the right angle.
Pros: Cons:
Effect lasts up to 7 months;
Help to access hard-to-reach places;
Covers up to 3000 square feet.
Helps against adult fleas, eggs, and larvae.
Not very effective if there are drafts in the house.
3. Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade by Harris – Best Natural Treatment

Harris Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade, 5lb with…

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Specifications:
- Pet Safe: Yes, if used as described on label
- Active Ingredient: Natural Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – Amorphous Silica: 100%
- Parts Included: Powder Duster
- Item Weight: 5 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 17.91 x 12.09 x 4.84 inches
Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade by Harris is an effective natural pest remedy that has additives and fillers in the composition. The package comes full of 100% ground freshwater diatomaceous earth mined in Nevada. Even the manufacturing method is 100% ecological as the factory doesn’t produce any waste. Moreover, Harris donates 10% of its income to the Etowah Valley Humane Society.
All Harris packages are supplied with convenient powder dusters that let you dust hard-to-reach areas. The extension nozzle is 6 inches long, which is enough for dusting carpets under furniture. The efficiency of this pest treatment method is a bit lower than sprays and foggers provide, but you can repeat the procedure as many times as you need without being afraid that someone in your house will have an allergy. It’s also usually cheaper than most sprays and flea foggers as you can cover larger areas using a single bag.
Pros: Cons:
Doesn’t have an expiration date;
100% pet-safe and ecological;
OMRI Listed;
Comes with a powder duster.
Not as effective as sprays and foggers.
4. BASF 671858 PT – Powerful Insecticide

BASF 671858 PT Ultracide Pressurized Flea…

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Specifications:
- Active Ingredients: MGK 264 0.4%, Permethrin 0.4%, Pyrethrins 0.05% ,Pyriproxyfen 0.1%
- Coverage Area: 20 oz. Covers approx. 2,625 sq. ft.
- Item Form: Aerosol
- Item Weight: 1 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 2.7 x 2.7 x 11.4 inches
- Target Species:Flea Larvae and Eggs, Adult Fleas and Ticks
BASF 671858 PT is one of the most effective insecticide sprays on the market. However, it’s necessary to follow stricter precautionary measures while using it inside your house or apartment. There are no components that can harm pets or children, but it’s strictly prohibited to let them inside the room until the insecticide dries completely. Direct contact with the insecticide will be harmful. Fortunately, it dries quickly.
It also requires you to spray a bit more remedy on the surfaces as the max area of a 20 oz spray can is limited to 2600 square feet. There are 3 active components that provide fast knockdown, pest life cycle disruption, and control on the problem for up to 7 months.
Pros: Cons:
One of the most effective chemical remedies;
Dries fast;
3 active components for knockdown and control.
Direct contact with the spray can be harmful to animals and children.
5. Adams Flea & Tick Carpet Powder – Persistent-effect Powder

ADAMS Plus Carpet Powder, Kills Fleas and Ticks On…

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Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Piperonyl Butoxide 0.5%
- Scent: Fresh, Citrus
- Item Form: Powder
- Item Weight: 1 Pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 2.5 x 2.5 x 7.56 inches
Adams Flea & Tick Carpet Powder is a rather cheap chemical remedy with Linalool and Nylar. These components are effective for killing fleas in carpet along with eggs and hatched larvae. Due to an Insect Growth Regulator, it stops the survived fleas from breeding for up to 30 days. After that, the flea life cycle will be shortened during up to 1 year. The powder is designed for deep penetration and persistent effect. It remains deep in the carpet even if you vacuum it twice a week to vacuum dead pests out. Another benefit of using the powder is the deodorizing effect. It freshens the air in the house and adds a persistent citrus scent that hides animal smells.
The disadvantage of this powder is that 1 16 oz container cannot cover more than 400 square feet. It means that you have to buy 2 or more powder cans if there are more than 2 rooms in your house. The powder is totally safe for animals and children, but you should keep them away while dusting the powder.
Pros: Cons:
Continuous 365-day control;
Nice citrus scent;
Rather cheap.
One can isn’t enough for an average house.
FAQ
1. Why and when fleas may infest your carpet?
Flea infestation in a carpet can occur when your pets bring pests into the house in hair. Fleas can also travel on your shoes and clothes. In most cases, nothing will happen, but if you don’t bath your pets and clean the house thoroughly enough, flukes will replicate rapidly.
2. What are common signs of fleas in carpet?
Check your pets’ skin and beddings for specks of tiny feces, larvae, and pepper-size eggs. If you find them, the chances that your carpet is infested are rather high. Start carpet flea treatment as soon as possible to avoid consequences.
3. How long can pests live inside the fiber?
Adult fleas can inhabit the carpet for an unlimited period if they have a host that supplies them with food. If there’s no blood source, they die within a few days. That’s why regular pet hygiene treatment and vacuuming is usually enough.
4. How long do flea eggs live in carpet?
Flea eggs can live up to 3 days within larvae before they hatch. The hatching period can last up to 12 days. Both natural and chemical remedies can stop it or slow it down.

Always Think in Advance
Now you know how to prevent a flea infestation in carpet and all about getting rid of fleas in carpet in a vast majority of cases. Using natural and chemical methods described in this article, you can solve the problem of nearly any difficulty. But don’t forget to take precautionary measures to avoid the poisoning of pets and small children.
Despite the accessibility of insect fighting methods, I strongly recommend you stick to preventive measures to avoid spending tons of time and money on carpet flea treatment when the situation gets too bad.
Do you have any experience in fighting jumping vermins that’s different from mine? Share it in the comments section so that we can discuss your methods. You can also ask any question if something isn’t clear enough.
References:
- Using Pesticides on Your Pet (University of Florida IFAS Extension):
  https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi119
- How long is the life span of a flea? (Library of Congress):https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/item/how-long-is-the-life-span-of-a-flea/
2020-04-28
Best Bed Bug Mattress Covers in [year]: Expert Reviews
Bed bugs are one of the most challenging home insects to deal with. Even though they cannot fly, you will still have a lot of problems with them. First of all, they move really fast, and you cannot even notice how bugs from your room will hitchhike to the neighbor’s house.
Secondly, their organisms can quickly become resistant to the vast majority of sprays and other poison types. Finally, bed bugs only feed on human blood; as such, they are always seeking a place where we are the most vulnerable. Therefore, our sleeping mattresses are their main target and the strongest desire.
Usually, bed bugs bite different parts of the body, such as fingers, legs, or face. When we are sleeping, most of us don’t even feel that we became victims of bed bugs. People will only notice lots of small red spots on the body after waking up in the morning. By the way, it is very hard to spot a bed bug as it is truly tiny – only a couple of millimeters in size.
Product
My Top Pick
Best Pillow Encasement
Title
HOSPITOLOGY PRODUCTS Mattress Encasement – Zippered Bed Bug Dust Mite Proof Hypoallergenic – Sleep…
SafeRest Pillow Protector – Pack of 1 – Standard Size Waterproof Pillow Cover – Zippered Pillow…
PlushDeluxe Full Size Premium Mattress Encasement – Zippered Waterproof, Bedbug Proof Design,…
SafeRest Zippered Mattress Protector – Premium 9-12 Inch Waterproof Mattress Cover for Bed -…
Price
$41.00
$14.49
$39.99
$59.99
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Pros
Waterproof barrier.
Hypoallergenic fabrics.
Hypoallergenic.
360 zipper closing feature.
My review
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My Top Pick
Product
Title
HOSPITOLOGY PRODUCTS Mattress Encasement – Zippered Bed Bug Dust Mite Proof Hypoallergenic – Sleep…
Price
$41.00
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Pros
Waterproof barrier.
My review
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Best Pillow Encasement
Product
Title
SafeRest Pillow Protector – Pack of 1 – Standard Size Waterproof Pillow Cover – Zippered Pillow…
Price
$14.49
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Pros
Hypoallergenic fabrics.
My review
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Product
Title
PlushDeluxe Full Size Premium Mattress Encasement – Zippered Waterproof, Bedbug Proof Design,…
Price
$39.99
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Pros
Hypoallergenic.
My review
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Product
Title
SafeRest Zippered Mattress Protector – Premium 9-12 Inch Waterproof Mattress Cover for Bed -…
Price
$59.99
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360 zipper closing feature.
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So, what is the solution to the problem? How to prevent bed bugs from getting into your bed? One of the solutions can be buying a bed bug cover. How to choose the best one? How much does it cost? What are the pitfalls? In this guide, you will not only find answers to these questions, but you will also find out lots of useful information regarding bed bugs!

TOP 7 Best Bed Bug Mattress Covers
As you know, I am a professional entomologist who has been studying pests control for more than 25 years. I have already tested dozens of different bed bug control methods and hundreds of products. Today, I want to tell you about bed bug mattresses encasement. Surprisingly, even people, who have already faced the problem of bed bugs in their homes, have not heard about this approach.
Bed bug mattresses covers are an excellent method not only to combat bed bugs but also to prevent their occurrence. That is why I have prepared a comprehensive list of my favorite and most effective bed bug mattresses covers that are below.
1. TOP Pick Best Bed Bug Mattress Cover: HOSPITOLOGY PRODUCTS Sleep Defense System
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HOSPITOLOGY PRODUCTS Mattress Encasement -…

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Specifications:
- Size: Queen 12″ Standard
- Fabric Type: 12″-18″ Depth Mattress
- Material: Polyester
- Closure Type: Zipper
- Water Resistance Level: Waterproof
In fact, HOSPITOLOGY PRODUCTS Sleep Defense System is the best bed bug mattress cover I have ever used. HOSPITOLOGY, the system’s manufacturer, produces only hypoallergenic bedding products. So, if you suffer from allergy, it may be the best option for purchasing. The company was established several years ago, and today, it is considered one of the most trusted manufacturers of bed sleeping products.
The mattress encasement is sold in various sizes and depths. It is made from polyester and manufactured in the USA, but the company has a large network of distributors, so do not worry about the delivery to your country or region. Due to the use of high-quality polyester knit fabric, the encasement is completely water-resistant and extra-soft at the same time.
In addition, this mattress cover can help to deal with different respiratory conditions, such as asthma. The mattress cover can be easily washed in the washing machine;the detailed instruction on the washing is attached to the product.
Pros: Cons:
Hypoallergenic;
Waterproof barrier;
It can be washed in the machine.
The most popular sizes are sold out very fast.
2. Bed Bug Proof Mattress Cover: PlushDeluxe Premium Zippered Mattress Encasement

PlushDeluxe Full Size Premium Mattress Encasement…

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Specifications:
- Size: Full
- Fabric Type: Cotton
- Material: 12″-15″ Deep
- Closure Type: Zipper
- Water Resistance Level: Waterproof
This Premium Zippered Mattress Encasement by PlushDeluxe is one of the best bed bug protectors. There is a tiny, almost invisible zipper with a secure velcro clap that can become your best friend in the fight against bed bugs. Moreover, the mattress cover is very soft and provides you with a comforting surface.
Similar to the Defense System by HOSPITOLOGY, the product is hypoallergenic and water-resistant. Also, it is very easy to clean and wash in the machine (requires low temperatures). PlushDeluxe offers a 10-year warranty that allows you to replace the mattress anytime.
PlushDeluxe is one of the most recognizable sleeping bed products manufacturers. You can easily find their mattresses covers or pillow protectors almost in all countries and regions. In their assortment, you can find the products that were recommended for people who have eczema or asthma; moreover, the vast majority of items have the protection not only from bed bugs but also from other insects or allergens. By the way, they have an affordable price policy.
Pros: Cons:
10-year warranty;
Hypoallergenic;
Easy to clean;
Soft.
Sold in one color only;
It does not ship to all countries.
3. Lab Tested Mattress Cover to Prevent Bed Bugs: SafeRest Premium Zippered Mattress Encasement
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SafeRest Zippered Mattress Protector – Premium…

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Specifications:
- Size: Queen
- Noiseless
- Material: Cotton
- Closure Type: Zipper
- Water Resistance Level: Waterproof
This SafeRest Premium Zippered Mattress Encasement is one of the most reliable bed covers. It is made from cotton and designed to block different potential allergens, fluids, dust mites and bed bugs. This anti bed bug mattress cover protects the mattress from all six sides.
Moreover, it has a 360 zipper closing option. Such an approach allows preventing accidental openings, for example, by children. The cotton used in SafeRest mattress covers is breathable and hypoallergenic.
SafeRest belongs to premium class brands that produce mattress protectors. Buying their products, you can be sure that the products are of a high quality, but the price is relatively high as well. The company has several years of experience on the market and provides every customer with a 10-year warranty no matter what item they buy. SafeRest is based in Florida, USA, but due to the wide distributor network, its products are sold around the world.
Pros: Cons:
360 zipper closing feature;
Protects from all six sides;
High-quality materials.
Expensive;
It does not ship to all countries.
4. Best Waterproof Mattress Cover: Utopia Bedding Zippered Mattress Encasement
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Utopia Bedding Zippered Mattress Encasement Queen,…

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Specifications:
- Size: Queen
- Fabric Type: Polyester
- Material: Polyester
- Closure Type: Zipper
- Water Resistance Level: Waterproof
I like this mattress cover due to the fact that it usually has several options for buying. Moreover, the more items you buy, the bigger discount per one item you get. As such, it is the best option to buy if you want to cover the beds of all your family members. The available package quantity options are one package, two, or ten.
Also, it has six size options: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King. One of the disadvantages is that you can only buy the packages of one size. Similar to all previous items, this product has the following features:
- Zipped guards;
- Waterproof;
- Easy care and washing.
In my opinion, it is one of the best water-resistant bed bug mattress encasements. It has an innovative TPU backing that protects the mattress from all six sides. In addition, this TPU backing is completely breathable and safe.
I think it is also important to say a couple of words about the manufacturer — Utopia Deals. This company is one of the largest producers of beds, kitchen appliances, and other home products. Utopia Deals officially operates in 11 countries and serves more than 15 000 customers every day.
Pros: Cons:
Water-resistant;
Easy care;
Innovative TPU backing.
The company operates in 11 countries only;
Packages can only be bought in one size.
5. Bed Bug Cover for Allergic People: SureGuard Mattress Encasement

Queen (9-12 in. Deep) SureGuard Mattress…

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Specifications:
- Size: Queen
- Fabric Type: Premium Cotton Terry
- Soft & Noiseless
- Closure Type: Zipper
- Water Resistance Level: Waterproof
SureGuard is a company that specializes in pillow and mattress protectors. They produce only hypoallergenic and water-resistant products. This soft and noiseless best mattress cover for bed bugs is made from cotton. By the way, cotton is one of the best fabrics that is used for dress manufacturing. As such, you should not worry about allergic reactions.
The mattress cover not only blocks any allergens, dust mites, and bacteria your mattress can contain, it is also a good protector against bed bugs. This encasement has a thick layer of protection that bed bugs can not bite through. Therefore, you can sleep peacefully and soundly without worrying that in the morning you wake up with bites on your body.
It is super easy to clean and care about the mattress cover by SureGuard. Based on the preferable protection level, you can choose how often you need to wash it. If you want to protect yourself from bed bugs, it is recommended to keep the mattress cover on your mattress for about one year, so that bed bugs die from dehydration.
Pros: Cons:
Provides reliable protection from the bed bugs;
100% Waterproof;
It is made of breathable fabrics;
Protects from allergens and dust mites.
Expensive;
The product is not shipped to all countries.
6. Best Pillow Encasement: SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Bed Bug Proof Zippered Waterproof Pillow Protector
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SafeRest Pillow Protector – Pack of 1 – Standard…
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Specifications:
- Size: Standard
- Fabric Type: Knitted Fabric
- Material: Cotton
- Closure Type: Zipper
- Water Resistance Level: Waterproof
At the very beginning of my article, I wrote that bed bugs love to bite people’s faces. That is why not only mattresses become their goal, but also pillows. By the way, feather pillows have the greatest risk of dust and bed bugs.
I mean that if you have noticed the bed bugs in your mattresses, most likely, these annoying insects are in your pillow too. So, be sure to buy the covers for both. Pillow covers is a topic for a separate article, and since we are talking only about mattresses covers now, I decided to put only two best pillow encasements on my list. The first one is a cover by SafeRest.
This pillow protector is hypoallergenic, so you can use it even for kids` pillows. The encasement is made of knitted fabric, cotton. Also, it has a water protector level and zipped design. In addition, you will get a 10-year warranty.
Pros: Cons:
Hypoallergenic fabrics;
Water-resistant level;
Protection against bed bugs and bacteria.
Standard and Queen sizes are sold out very fast;
Quite expensive.
7. Pillow Encasement for Children: HOSPITOLOGY PRODUCTS Sleep Defense System — Zippered Pillow Encasement
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HOSPITOLOGY PRODUCTS Pillow Encasement- Zippered…

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Specifications:
- Size: Standard
- Contains no Vinyl, PVC, or Phthalates, or fabric treatments of any kind
- Material: Polyester & Polyester Blend
- Closure Type: Zipper
- Water Resistance Level: Waterproof
I have already mentioned the product by this company as the best bed bug mattress protector (the first one). Now, I want to discuss their pillow covers. The manufacturer uses only high-quality fabrics. Also, they have an additional waterproof level to prevent liquids from getting on the pillow. The cover is made from the extra-soft polyester that is completely breathable. The pillow encasement can be washed in the machine even at low temperatures.
I like the HOSPITOLOGY company because they always improve their products. The company has a research department that monitors the newest surveys in this field, the results of which can be implemented in HOSPITOLOGY products.
Also, they have their own department that tests new products and hypotheses. Buying mattress or pillow covers by HOSPITOLOGY, you can be sure of their quality and reliability. By the way, the fabrics that are used in the products’ manufacture are completely hypoallergenic so you can buy them for kids.
Pros: Cons:
High-quality materials;
Water-resistance;
Block various allergens that can be inside the pillow.
Difficult to buy as products are sold out quickly.
The Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide
After I showed you my favorite and the most effective mattress and pillow covers, I want you to look closer at why you need this. I have already mentioned above, that only a few people think about purchasing the bed encasement when they face the problem of bed bugs.
So, let’s figure out whether it is an effective way to get them out or is it just marketing? I propose to start with the signs that indicate the appearance of bed bugs in your house.
Related Post: 7 Best Bed Bug Steamers and Vacuums
Signs That You Have Bed Bugs
First of all, you need to remember that bed bugs do not spread diseases or infections. At least, until now – scientists did not discover such cases. The allergic reactions are also a rare symptom. Do you know that some people do not even have any noticeable signs of bed bug bites? But when the symptoms develop, usually, bites tend to look like small red dots with a dark spot at the center.
The bed bugs tend to live in large groups. Therefore, you will find multiple bites grouped together on your body. The most likely places are limbs (arms, legs) and face (more rarely). In addition, bed bugs can cause itchiness. In such cases, try not to scratch your bites, but put a cold compress on them. This will help relieve itching.
By the way, scratching your bites can become a cause of infection. The most popular is the infection of cellulitis. It is a skin bacteria that penetrate in your body with bites, scrapes, or cutes. If you notice the increase of redness, swelling, and inflammation, then go to the doctor immediately.
The bed bugs can feed on your blood within 5-10 minutes, then they go to a safe place for several years to digest the food and lay the eggs. So, if you notice a large number of bites on your body, most likely, that the next several nights, you will be without the new ones.
Related Post: Best Bed Bug Heaters For Home & Commercial Use
What Are Mattress Covers and How Do They Work Against Bed Bugs
Suppose, you have noticed the bed bugs` bites on your body. Now, the logical question is: “How to find bed bugs?” The answer is simple — inside the mattress, pillows, and in small holes. What can you do in situations like this? The most obvious answer is to buy special sprays, anti bed bugs powder, or even call pest control companies. But the solution to the problem may be the purchase of mattress covers. Let me explain how they work.
Most of us are familiar with various bed encasements. We usually buy them to protect the mattress or pillow from liquid or other types of pollution. The common mattress encasements do nothing to stop the infestation, but exclusively designed mattress covers can really help you with bed bugs. Moreover, it is a good way to prevent bug infestation. The distinctive characteristics of such encasements are:
- Tightly-woven fabric, so bed bugs can not bite through it;
- They cover all six sides of the mattress;
- They have a zip.
In addition, such mattress encasements can protect your sleep not only from the bed bug bites but also from various potential allergens, bacteria, dust mites, and other bed insects. Most of the mattress covers are water-resistant, so nothing can penetrate inside the box. With such a protective level, bed bugs will die from exhaustion.
How to Pick a Mattress Encasement (What Features to Look For)
The bed bug mattress covers can be purchased for less than $20. But my advice is to look for more expensive options since they are more reliable and qualitative. Note that to get rid of bed bugs, you should not take the cover off for one year! Therefore, if you buy a low-quality encasement, you will face many problems.
So, what features do you need to pay attention to when choosing a mattress cover? I highlight the main four: the fabric from which it is made, the level of protection against water, the manufacturing company and reviews on various marketplaces. Let’s look at each of them closer.
1. The material is the most important factor. Usually, the mattress covers are made from cotton or polyester. You should check if the fabric is breathable and hypoallergenic as at nights, we are the most vulnerable. The vast majority of high-qualitative encasements can even ease various respiratory conditions, such as asthma. They also serve as the reliable protective level against the dust.
2. The second factor is water-resistance. As I have mentioned above, it is very important because to get rid of all the bed bugs, you can not take off the cover for one year, even for washing purposes.
3. Next, the manufacturer. I recommend you to select the producers that are specialized in manufacturing bed products. The high-quality anti bed bug encasements require the constant conduct of various studies, experiments, and use of the latest technologies that are difficult to apply if the company does not specialize in this. Finally, I highly recommend you to read the bed bug mattress cover reviews on various marketplaces before purchasing it.
Related Post: Best Bed Bug Foggers Reviewed: Are They Better Than Sprays?
FAQ
When I was preparing this article for you, I explored many forums and sites, read tons of questions and answers. II did it in order to find the most asked questions and topics about the bed bugs and mattress covers. So, in this bed bugs FAQs section, I want to provide the quick answers to them.
1. What Does a Bed Bug Look Like on Mattress?
The bed bugs are oval, small, brownish insects. The size of their bodies is only about several millimeters. By the way, it is one of the reasons why they move so fast and are one of the most difficult to remove insects. The bed bugs do not fly or jump, they prefer to hide in small and hard-to-reach places, for example, drawer joints or electrical appliances.
To find the bed bugs on the mattress, you need to look at the edges and under the mattress. If you notice small brown dots, you found them.
2. Do I Have to Throw My Mattress Away If I Have Bed Bugs?
Once people notice the bed bugs on the mattress, they usually just throw them away. But this is not a solution to the problem. Firstly, if they are on the mattresses, then, most likely, bugs are already in other parts of the bed. Secondly, one female can lay hundreds of eggs at a time, so even if you kill most of the bed bugs, this will not save you from them.
And finally, buying a new mattress is quite expensive, especially if in a week the bugs appear there again. My recommendation is to get rid of all bugs first and only then buy a new mattress.
Related Post: Most Effective Bed Bug Powders Reviewed
3. What Makes a Mattress Protector Bed Bug Proof?
Earlier, I wrote that the most important factor in choosing a mattress is the fabric from which it is made since it is the material that determines the quality of the mattress cover. The denser and more reliable the fabric is, the more confident you can be in the quality of the product. Also, pay attention to the zipper; it should be dense and not leave any gaps.

Conclusion: Do You Have Any Additional Questions to Ask?
That was quite a long guide about the bed bugs mattress covers. But now you know what the bed bugs mattress cover is, how the mattress encasement works, and how you can prevent your bed from infestation. Also, I hope that the information you’ve read was useful for you. If you still have some questions – do not be shy and ask them in the comment box below. I will answer them as soon as possible!
References:
- Don’t Let The Bed Bugs Bite [fact sheet] (University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension):
  https://extension.unh.edu/resource/dont-let-bed-bugs-bite-fact-sheet
- How to Find Bed Bugs (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency):
  https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/how-find-bed-bugs
- Bed Bugs FAQs (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services):
  https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/bedbugs/faqs.html
2020-04-28

Best Bed Bug Traps in [year]: Expert Reviews

Bed bugs are smart creatures that can hide from you on the ceiling, in the walls and even in the wall clock. There are millions of places where they can lay their eggs, which are 10 times smaller than an apple seed. They are incredibly fast and can survive without food for a year.

However, it does not mean that they are invincible. These tiny creatures have their own weaknesses, and I am here to teach you everything that may be useful in the fight against them.

My years of experience in pest control gave me an advantage over others when it comes to insects. Being a professional entomologist and a consultant, I have a deal with bed bugs alerts quite often. People prefer to ignore the problem until it is too late; only then they call pest control services. In the meantime, I strongly believe that in the early stages, you can get rid of annoying insects by yourself.

Product

My Top Pick

ClimbUp 12Climbup System Bug Interceptors (Pack of 12) Passive Traps for Bed Legs, 6x1 inches, White

Bed Bug Interceptors – 8 Pack | Bed Bug Blocker (Pro) Interceptor Traps (White) | Insect Trap,...

Bug Snarer Bed Bug Trap (8 Pack in White) | Bed Leg Protection and Bedbug Prevention | Eco Friendly...

Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug Trap, Detect Bed Bugs in Homes and While Traveling, 2-Pack

Title

ClimbUp 12Climbup System Bug Interceptors (Pack of 12) Passive Traps for Bed Legs, 6×1 inches, White

Bed Bug Interceptors – 8 Pack | Bed Bug Blocker (Pro) Interceptor Traps (White) | Insect Trap,…

Bug Snarer Bed Bug Trap (8 Pack in White) | Bed Leg Protection and Bedbug Prevention | Eco Friendly…

Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug Trap, Detect Bed Bugs in Homes and While Traveling, 2-Pack

Price

–

$27.99

–

$13.69

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Pros

Reusable.

Eco-friendly.

Does not cause allergies.

Safe for children.

My review

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My Top Pick

Product

Title

ClimbUp 12Climbup System Bug Interceptors (Pack of 12) Passive Traps for Bed Legs, 6×1 inches, White

Price

–

Prime

–

Pros

Reusable.

My review

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Product

Title

Bed Bug Interceptors – 8 Pack | Bed Bug Blocker (Pro) Interceptor Traps (White) | Insect Trap,…

Price

$27.99

Prime

Pros

Eco-friendly.

My review

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Product

Title

Bug Snarer Bed Bug Trap (8 Pack in White) | Bed Leg Protection and Bedbug Prevention | Eco Friendly…

Price

–

Prime

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Pros

Does not cause allergies.

My review

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Product

Title

Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug Trap, Detect Bed Bugs in Homes and While Traveling, 2-Pack

Price

$13.69

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Pros

Safe for children.

My review

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I am going to help you with this problem. I have gathered the best bed bug trap types in the list, supported by detailed reviews. Below the description of products, you will find the pros and cons, which I suggest, you get acquainted with.

Top 5 Best Bed Bug Traps

Here are my most favorite traps. In case you are familiar with these products, please share your opinion on them in the comments. I did my best to stay professional here, trying to give objective and trustworthy recommendations. I might say that all traps have their pros and cons, and you may not agree with my thoughts, and this is totally fine.

1. ClimbUp Passive Traps for Bed Legs – Best Bed Bug Interceptor

ClimbUp 12Climbup System Bug Interceptors (Pack of…

Specifications:

3 ¾ Inches Across In Diameter
Number of Pieces: 12
Item Weight: 1.55 Pounds
Item Dimensions: 6.75 x 6.75 x 5.75 inches
Target Species: Bed Bug

Passive Traps for Bed Legs is a set of 12 interceptors for bed bugs made in white color. They are perfect eco-friendly traps that will suit any home design. You have to put these traps under the bed legs to prevent insects from climbing up. The system does not contain chemicals or any pesticides, it is not harmful to children and pets. It was created by ClimbUp company that creates various interceptors in the USA.

The interceptors are easy to use. They are wide and can fit any furniture’s legs. There are 12 traps in the pack, so you can also place several of them under the sofa or chair. Insects will be able to crawl inside, but they definitely won’t make their way back. There is a dual-well, so you can check out where the bed bugs came from.

Don’t forget to wash the traps before you put them again. This is the best way to find out whether you still have pests at home. I recommend using these interceptors in combination with special sprays and dust.

Pros:	Cons:
Family-friendly; Creative white design; Twelve traps in a pack; Reusable; Free of chemicals.	Haven’t found any cons except the fact it does not kill all the bed bugs at your house.

2. Bed Bugs Interceptors 8 Pack – Eco-Friendly Bed Bug Traps for Bed Legs

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Bed Bug Interceptors – 8 Pack | Bed Bug Blocker…

Specifications:

Color: White
Number of Pieces: 8
Item Weight: 1.39 pounds
Item Dimensions: 6.7 x 6.1 x 6.1 inches
Target Species: Bed Bug

Bed Bugs Interceptors from EcoPest Labs is the non-chemical solution for your problem. These traps are available in black and white colors, so you can decide which one suits the place near your bed best. You will have to put each trap under each leg of your bed. This will protect your sleep from bed bugs, which will not be able to crawl up the bed.

While interceptors are perfect with other bed bug killers, I recommend you to buy them only in case when you suspect that there are pests not only in your bedroom but in the whole house. If your suspicions turn out to be true, you will see insects trapped in the plate.

Bed Bugs Interceptors were created by EcoPest Labs, the company known for the products that help to get rid of bed bugs. The pack includes 8 interceptors, which is more than enough for a successful fight against pests! You can even place them at your children’s bedroom to make sure that bed bugs did not get to them as well.

Pros:	Cons:
Safe for children and pets; Eco-friendly; Reusable; Affordable price; Available in two colors.	Not the most durable product.

3. Bug Snarer Bed Bug Trap – Safe for Children Bed Bug Catcher

Bug Snarer Bed Bug Trap (8 Pack in White) | Bed…

Bed Bug Trap from Bug Snarer is a set of 8 interceptors for bed bugs. After you place them under the bed legs, malicious insects will be trapped inside. This is a perfect option for the house with children, as the Bed Bug Trap set does not contain pesticides or other chemicals. It is made of durable, high-quality plastic and can handle the weight of a king-sized bed with several people on it. An extra-wide plate of interceptor fits wide bed legs perfectly.

The company producer Bug Snarer claims that this product is savvy and does not have to be limited by bed only. For example, you can put the trap under the table. Once the bed bugs are in the trap, they can’t get out. After that, you will have to get rid of them and wash the trap under hot water.

Pros:	Cons:
Unique design; Extra-wide; Pesticides-free; Does not cause allergies; Durable.	The pack of traps costs more than similar interceptors on the market.

4. Ortho 0465705 Defense Max Detect and Trap – Unique Bed Bug Detector Ideal for Traveling

Sale

Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug Trap, Detect Bed…

Specifications:

Color: Red
Number of Pieces: 2
Item Weight: 2.89 ounces
Item Dimensions: 2.88 x 5.38 x 8.69 inches
Target Species: Bed Bug

The 0465705 Defense Max Detect and Trap from Ortho Pauher is a small, transportable and effective tool that helps to trap insects. This item will show whether you have bed bugs at home or not. It is compact and can be carried with you in the pocket. There are two traps in the pack. You can use both of them one after another. Each trap is active for 2 weeks.

The 0465705 Defense Max Detect and Trap was created by Ortho Company, the well-known producer of insect killers and control systems. They claim that their products will help you to get rid of pests both indoors and outdoors. To activate the product, you have to push a big red button on it. Place it in a hard to reach spot, for example, under a bed or a dresser.

Pros:	Cons:
Eco-friendly; Transportable; Light-weight; Two traps per pack; Safe for children.	Each trap lasts 2 weeks.

5. Trapper Insect Trap – Non-Chemical Leader Among Bed Bug Glue Traps

Trapper Insect Trap (Great for Bed Bugs, Spiders,…

Specifications:

Material: Cardboard
Number of Pieces: 90
Item Weight: 0.48 Pounds
Item Dimensions: 9.15 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
Target Species: Bed Bug

Trapper Insect Trap from Bell is a glue trap for various insects, from bed bugs to cockroaches. The trap made by Bell Company, which usually produces sports equipment and house tools, is a tiny 7 x 3 inches cardboard with glue inside. This is a universal tool in case you need to get rid of pests in your house. Don’t worry, the key-ingredient – glue is not poisonous.

However, I highly recommend you to stay away from the traps in order not to damage them. The trap can be separated into three small pieces or can be used as one big. Don’t put your fingers into the glue as it is extremely sticky, and I bet you don’t want to spend hours trying to wash it off the hands!

Pros:	Cons:
Small size; Transportable around the house; Durable; Affordable price Can be transformed into three separate traps.	The trap is not reusable; if you have already used it once – you will have to throw it away.

Detailed Guide on Bed Bugs and FAQ

In this article, I did only the bed bug traps review. However, there are multiple ways to get rid of these insects, besides interceptors and glue traps. Some of them contain chemicals, like sprays, dust, and foggers. Others are family-friendly – like bed bug steamers. There are mattress and pillow encasements that do not let bed bugs lay eggs or hide inside the stitches.

What Are Bed Bug Traps?

Traps are one of the least dangerous ways to eradicate bed bugs. They are family-friendly little plates from plastic or similar material that have to be put under the bed legs. Actually, you can use them for any furniture that you believe was infested by pests. As it is properly explained at the Texas AgriLife Extension website, bed bug interceptors are cups that consist of two circles.

The inner-circle must be wide enough for the bed leg. It is slippery, so insects can’t get out. The outer circle is wider; it is easy for bugs to get into it from the outside. However, it is impossible to crawl back.

How to Use Bed Bug Traps Correctly?

By now, we have already discussed how do bed bug traps work, the next step is to l concentrate on how you can use these interceptors in the most beneficial way. You may want to start with picking up the appropriate size of the trap, taking into consideration the width of the bed legs.

I have recommended standard interceptors in the list, as well as wide traps. The sizes are shown near each item. Brief instructions on how to use bed bug traps:

Decide which furniture you want to check out or protect from insects and place one interceptor under one leg;
Make sure that the material of traps can handle the weight of your furniture;
Check out the results after the night. In case you see bed bugs inside, throw them away and wash the cup;
Put the cup back again and repeat the procedure again.

Related Post: Harris Bed Bug Killer Review

FAQ

1. Do Bed Bug Traps Work?

If you are skeptical about whether your bed bug interceptor can handle the task, I can totally understand that. It is light-weight and looks simple. And you may be wondering how this piece of plastic can catch any bug at all? It does not contain pesticides; it is not active.

The thing is, the construction of the interceptor is so well-thought that it can catch bed bugs without having any extra features! I recommend you check the traps at least once a day. If you have pests at home, the trap will surely catch some.

2. I Found Bug in Bed Bug Trap Now What?

These traps are reusable. You don’t have to throw them away after you catch the bed bug. Unless you use glue traps. If you have found an insect inside the interceptor, it means that your suspicions were right and you have bed bugs at home.

You can combine the usage of passive traps with spraying chemicals or applying diatomaceous earth, which is less harmful. Thus, if you don’t want to use insecticides, you may continue to put traps under your bed.

3. So, Can I Get Rid of Bed Bugs Only Using Traps?

I don’t want to be the one who spoils all the fun here, but I strongly believe that you have to combine traps with other methods. Bed bugs are not rats; they can’t be simply caught one by one. There are numerous bed bugs in the house, and you don’t know how many eggs were laid everywhere around.

You may try to fight insects by using bed bug sprays, chemicals, or heaters. If there are too many bed bugs at your home, you will have to call the pest control anyway.

4. Are There Natural Traps That I Can Use?

Yes, there are plenty of home-made traps you can do yourself. There is a simple recipe of mixing yeast with sugar, and water. I suggest you put the mixture in the bowl. They will be attracted by mixture and lured to the place where the trap is placed. Bed bugs will trap there for good.

You may also try to make DIY glue traps. All you need is cardboard and a sticky substance. It does not necessarily have to be glue, but the substance must be sticky in order to catch insects. Home-made traps are easy to adjust, but they require more time and experience.

Which Trap Is the Best One?

I believe all the traps on my list are worth your attention. They are affordable and do not have any side-effects. You can use them even in the children’s room. I like all of them, but I know that they have different benefits and each should be used in specific cases. According to traps` main features and usage, find out which one fits your needs best.

While picking up the traps, I may have left some great products out of my sight. In case you have found more pros or cons of the products I`ve mentioned here, there is a section for the comments right below this article. You are welcome to share your thoughts, ideas and the experience you have!

References:

Bed Bugs (Entomology at the University of Kentucky):
https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef636
What is a bed bug interceptor? (Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center):
https://citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/biting-stinging/bed-bugs/ent-3012/

2020-04-28

Comprehensive K9 Advantix II Review: Is It Effective Enough?
As the weather gets warmer, you will take your dog out for longer, from daily walks to a day out on the boat, hikes, and picnics. However, warm weather comes with lots of bugs that can be annoying for you, and lethal for your dog. As you carry bug spray for yourself, you should have an equally effective product for protecting your pet against fleas, ticks, and mosquito bites.
Product
For X-Large Dogs
For Large Dogs
For Medium Dogs
For Small Dogs
Title
K9 Advantix II XL Dog Vet-Recommended Flea, Tick & Mosquito Treatment & Prevention | Dogs Over 55…
K9 Advantix II Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea, Tick & Mosquito Treatment & Prevention | Dogs 21 – 55…
K9 Advantix II Medium Dog Vet-Recommended Flea, Tick & Mosquito Treatment & Prevention | Dogs 11-20…
K9 Advantix II Small Dog Vet-Recommended Flea, Tick & Mosquito Treatment & Prevention | Dogs 4-10…
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For X-Large Dogs
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Title
K9 Advantix II XL Dog Vet-Recommended Flea, Tick & Mosquito Treatment & Prevention | Dogs Over 55…
Price
$79.98
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For Large Dogs
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Title
K9 Advantix II Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea, Tick & Mosquito Treatment & Prevention | Dogs 21 – 55…
Price
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Title
K9 Advantix II Medium Dog Vet-Recommended Flea, Tick & Mosquito Treatment & Prevention | Dogs 11-20…
Price
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For Small Dogs
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Title
K9 Advantix II Small Dog Vet-Recommended Flea, Tick & Mosquito Treatment & Prevention | Dogs 4-10…
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Today, I will review the K9 Advantix II topical flea and tick control for dogs. This product by Bayer Pharmaceuticals has had a lot of success on the market, and I will explain why. I will also compare it to other popular pest treatments from different brands to find out how it ranks in terms of effectiveness, price, and side effects.

K9 Advantix Reviews – Top Four Products
This product comes in different packs based on the size of your dog.
It is important to give the right dose for your dog’s age and size because an overdose can result in skin burns and allergic reactions.
1. K9 Advantix II Review for an Extra Large Dog

K9 Advantix II XL Dog Vet-Recommended Flea, Tick &…

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Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Permethrin
- Item Form: Drops
- Item Weight: ‎0.1 Pounds
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 7.75 x 1 x 4.25 inches
- Target Pests: Flea, Tick
This topical treatment comes in a six-month dose for dogs that weigh more than 55lbs. It contains Imidacloprid and Permethrin. Imidacloprid is a nicotine derivative that is safe for mammals but lethal to pests, it is fast-acting and works by inhibiting stimuli in the insect nervous system. Permethrin is a flower extract that kills a variety of bugs. It works within 12-24 hours and is known for relieving itchiness and other discomfort associated with pest infestation.
In comparison to most brands, this product is on the expensive side of the price spectrum. It costs much more than any other insect repellant, apart from the prescription brands. However, when you consider its longevity and effectiveness, the price is worth it.
This treatment works when applied directly onto the skin. It spreads all over the body and provides a barrier against bug bites. Upon application, the solution takes several hours to be absorbed. You might want to have your dog away from any contact during these hours so that the treatment does not rub off and get wasted.
The ease of application depends largely on your dog’s temperament. Applying the solution on a dog that will not sit still can be a frustrating experience.
Is K9 Advantix II safe? As far as sensitivities go, there is a slight risk of unfavorable reactions to this treatment. However, this risk is reduced by using the right dosage for your dog. In case of any extreme reactions after using this treatment, you should consult a vet and Bayer support line.
Pros: Cons:
Works well on extra-large dogs;
Fast-acting;
More affordable than prescription brands.
Might cause an allergic reaction.
2. K9 Advantix II for a Large Dog

K9 Advantix II Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea,…

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Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Permethrin
- Item Form: Drops
- Item Weight: ‎0.15 Pounds
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 7.75 x 1 x 4.25 inches
- Target Pests: Flea, Tick
If your dog weighs less than 55 lbs, you should never use the first product in this review. Instead, you should buy this option because it is meant for dogs that weigh over 21 lbs but less than 55 lbs. It contains Imidacloprid and Permethrin in smaller doses that are safe for this dog size. Both ingredients are quite fast-acting and give relief within hours of application.
The six-month dose comes at a price that is relatively expensive when compared to other brands. However, the reliability of the Bayer brand and the proven effectiveness of this treatment make the price worth it.
Because the treatment must be applied to the skin, owners of fussy dogs might have a hard time using it. Knowing your dog’s temperament, you should be able to use treats and toys to keep it still as you apply the solution.
Pay attention to the amount of treatment you put on each spot to prevent burns. K9 Advantix II warnings state a moderate risk of allergic reactions, such as vomiting and redness of the skin. None of these reactions are lethal. However, you should consult your vet if you see these signs.
Pros: Cons:
Works well on large dogs
Contains fast-acting ingredients
The effect lasts for six months
Might cause allergic reactions to some dogs.
3. K9 Advantix II for a Small Dog

K9 Advantix II Small Dog Vet-Recommended Flea,…

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Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Permethrin
- Item Form: Drops
- Item Weight: ‎1.59 Ounces
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 6.61 x 4.49 x 1.5 inches
- Target Pests: Flea, Tick
This treatment contains the same active ingredients as the products for bigger dogs. It is fast-acting and offers relief within one day. Once applied, it spreads and kills all pests that come into contact with your dog’s fur, effectively eliminating all future pest bites.
Although this product seems expensive, it is more efficient than the solutions of many other brands, and it makes it worth buying. To prevent severe allergic reactions, you should test a little spot on your dog’s skin before applying the whole tube. Some dogs might show sensitivity to the ingredients. For small canines, the risk of allergic reactions is even higher. Consulting the manufacturer or a vet is a great way of getting help when you see signs of a negative reaction.
Pros: Cons:
Works well on small dogs;
Offers fast relief;
Recommended by vets.
Expensive.
4. K9 Advantix II for a Medium-Sized Dog

K9 Advantix II Medium Dog Vet-Recommended Flea,…

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Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Permethrin
- Item Form: Drops
- Item Weight: ‎1.6 Ounces
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 7.9 x 5 x 2.3 inches
- Target Pests: Flea, Tick
Dogs weighing 11-20 lbs. are better served by this dose of insect repellent. Although it has the same active ingredients as the treatment for extra-large and large dogs, it contains reduced amounts of each to make it safe for dogs of this size.
The price of the K9 Advantix II product is standard regardless of dog size, so you should not be tempted to buy a dose for smaller dogs hoping that it will be more affordable. Therefore, choose the option that fits the size of your pet.
So, how does Advantix work? The solution spreads all over the fur to kill and repel bugs before they land and bite your dog. Once applied on the skin, it takes a few hours for the product to soak in and dry. Your dog should feel relief soon after you do this procedure, and most pests will have dropped dead by then.
Do you know how to apply k9 Advantix II? Using this solution requires you to have your dog sit still so that you can part its fur and apply the product directly onto the dog’s skin. Although it might not be an easy process for pets with anxiety, the right amount of treats and toys should make your work much easier. In case you notice any K9 Advantix side effects, such as vomiting or redness on the skin, you should consult a vet immediately.
Pros: Cons:
Works well on medium-sized dogs;
More affordable than prescription treatments;
One application lasts for six months.
More expensive than other nonprescription brands.
Expert Advice for Using This Product
Knowing the best product on the market is one thing, and buying one that suits your dog is another. When choosing topical pesticides for your pet, consider:
- Dog size – using a strong treatment meant for bigger dogs may cause unfavorable reactions while using a mild treatment meant for smaller dogs will reduce efficiency.
- Age – it might not be a good idea to use topical treatments on puppies under a certain age. Consult your vet to find out the right age for administering these treatments.
- Components – your dog might be allergic to some ingredients in topical treatments. A simple allergy test will help you to determine which products to avoid.
- Price – based on your budget and the number of dogs you want to treat, buy a product that you can afford.
- Durability – how long a product lasts determines whether its price is worth it. If a product lasts long, you can consider buying it, despite the high price.
Even while using this Bayer topical treatment, you should consider a comprehensive approach to pest eradication.
Three complementary products can be used along with this treatment, including flea and tick collars, shampoos, and sprays.
Flea collars usually work over a given period of two to six months. They contain pesticides that are released gradually to keep away pests that land on the dog’s fur. Shampoos, on the other hand, are one of the best products to use from time to time. Giving your dog a bath with shampoo that contains pesticides ensures that any dirt and flea droppings are washed away. Finally, because these pests may breed in the dog house and beddings, a pesticide spray does a great job of killing insects and making sure that they won’t bother your pet again.
However, how does this K9 Advantix II product compare to its competitors? Here is a brief comparison.
Advantage II vs K9 Advantix II

Advantage II Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea…
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Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Imidacloprid 9.10% Pyriproxyfen 0.46%
- Item Form: Drops
- Item Weight: ‎1.6 Ounces
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 6.5 x 1 x 4.25 inches
- Target Pests:Adult Fleas, Flea Larvae, Flea Eggs and Lice
Although both of these products come from the same manufacturer, there is a very important difference between them. While the formulation in Advantage II is safe for both cats and dogs, the active ingredient in Advantix is lethal for cats. Therefore, if your household has cats and dogs, this K9 Advantix II vs Advantage II comparison should lead you to choose the safe product.
Frontline vs K9 Advantix II
Sale
Frontline Plus for Dogs Large Dog (45 to 88…

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Specifications:
- Active Ingredients: Fipronil 9.8% (S)-methoprene 8.8%
- Item Form: Drops
- Item Weight: ‎0.01 Pounds
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 5.75 x 1 x 4.5 inches
- Target Pests: Flea, Tick
Both of these options are topical treatments that are dispensed in the same manner. However, Advantix has Permethrin that is fast-acting. Therefore, it is preferred for instant results. Frontline is slightly cheaper than Advantix, but the latter makes up for this difference by being very efficient.
Seresto vs Advantix

Seresto Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea & Tick…

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Specifications:
- Active Ingredients: Flumethrin* 4.5%, Imidacloprid 10.0% (*Trans Z-1/trans Z-2 Ratio: max 66% trans Z-1 and min 34% trans Z-2)
- Age Range Description: All Life Stages
- Item Weight: ‎2.08 Ounces
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 4.75 x 4.75 x 1.5 inches
- Target Pests: Flea, Tick
Both of these products come from the same manufacturer. Although Seresto is a flea collar, it works just as well as the topical treatment. It repels pests in a matter of hours, making it a close competitor of Advantix. These two products are best used together for maximum protection.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about K9 Advantix II
Even after reading this review, you may have some questions about how to use this product. I answered the most frequently asked questions below:
1. How Long After Applying K9 Advantix Can I Touch My Dog?
After applying this solution, you should wait until it dries before touching your dog. The time it takes to dry varies based on how much fur your dog has. Some dogs’ fur dries in a few hours while others take a whole day. Once the treatment dries off, you can touch your dog.
2. How Long Does Advantage II Take to Work?
Thanks to its fast-acting ingredients, K9 shows results in 6-12 hours. If your dog has been itching, the discomfort will subside on the first day that you administer this medicine. Over the next few days, your dog’s condition will improve greatly.
3. Is K9 Advantix Safe for Dogs?
Yes, this product is safe for dogs to use. Although it can cause temporary irritation in the application area, it does not cause any permanent effects. To prevent allergies, you must buy the dosage that is appropriate for your dog’s size.
4. What’s the Difference Between K9 Advantix and K9 Advantix II?
Advantix II is the newer, improved version of Advantix for dogs. The new version has all the ingredients that were in the original version. It also contains an insect growth regulator that eliminates pests in all life stages and makes it a more comprehensive solution. Its comprehensive formulation makes it lethal to a wider variety of pests.

Final Take
Ticks cause not only Lyme disease but also anemia and poor health of skin and fur. If left untreated, they can multiply fast and make your dog very ill. Fleas are just as dangerous since they cause allergic reactions, anemia, and worms. Prevention is key to get rid of these pests for your pet.
Because the K9 Advantix II is one of the most effective pest treatments, I highly recommend it. Have you used this product before? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comment section below.
2020-04-27

Frontline vs Advantix vs Advantage Flea Treatment

Among the many brands that promise to protect your dog from fleas, lice and ticks, widely-known and time-tested are Frontline, Advantage, and Advantix. They are top picks among dog owners, but also tested for quality and approved by the vets.

Although the search for a right and efficient remedy against fleas is significantly narrowed, selecting one product and understanding the tiny yet significant difference between them is a rather difficult process. That is why I decided to figure out how exactly these brands stand out among others. Thus, you can choose the remedy to help your dog and set it free from annoying, unpleasant, and dangerous parasites.

Product

My Top Pick

K9 Advantix II Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea, Tick & Mosquito Treatment & Prevention | Dogs 21 - 55...

Advantage II Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea Treatment & Prevention | Dogs 21-55 lbs. | 6-Month...

Frontline Plus for Dogs Large Dog (45 to 88 pounds) Flea and Tick Treatment, 6 Doses

Title

K9 Advantix II Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea, Tick & Mosquito Treatment & Prevention | Dogs 21 – 55…

Advantage II Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea Treatment & Prevention | Dogs 21-55 lbs. | 6-Month…

Frontline Plus for Dogs Large Dog (45 to 88 pounds) Flea and Tick Treatment, 6 Doses

Price

$79.98

$66.98

$68.98

Prime

–

Pros

Combats mosquitoes, repels lice, flies.

Safe for cats.

Kills larvae as well.

My review

Read review

Buy

Check Latest Price

My Top Pick

Product

Title

K9 Advantix II Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea, Tick & Mosquito Treatment & Prevention | Dogs 21 – 55…

Price

$79.98

Prime

Pros

Combats mosquitoes, repels lice, flies.

My review

Read review

Buy

Check Latest Price

Product

Title

Advantage II Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea Treatment & Prevention | Dogs 21-55 lbs. | 6-Month…

Price

$66.98

Prime

–

Pros

Safe for cats.

My review

Read review

Buy

Check Latest Price

Product

Title

Frontline Plus for Dogs Large Dog (45 to 88 pounds) Flea and Tick Treatment, 6 Doses

Price

$68.98

Prime

Pros

Kills larvae as well.

My review

Read review

Buy

Check Latest Price

I hope this review will help you to narrow down your search for the perfect remedy that will be effective in a fight against fleas. Find out how these three remedies differ, the features of each product individually, and in what situations their usage is the most cost-effective.

After all, the ideal treatment is the one that suits your dog’s individual needs. Therefore, if you are worried about how quickly the medicine will work, how long its effect will last, and whether there are any adverse reactions, you will discover these points later in the text.

Frontline Plus vs Advantix II vs Advantage II: What Is a Perfect Cure for Your Dog?

Although all of these flea remedies are of high quality and will protect your pet, they feature some significant differences. To choose an effective remedy matching individual circumstances, you may use a compiled table below. We hope this product comparison will help you avoid confusion and examine the features of each product.

	Frontline	K9 Advantix (winner)	Advantage II
Kills and repels fleas	only kills	yes	yes
Kills and repels ticks	only kills	yes	yes
Kills and repels mosquitoes	no	yes	no
Kills and repels lice	no	kills	yes
Repels biting flies	yes	yes	no
Active ingredients	fipronil and (s)-methoprene	imidacloprid, permethrin and pyriproxyfen	imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen
Takes to work	24 hours	12 hours	12 hours
Works for	30 days	30 days	30 days
Vet-recommended	yes	yes	yes

Ticks and fleas are annoying components those accompanie every walk of your dog. There is a high risk of catching them and endangering your health for a dog. Therefore, if you care about your pet and want to protect it, choose the right remedy.

Consider your dog’s parameters like weight and size, a possible intolerance to ingredients, the degree of danger your dog encounters outside in your area. Maybe, you need extra caution against certain types of parasites, so the treatment must include mosquito or other protection as well.

Take care that your dog is safe from ticks and fleas. Be sure that all brands such as Frontline Plus and Advantix are clinically approved and considered the best in a fight against fleas and ticks. Let’s observe in more detail what you should pay close attention to when selecting a proper treatment for your canine friend.

Some ingredients in K9 Advantix II, such as permethrin, can be deadly to a cat. So, if you have a cat, you need to separate it from a dog that is being treated and make them keep a social distance for the safety of the cat. Also, you can just buy Frontline or Advantage instead.

What Type of Treatment to Select to Fight Against the Fleas?

Let’s look more closely at these three products to make sure you’re making a proper choice. While all of them are quite efficient in fighting against fleas, they’ve got some peculiarities to take into consideration before picking the treatment for your dog.

1. Bayer Advantage II Topical Flea Treatment

Advantage II Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea…

Specifications:

Active Ingredient: Imidacloprid
Age Range Description: Senior
Item Weight: ‎ 0.1 Pounds
Product Dimensions LxWxH: 6.5 x 1 x 4.25 inches
Target Pests: Fleas, Ticks

Comparing Advantage vs Advantix, pay attention that both products are developed by one company called Bayer. Advantage has been on the market for quite some time, it has several upgrades and is known for the high efficiency in the fight against fleas.

Effectiveness

This is a highly effective product that provides effect 12 hours after application, and its protection lasts till the next month. You need to reapply the item every month. At the same time, it kills fleas effectively, but will not help you to get rid of ticks. Besides, it includes the insecticide imidacloprid, which is quite easily tolerated by both cats and dogs.

There is a striking difference between K9 Advantix and Advantage: while Advantage is safe for cats, the components of Advantix are deadly for a furry kitten. Another downside of Advantage is that this tool is slightly inferior in effectiveness comparing to competitors from this list because it does not destroy the larvae and uses a milder composition of the ingredients.

Unfortunately, this remedy is ineffective for combating ticks and mosquitoes, and its main focus is on protecting against fleas. It’s a smart move for those living in the city where the number of parasites is much lower comparing to woods or rural areas.

Price

Perhaps, you are guessing whether the cost of the product is affordable for your budget. The price is reasonable given the volume and dosage in the package.

Ease of Use

The product is pretty easy to apply. It is not for internal use; therefore, do not let the dog eat it and try not to swallow the product accidentally. It is intended for external use only and should be applied to a place where there will be access to the skin under the fur.

Ideally, you should apply the product in the neck area and distribute it along the length of the back. After application, it is worth washing the dog only after 24 hours – after this period, the product becomes waterproof. Repeat the procedure every month.

Safety

As already mentioned, Advantage has the mildest formula. Therefore, although the product is slightly less effective in the fight against fleas, it has almost no side effects. If your dog is sensitive to ingredients, then you should opt for this product.

Pros:	Cons:
Safe ingredients; Efficient against fleas; Safe for cats.	Ineffective against mosquitoes.

2. Frontline Plus for Dogs

Sale

Frontline Plus for Dogs Large Dog (45 to 88…

Specifications:

Active Ingredients: Fipronil 9.8%, (S)-methoprene 8.8%
Age Range Description: All Life Stages
Item Weight: ‎ 0.01 Pounds
Product Dimensions LxWxH: 5.75 x 1 x 4.5 inches
Target Pests: Fleas, Ticks

Frontline Plus is a highly active and effective remedy that will help your dog forget about ticks, fleas, and other parasites that can disturb your pet’s peace. Frontline has been popular among veterinarians for several decades, so the Frontline formula improves every year. It is effective for different types of dogs, especially for those not exceeding 88 pounds.

Effectiveness

Having fipronil and methoprene as its major ingredients, this treatment will help not only to kill existing adult fleas but also to get rid of insects in the early stages of development. Now your dog will be safe even from larvae of parasites like ticks, fleas, lice, and others. Thus, your pet will be protected from the risk of catching a disease that these parasites can bring on, leaving aside itching.

Your dog will be protected during a month after applying this tool. Comparing Frontline Plus vs Advantage II, you can see that the formula of the latter is softer in components. However, aggressive ingredients of Frontline help not only kill existing fleas, but repel new ones. It’s stronger and more effective in protecting a dog from various parasites.

Price

The packaging includes applicators for up to six months of use. Given the effectiveness and popularity of this brand, the price is quite reasonable and logical.

Ease of Use

Like all products, it must be applied to the skin of your dog, avoiding contact with your mouth or eyes. It should be applied every month to maintain the effect.

Safety

The product is safe for your dog, but you should consider the possible side effects caused by an allergy. Always consult a veterinarian before applying the treatment. Observe your dog during the first few days after using the item.

Pros:	Cons:
6 applicators in the package; Kills and repels various types of parasites; Kills larvae as well.	The product may cause an allergy.

3. Bayer K9 Advantix II Flea, Tick and Mosquito Prevention

K9 Advantix II Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea,…

Specifications:

Active Ingredient: Permethrin
Age Range Description: All Life Stages
Item Weight: ‎ 0.15 Pounds
Product Dimensions LxWxH: 7.75 x 1 x 4.25 inches
Target Pests: Fleas, Ticks

Advantix II is the next generation of effective anti-flea treatment for dogs. It’s an enhanced version of the previous treatment that solidifies its power and is effective in killing and repelling all kinds of insects and parasites that can be a threat to your dog’s health.

Effectiveness

Using such high effective ingredients as Imidacloprid, permethrin, and pyriproxyfen, this product will kill and repel any kind of dog fleas, so you can stay calm and confident while applying it. K9 Advantix II promises to combat any type of parasites that can harm your dog. If we side K9 Advantix II vs Frontline Plus, Advantix II promises to kill and repel ticks and mosquitoes through contact, so the parasites will be defeated without your dog being beaten.

The main difference between the Frontline and Advantix parasite control methods is that Frontline fights fleas on the dog’s fur, while Advantix manages to prevent ticks and fleas from getting onto your dog. Besides, Advantix contains permethrin, which is poisonous for cats.

The product also repels lice and flies, so your dog is protected from any possible itching or irritating feelings during and after walks. It’s a perfect choice if you live in Australia or any region with various fleas and mosquitoes. Also, the item will be a better choice if your home is located in a rural area, where the risks of encountering dangerous fleas are higher than on the streets of the city. It’s also worth mentioning that this version has in the contents IGR, that detects and destroys not only grown parasites but also its larvae.

Price

The package includes the 6-month long doses, so the price is quite considerable for the product. It may be somewhat higher while comparing Frontline vs Advantage, but the product has a few pros that can be crucial for your dog`s treatment.

Ease of Use

Like all previous treatments, the method of applying this treatment is pretty simple and self-explanatory. Do not feed your dog with this product. You should apply the required dosage to the skin of your dog, desirably on the back of its neck. Then, distribute the treatment along the length of the dog’s back for it to apply evenly and be more effective.

Safety

If you have a cat, consider this item is dangerous for it. Make sure that your dog is separated from any cat 24 hours after applying the treatment, as its components are poisonous for cats.

Pros:	Cons:
Contents IGR that destroys the larvae; Considerable price for the package; Combats mosquitoes, repels lice, flies.	Highly dangerous for cats.

Common Questions to Ask Before Buying the Treatment

If you still have some questions left, I’ll try to cover them in this section. Here are some basic aspects to pay attention to when selecting a proper treatment for your dog.

1. The Main Aspects to Pay Attention to While Choosing the Product (Dog`s Size and Age)

The treatment you select as well as its dosage highly depends on the peculiarities of your dog. Make sure to check whether the treatment you’ve got is appropriate to your dog’s size and age. Advantage II and Advantix are originally made for large dogs around 22-55 lbs, and you can select the package of Frontline according to your dog’s size (5-22, 23-44, 45-88 lbs accordingly for small, medium, and large-sized dogs). All the treatments are used for the grown-up dogs only.

As already indicated, the wrong dosage can lead to bad side effects, so it is important to monitor this issue. All dosages depend on the size of your dog. Therefore, look at the volume your dog needs – whether it is small, medium or large. A small dosage will be useless, and too large may cause harm to your dog`s health. You can always consult your veterinarian about the exact dosage for your pet.

2. What Flea Products to Use with Topical Remedies for Better Results

For all three brands, the principle of applying the product to a dog is very similar. All three items come in the form of droplets that are proven to be the most effective form of not only killing fleas and ticks but also prevent from new ones.

Shampoo and sprays are effective only for eliminating existing fleas, but they will not save your dog from new parasites. First of all, do not remove the treatment by washing your dog for the next 24 hours. After that, you can wash your pet with shampoo as the product will become water-resistant. You can apply it as a spray, but it’s better to follow the instructions for each separate case. They are all for external use and are applied immediately to the skin.

Make sure that the dog does not swallow the product accidentally, and that the treatment does not get inside in any way. Do not forget to read the instructions every time before proceeding with the application. These products promise to protect your dog from fleas and ticks over the next month, so you can safely walk your pet outside.

3. How to Prevent Your Dog from Getting Fleas and Ticks

There are various forms of protection that aid to prevent your dog from catching a flea or tick that can transfer serious illnesses. You can find various types of spray, collars, pills or drops (ampoules). All of them must be applied throughout the year to make sure that your dog is protected.

Common Questions Pet Owners Ask About the Products

1. Are topical remedies effective against fleas and ticks?

All three drugs fight these parasites effectively, but they act differently. All remedies are good in fighting fleas, killing them within 12 hours. K9 Advantix II not only kills existing fleas but also drives away new ones. Therefore, it is in a better position than two other agents that are not effective in driving the parasites away. At the same time, Frontline acts more quickly, so if your main selection parameter is speed, feel free to choose this tool.

2. Are Advantix, Advantage, and Frontline decent products against fleas and ticks?

Yes, all the treatments can be used as an effective treatment against fleas and ticks. Speaking of ticks, the first thing to emphasize is the fact that Advantage does not kill ticks. Therefore, if you need the treatment to fight both ticks and fleas, you need to choose the other one. You can select Advantix or Frontline that will not only kill but also repel new ticks.

3. What are the criteria for Advantix vs. Advantage vs. Frontline comparison?

In the first place, the most important criterion when choosing a product will be your area of residence, and what types of insects need to be eliminated. Pay attention to what parasites are the inhabitants of your territory, whether you need to look for protection against mosquitoes, or only against lice and fleas. Not all drugs repel parasites, but they only kill existing ones. At the same time, some drugs kill only adults, while others destroy the deferred parasite larvae.

Frontline vs Advantage vs Advantix: What Is Best for Treating My Dog?

The answer depends on the personal characteristics of your dog. While all the treatments are highly efficient and vet-approved, there is still room for improvement for each of the products. You should pay close attention to whether the treatment can protect your dog from all types of fleas and parasites that your pet can run into to make sure it’s safe.

As we already discovered in the above comparison of these three most popular products, some of them kill only fleas, while others can also repel from all kinds of parasites. Do not forget to check twice the properties of each treatment, its contents, and compatibility with your pets. Remember that a product should help and not harm your pet. Check twice and consult with the nearest vet whether your is dog resistant to components of the treatment and will not have any side effects.

On this note, I’d like to ask you something. As I have already mentioned, the choice of treatment often depends on the area of your habitat. So where are you from? Do you live in a city and are afraid that your dog will encounter some fleas in the park. Or, maybe, you live in a rural area where mosquitos are the smallest of nuisances you can meet outside? What type of parasites spoil your dog’s life?

References:

Plus for Dogs (Frontline Brand Products):
https://frontline.com/plus-for-dogs
Dog Flea (Krista R. Seraydar and Phillip E. Kaufman, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida):
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/URBAN/OCCAS/dogflea.htm
Permethrin toxicity in cats: a retrospective study of 20 cases (National Library of Medicine):
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498556/
Elanco (Official Site):
https://www.elanco.com/welcome

2020-04-26

Where Do Fruit Flies Come From? — Answering Your Questions About Drosophilae
Hey there. Nicholas Martin (aka pest buster) here. Today, I’m going to talk about fruit flies. Oh yeah, those pesky uninvited guests are so tedious. Fruit flies invade your bedroom. They’re all over your kitchen. What’s most irritating is that they just love your food! You chase them down, Raid-ing them to death or whacking the heck out of them, but their buddies come back for more of your yummies… That’s just not fair!
Where do fruit flies come from all of a sudden? What exactly causes fruit flies? Are they dangerous? If these questions keep turning, churning, and burning inside you, you’ve come to the right place.
I’m a professional entomologist (read as fruit fly slayer). So in this post, I’m going to tell you all about your current buzzing enemies, arming you with all the details necessary for their elimination. This knowledge will help you eradicate your fruit fly infestation.
Fruit Fly Identification Guide: Spot the Foe
You’re probably aware that fruit flies adore hanging out where it’s warm and cozy. But why do they all of a sudden choose your house as their permanent place of residence? Do they just pop out of thin air?
Or do they come from fruit? What causes fruit flies? Where do fruit flies lay eggs? How long do fruit flies live? I’ll start answering all these questions from the very beginning.
Fruit flies (also referred to as vinegar, wine flies, or, in a more scientific language, ‘Drosophilae melanogaster’) look similar to house flies, but there are certain major distinctions.
Their color ranges from yellow to brown; they usually have reddish eyes (although there are dark-eyed fruit fly species), as well as thin, transparent wing covers. Adult drosophilae have noticeable antennae that look fluffy in an ugly way.

Fruit Flies vs. Fungus Gnats: Ok, What’s the Difference?
Wondering about the visual distinction between fruit flies and fungus gnats? They, indeed, look quite similar. Moreover, fruit flies and gnats even have similar behavior patterns. However, there are a few distinguishing features between these two tiny pests.
First and foremost, gnats usually have longer legs compared to drosophilae. Second, fruit flies have big, red eyes, while gnats’ eyes are so tiny that they are way too challenging to spot. Furthermore, gnats have longer bodies compared to fruit flies.
With regard to the differences in terms of their behavior, fungus gnats prefer using your garden soil (or the soil of your houseplants) as their nesting location. That’s why they’re alternatively referred to as soil gnats, by the way. As for fruit flies, they choose overripe fruit or drains as their breeding area.
If you’re wondering if drosophilae and fungus gnats are dangerous, well, they’re no good for your home for sure. Fruit flies, for instance, can spread a variety of bacteria and, i.e. cause health issues, while fungus gnats can damage your plants. So the faster you start getting rid of the problem, the faster you’ll deal with it.
How Fruit Flies Get in Your House
Fruit fly larvae are buttery-colored, thin, and rice grain-shaped. Pretty often, fruit flies lay their eggs in fermenting liquid (mainly inside your fruit or vegetables brought from the grocery store). As a matter of fact, spotting fruit fly eggs is barely possible.
Therefore, you can accidentally eat them (yuck!) each time you enjoy an apple or peach! So be sure to wash your fruit like a pro prior to munching on them…
You’ve probably already guessed that fruit flies don’t just pop out of nowhere, even though it seems like they do. They may enter your home through small cracks in your walls and even through tiny crevices around your windows.
Alternatively, you may bring their pre-laid eggs inside the fruit or veggies from your local grocery store. Hope that answers your ‘how do fruit flies get in the house’ question.
How Do Fruit Flies Reproduce? Impressively Rapid Transformation
Studying the life cycle of this nasty pest is useful for winning your fruit fly battle. Without this vital knowledge, you may end up failing to eradicate your drosophila problem. The whole life cycle of a fruit fly is quite short and takes only up to 1.5 months.
Their life span largely depends on the time of year, though. Fruit flies are the most lively and active during warmer months. ‘Lady’ fruit flies lay several clusters of eggs during that period, which allows the ‘community’ of these pests to multiply very speedily.
What’s astonishing about the life cycle of drosophilae is that their egg-to-adult fly metamorphosis takes no longer than 2 weeks. That’s astoundingly fast. Let’s track how exactly they do the trick of ‘flying’ from fetus into adulthood. I’ll describe the process and the stages below.
Source
There are four distinct stages in the life cycle of a fruit fly. Here’s a brief outline of each of them:
- egg stage: the ‘lady’ fly lays up to 20 eggs that transform into larvae within about 2 days; at this point, fruit fly eggs are so tiny that you will probably fail to notice them on your fruit or veggies; throughout its lifetime, a mom drosophila is capable of laying up to 500 eggs;
- larva stage: at the larval stage (which lasts for up to 4 days), the egg has already transformed into maggots, also referred to as the larvae: short, small, food-loving worms. These worms stuff their fatty bodies with food until they are ready for the next stage of the fruit fly transformation;
- pupa stage: this stage is crucial when it comes to the fruit fly transformation; once it’s over, the fly is all grown up and more than ready to invade your sweet home with its pesky friends;
- adult drosophila stage: if all goes ‘as planned’ during the previous stage, at this point the egg-to-adult fly transformation is fully complete; that pretty much answers your ‘how are fruit flies born’ question; the adult fly is hungrier than ever, for the previous stage has drained of all of its resources.
If you’re wondering where all fruit flies go during the wintertime, they enter a state called diapause, which is the insect ‘sleep mode’. During this time, their growth and appetite are slowed down — right until the weather is warm, and they can munch on their favorite yummies again.
Why Do Fruit Flies Appear? More Answers to Your Questions Below
Drosophilae are toothless; therefore, liquids are their main food. Organic materials, including sugary ones, lure these bothersome creatures. Most frequently, these flies infest fruit, hence their ‘fruity’ name.
That’s mainly because fruit (especially when it rots) naturally gives off the sweet smell of honey and vinegar — something that fruit flies are totally hypnotized by.
If you go out of town and leave, say, ripe peaches on your kitchen table, a loud fruit fly party is definitely going to await you when you come back. Also, fruit flies can breed in rotting meat, trash cans, and soda/alcohol spills.
That’s why enjoying a glass of your favorite beer on a warm summer night is often impossible without being hunted by a swarm of the hovering uninvited guests.
Fruit Fly FAQ
1. Do fruit flies come from fruit?
Not exactly. Fruit flies don’t just suddenly materialize from inside the fruit. On the contrary, these stealthy guys attack the fruit in your kitchen from outside — right when it’s all overripe and juicy. In other words, fruit flies that come from the fruit is a (pretty ridiculous) myth.
2. Where do fruit flies come from in the bathroom?
Drosophilae enjoy spending time in warm, moist places. Most frequently, they lay their eggs on the surface of ripe fruit and veggies. However, fruit fly moms can easily opt for any other dark, moist areas (like your shower or sink drains) for laying their eggs. Yep, that’s how easily clouds of nasty fruit flies in your bathroom can be explained.
3. How fast do fruit flies breed?
Drosophilae reproduce at an incredible rate. On average, all the aforementioned stages of the life cycle of a fruit fly take up no longer than one week. That being said, when an infestation begins, it usually races out of control inexplicably fast.
4. Can fruit flies come from drain?
Yes. Fruit flies can breed in sewers, drains, trash cans, septic tanks, under your bathroom sink, under a loose floor tile, and in similar non-typical areas. These pesky insects thrive on moisture and organic debris; therefore, the aforementioned locations are pretty comfy for their short yet very noticeable lives.
5. Are fruit flies dangerous to your health?
Fruit flies are not as hazardous as, say, wasps, but they’re still not just a mere annoyance. In fact, plenty of germs can stick to the bodies of fruit flies. These germs (gut bacteria in particular) can get on your food and cause such a highly unpleasant health problem as diarrhea.
6. Do fruit flies bite?
No. Fruit flies cannot flaunt biting mouthparts. Besides, they don’t care about your blood. All they care about is rotten fruit, trashcans, and nice booze. So in this sense, fruit flies are the direct opposites of mosquitoes.
7. Can fruit flies go away on their own?
Fruit flies are extremely fertile. They breed nonstop, laying up to 500 eggs throughout their short lifespan. Once these tenacious pests make themselves at home in your house, they will not go away on their own. Luckily, you don’t have to put up with them and can get rid of them either under your own steam or with professional assistance.
Also read:
Last but Not Least: Knowledge Is Power
Now that you’ve learned all there is to know about drosophilae and their major habits, you’re armed with logical prevention steps against these little troublemakers.
First, have proper sanitation, clean up, or get rid of all their potential breeding spots. Second, make sure that your garbage bins have tight lids.
On top of that, make sure that you keep your fruit and veggies in the fridge. Your almost-rotten fruit should be discarded immediately. If you’re experiencing a fruit fly infestation that’s out of control, you’re welcome to research on the best fruit fly traps in one of my previous posts — or get in touch with licensed pest control pros asap.
What about your experience of overcoming fruit fly infestations? How did you solve the problem? Or are you still in the process of battling fruit flies? Feel free to share your opinion with me and your fellow-readers in the comment section below. Any feedback from my readers is always highly appreciated.
References:
- Fruit Flies (Entomology at the University of Kentucky):
  https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef621
- An Introduction to Drosophila melanogaster (University of Washington):
  https://depts.washington.edu/cberglab/wordpress/outreach/an-introduction-to-fruit-flies/
2020-04-25
Best Flea Collars for Cats in [year]: Expert Reviews
If my 25 years as an entomologist have taught me anything, it is that a flea infestation can have very serious implications on a household. What starts as a few adult fleas latching on to your cat’s fur quickly becomes a widespread infestation as the pests lay eggs all over your home.
If your cats lay on the carpet or couch, they will spread the eggs all over. Once these eggs hatch, the infestation gets out of control. You might have to call the extermination crew to get rid of these pests.
Product
Best Flea Collar for Cats
Good Value
Budget Pick
Title
Seresto Cat Vet-Recommended Flea & Tick Treatment & Prevention Collar for Cats | 8 Months Protection
Healex Cat Calming Collar for Cats | Purrfect to Reduce Your Pet’s Anxiety or Aggression |…
HARTZ UltraGuard Flea & Tick Cat and Kitten Collar, White 1 ea
Price
–
–
$7.69
Prime
–
–
Pros
Non greasy.
Long-lasting and safe.
Water-resistant.
My review
Read review
Read review
Read review
Buy
Check Latest Price
Check Latest Price
Check Latest Price
Best Flea Collar for Cats
Product
Title
Seresto Cat Vet-Recommended Flea & Tick Treatment & Prevention Collar for Cats | 8 Months Protection
Price
–
Prime
Pros
Non greasy.
My review
Read review
Buy
Check Latest Price
Good Value
Product
Title
Healex Cat Calming Collar for Cats | Purrfect to Reduce Your Pet’s Anxiety or Aggression |…
Price
–
Prime
–
Pros
Long-lasting and safe.
My review
Read review
Buy
Check Latest Price
Budget Pick
Product
Title
HARTZ UltraGuard Flea & Tick Cat and Kitten Collar, White 1 ea
Price
$7.69
Prime
–
Pros
Water-resistant.
My review
Read review
Buy
Check Latest Price
The speed at which flea infestation can occur is among the many reasons why I am writing this article. As a consultant for private pest control agencies, I often meet many cat parents who are desperate for a solution that does away with pests once and for all.
Their desperation is caused by their cat’s visible discomfort as well as their worry about protecting their loved ones in a flea-infested house.

I often recommend thorough fumigation and an integrated pest management approach. However, I find that flea collars for cats offer a more convenient and affordable alternative. It is the reason why I have compiled this review of cat collars from different brands to help you decide which product is the best.
Top 7 Best Flea and Tick Collars for Cats
Flea collars for cats must be bought after considering various issues. Buying the right fit reduces the risk of strangulation or accidental injuries. At the same time, bear in mind your budget and the device’s longevity. After all, you need to buy a durable device that offers value for your money.
To help you find the perfect balance of efficiency, convenience, and affordability, I have chosen 7 flea collars that are worth buying for your cats. The best flea and tick collar for cats stands out for a unique reason, but the rest in this review do as well.
1. Best Cat Flea Collar Overall – Seresto

Seresto Cat Vet-Recommended Flea & Tick Treatment…

Check price on DoMyOwn Check price on Amazon
Specifications:
- Active Ingredients: Imidacloprid 10.0% Flumethrin 4.5%
- Age Range Description: All Life Stages
- Scent: Odorless
- Item Weight: 0.22 Pounds
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 4.75 x 4.75 x 1.5 inches
- Target Pests: Fleas, Ticks
Seresto is my top pick out of all flea collars for cats due to its efficiency and longevity. It proves that Bayer is the best cat flea collar brand. The collars work by dissolving non-toxic repellent into the subcutaneous fat layer of cats. This repellent is absorbed in small amounts that are not harmful to cats but are lethal for fleas and ticks.
Once absorbed, the repellent travels all over the cat’s body, killing all fleas and ticks. These collars eliminate pests on contact.
This device stays active for 8 months, offering comprehensive protection at all times. One of the winning qualities of this collar is that it is odorless and does not leave greasy traces on your cat’s fur. This feature stops you from worrying about which surfaces your cats come into contact with once they have worn the collars.
The collars also have a self-release mechanism that keeps cats from being trapped while in them. If the device gets caught on something, your cats can easily wiggle until they are set free. This mechanism reduces the risk of self-injury. The ingredients of the insecticide used in this collar, however, have been known to cause an allergic reaction in some cats. To be on the safe side, you should have your cats tested for all allergies before using any flea collars for cats.
Pros: Cons:
Long-lasting;
Has a predetermined breaking point;
Nongreasy.
Pricey.
2. Safest Flea Collar for Cats – Healex

Healex Cat Calming Collar for Cats | Purrfect to…
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Specifications:
- Age Range Description: All Life Stages
- 2-Month Protection
- Item Weight: 0.81 Ounces
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 1 x 2.3 x 2.3 inches
- Target Pests: Fleas, Ticks
This company makes some of the most affordable flea collars for cats. The collars contain a potent pesticide that lasts for more than 7 months, getting rid of pests by contact. Pests will be repelled immediately after they land on the fur before they get a chance to bite pet skin.
Because they are manufactured using organic ingredients, these collars hardly ever cause any allergic reactions. It is safe for all cat breeds and has no reported cases of neck and fur irritation. The product comes with an informative ebook that has details on how to rid your abode of fleas and ticks.
My only criticism of the collars is their design, which makes them problematic to use. It is quite a tough task to pull the collar past the notches. However, once fitted, it works quite well.
Pros: Cons:
Affordable;
Long-lasting;
Safe.
Difficult to use.
3. Cheap Flea Collars for Cats – Hartz UltraGuard

HARTZ UltraGuard Flea & Tick Cat and Kitten…
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Specifications:
- Age Range Description: Senior
- Scent: Fresh Scented
- Item Weight: 0.96 Ounces
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 4.95 x 3.75 x 0.85 inches
- Target Pests: Fleas, Ticks
As far as the cost of flea collars for cats goes, this one is among the most affordable products that also offer a comprehensive defense. It has active components that spread over your cat’s coat to offer a continuous defense.
Initially, it exterminates all pests that land on cat fur. As the potency lowers, it only repels pests without exterminating them. Based on the extent of the infestation, you might have to buy a new device sooner. It has a strap that can be fitted for different sizes after any extra length that is hanging off is cut.
This device will break open if your cat is trapped. Therefore, you should not worry about self-injury while you are away. It is also resistant to water and must not be removed or dried if your cats have been caught out in the rain. Although the concentration of insecticides may cause a bad reaction in some cats, testing for allergies beforehand is a great way to eliminate this occurrence.
Pros: Cons:
Affordable;
Has breakaway mechanism;
Water-resistant.
May cause an allergic reaction in some cats.
4. Best Natural Flea Collar for Cats – Arava Botanical Collar
No products found.
Specifications:
- Active Ingredients: Geranium, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Lemongrass, Clove, Thyme, Eastern Red Cedar, Rosemary, Citronella, Soybean, Castor Oils
- Age Range Description: All Life Stages
- Package Weight: 1.13 Ounces
- Package Dimensions LxWxH: 6.5 x 4.8 x 0.9 inches
- Target Pests: Fleas, Ticks
It is among the best flea collars for cats that have a natural, non-toxic mixture for repelling pests. Unlike others, which might have high chemical quantities and cause sensitivities, this device is full of organic components that are not only effective on pests but also good for your cat’s fur and coat. It lasts for at least 6 months and is very easy to use.
The breakaway mechanism is also present in this collar. If the device gets caught on furniture or any other surface, it will snap off and release your cat. Because this device can only repel and not exterminate fleas and ticks, it is advisable to combine its use with that of insecticide shampoos from the same brand. The scent of botanical ingredients might be strong at first, but it reduces after some time and becomes quite pleasant.
Pros: Cons:
Natural ingredients only;
Has breakaway mechanism;
Affordable.
The botanical scent might be too strong at first.
5. Best Flea Collar for Kittens – Inspector by Neoterica

Natural Flea & Tick Collar for Cats – 12 Months…

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Specifications:
- Waterproof
- 2-Month Protection
- Package Weight: 1.13 Ounces
- Package Dimensions LxWxH: 4.85 x 4.75 x 1.2 inches
- Target Pests: Against 11 Species Of Parasites
These cat collars for cats offer the most value for money because they work to get rid of many common pests. Its unique formulation offers protection for more than fleas and ticks as it deals with other internal and external disease-carrying pests as well. It is also fast-acting because once it is worn by your cat, you will see results within 72 hours. If your cats were visibly uncomfortable, the irritation would subside considerably.
The device can be adjusted to make allowances for different sizes. It is easy to use by clipping to the required size. It is also odorless and water-resistant to allow functionality even when cats get in the rain. Compared to other flea collars that offer this level of protection, the price of this one is fair.
My only criticism of these is that they are not breakaway collars. If your cats get trapped by the collar, and you are not around to help them, they can easily get strangled because the device will not break off no matter how much they wiggle around.
Pros: Cons:
Affordable;
Waterproof;
Fast-acting.
Poses strangulation risk because it lacks a breakaway mechanism.
6. Cat Flea Collars that Work – Indremy
No products found.
It is among the affordable flea collars for cats that you can buy. The best part about it is that it offers most of the benefits that come with other flea collars at a more affordable price. It lasts for at least 8 months, after which you will have to replace it. Its ingredients are non-toxic, with the safety of your pet in mind. Although it is water-resistant, it is not waterproof. It means that extended exposure to water can impair its effectiveness.
It comes in a one-size-fits-all length, which is adjustable and easy to use. Simply clasp it around your cat’s neck, adjust for the appropriate size, and snip off the extra length. When worn comfortably, it does not cause abrasion or shedding of fur.
Pros: Cons:
Water-resistant;
Long-lasting;
Adjustable size.
Not waterproof.
7. Non-toxic Flea Collars for Cats – MIUSSAA
No products found.
The MIUSSAA collar is one of the best flea collars for cats because of the non-toxic combination of ingredients it offers. While offering all-round protection, the ingredients do not harm or cause allergic reactions. They are absorbed into the subcutaneous layer under the cat’s fur and spread all over his body. It repels pests uniformly, unlike other collars that concentrate on the neck area.
The longevity of this collar is 8 months, after which it needs to be replaced. It has an allowance for size adjustment to fit felines of all ages. It is also waterproof, which means that it works even when the cat is wet. However, prolonged contact with water might reduce the longevity of the collar. Ease of use is another winning quality of these flea collars for cats.
Pros: Cons:
Lasts for 8 months;
Easy to use;
Water-resistant.
Lacks breakaway mechanism.
Guide for Buyers of Flea Collars
Despite reading many cat flea collar reviews, you might still have questions about flea invasion and the use of collars. The truth is, with the increase in instant treatments, flea collars for cats are becoming less and less popular. However, cats that react to the components used to make spot-on treatments have no choice but to rely on collars for defense.
Collars that exterminate fleas on cats are categorized according to the presentation of pesticides used on them. The reliable device has a concoction of solid pesticides mixed and put in the collar. As the cat wears it, the insecticide rubs off on its fur and spreads over time. It can be dispersed on the top fur layer, or absorbed underneath and spread onto other layers. Therefore, fleas are killed when they land on the fur or bite your pet’s skin.
For the liquid device, a gas that is lethal to pests is released. Such collars are more effective for repelling pests but not for killing them. It is important to note that your purpose when buying a device is not to kill the pest but to protect your cat. Therefore, provided that the fleas are repelled, you should have no worries.
Collars can also be categorized based on the nature of insecticide used on them. You can opt for natural or chemical collars. Natural collars have lots of organic oils that are strong pest repellants. Chemical collars have tested and proven insecticide. Either of these collars is effective, but they are not without their disadvantages.
The natural collars come with a high risk of allergic reactions. Because of the variety of oils your cat will be exposed to there is a high possibility that they will not react favorably to one or more ingredients. Therefore, you should be careful when thinking of buying these collars.
The chemical collars can have two types of insecticides: adulticides that repel or kill adult pests and insect growth controllers that inhibit fleas from breeding and kill all larvae. When choosing the chemical collar, you should take into account the extent of the infestation. However, it makes sense to get rid of adult fleas as well as their eggs and worms once and for all.
Related Post:
- How to Get Rid of Fleas on Humans
- How to Get Rid of Fleas in Carpet
How do you decide on the kind of flea collars for cats that you should buy? The truth is, there are many factors to consider when purchasing these collars. Here are a few important aspects you should have in mind while making a purchase:
- Age – the type and amount of pesticides a cat can take depends on their age. If you use a device meant for older cats on a kitten, you are increasing the risk of toxicity and allergic reactions. Therefore, you should shop for flea collars that are made for kittens because they have just the right amount of chemicals.
- Body size – to ensure the collars fit well, you should check whether the brand has different collars for different cat sizes. The size also matters because some collars might have a lower concentration of insecticides, and you should buy them for petite cats. Buying the wrong size might render the device ineffective or toxic.
- Allergies – is your pet prone to sensitivity? Carefully consider each constituent in flea collars for cats before making a purchase. Allergic reactions can be as mild as discomfort and agitation or as extreme as vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, and bleeding.
- Adjustability – variable collars are the best because they have room to accommodate your growing cat. You should be able to fit the device well, allowing enough space for two to three fingers. A tight fit can cause abrasion, and a loose fit might get your cat’s paw stuck and cause injury.
- Breakaway mechanism – flea collars for cats can get caught on furniture, trees, bushes, or fences. A breakaway mechanism lets your pet free itself from such a situation even when you are not around. A device that cannot let the cat break free can result in injury or strangulation.
- Water-resistance – because cats wander around a lot, having a device that works when wet means that you do not have to take it off each time he goes out. Whether he gets soaked in the rain or by walking in puddles, the device should not stop working. However, you should always take the device off before a bath because water resistance does not guarantee the device’s effectiveness for an extended stay in the water.
- Ease of use – there is no point in buying collars that will require hours to put on your cats and even more time to take it off whenever you need to. The best device is one that is easy to put on and can be adjusted or removed without too much effort.
- Cost – based on your budget, and the longevity of the collar, you should settle on something you can afford. While some pet owners have no problem with paying a high price for quality, others would rather pay less and replace the collars often. The products in this review have different prices, so getting one that fits your budget will not be a problem.
Related Post: 7 Best Dog Flea Collars Reviewed.
Common Questions about Flea Collars
In my years in this industry, I have encountered a few questions from pet owners. I will answer several flea device questions below.
Do Flea Collars Work for Cats?
Yes, flea collars work by exterminating pests. Although the recent invention of instant treatments has provided a more effective alternative, several cats can only rely on collars.
Such cats have a sensitivity to the components of instant treatments. Collars are also more affordable and less messy than these treatments; hence some pet parents prefer to use these devices.
How Does a Flea Collar Work?
Flea collars for use on cats work in either of two ways: absorption or repulsion. Most collars discharge preventive chemicals that are taken in by your pet’s body.
Any fleas or ticks that land on the cat fur will be exterminated immediately. Others work by dispersing a lethal gas that exterminates pests. It keeps fleas from biting your cats, but it will not do much to kill them.
How Long Does it Take for a Flea Collar to Work?
Some collars offer immediate relief due to fast action components. When you put such a device on your cat, you will see results within 24 hours.
Other collars take some time to kick in, and you will see results within 72 hours. Depending on the extent of your pet’s discomfort, you can choose one of the two device types.
How Long Do Flea Collars Last?
How long flea collars for use on cats can last varies from one brand to the other. Some last only 3 months, while others last for 8 months. From a financial standpoint, it is prudent to purchase durable collars.
However, keep in mind that contact with water reduces the lifespan of these collars. Unless a device is marked as waterproof, you should not have your pet soaked for a long time.
What are the Side Effects of Using a Flea Collar?
Cats can exhibit sensitivity to the insecticides in a number of collars. Signs of such reactions include agitation, visible discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, and hair loss. If you notice any of these signs, you should immediately take the device off immediately and wipe your cat’s neck gently with a damp cloth. Always check the ingredients before buying a collar.
Related Post: Adams Flea Collar Review
How Much is a Flea Collar for Cats?
The cost of flea collars for cats varies from one brand to the other. You can find some that are retailing for $50, and others are retailing for as little as $20. Although price tags cannot be an indicator of quality, most of the expensive collars are from established and reliable brands. However, your choice should be determined by your budget.
When Can I Put a Flea Collar on My Kitten?
Kittens can wear flea collars once they are 7 weeks old. Putting a device on a kitten that is yet to reach this age can have disastrous consequences. Allergic reactions and toxicity are the most common dangers posed by using flea collars for cats on a kitten that is yet to reach the required age.

Final Take
I always say that prevention is better than cure. It is better to get rid of fleas before a widespread infestation occurs. Flea collars for cats are the best way of doing this. These collars are affordable, easy to use, and effective. Like any other animal product, they come in a variety of brands and sizes.
I believe that my expert opinion in this review will help you choose one out of the hundreds of flea collars for cats on the market. Are there any collars you have used that have stood up to the test? Let me know in the comment section below.
References:
- Tick & Flea Collars, Integrated Pest Management, and Your Safety (Mike Wierda and Dawn H. Gouge, University of Arizona, Arizona Pest Management Center):
  https://cals.arizona.edu/crops/cotton/files/17Flea_Collar_short.pdf
- Safe Use of Flea and Tick Products in Pets (U.S. Food & Drug Administration):
  https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/safe-use-flea-and-tick-products-pets
2020-04-24
Do Flea Collars Work? Answering the Worrying Questions
When you have a pet, dealing with parasite infestation, such as fleas, is a challenge you must be ready for. These insects are everywhere in the outdoors, and every time you go out for a walk or a day out with your dog, there is the possibility it will catch some fleas. But how can one deal with this problem?
Many pet owners consider purchasing flea collar vs drops. However, flea collars proved to be a more reliable solution, and in this article, I plan to use my experience as an entomologist to discuss flea collars.
It is a stress-free method of preventing and killing fleas. In this discussion, I will focus on answering how such items work and how to choose the right flea collar.
Flea Collar Buyer’s Guide
The effectiveness of flea collars is an issue that elicits mixed opinions from users. Some can attest to how effective their items worked while others have nothing positive to say about them.
The difference in experiences could simply be caused by the factors each of the parties considered when buying a flea collar.
How Does a Flea Collar Work?
Previously, flea collars could irritate the pet’s skin because of the harsh chemicals they contained. However, now it’s a thing of the past. The manufacturers of these collars took measures to modernize the models to minimize their negative impact on animals and humans alike. So, how do flea collars work?
The working model of such an item is mainly based on the type of collar you buy. In general, there are three basic types. They include:
Repelling collars
Repelling models release a gas that is poisonous to the fleas. Therefore, when wearing the collar, a dog will be protected from fleas that will not want to come into contact with it. Moreover, repelling products are also effective in killing the insects that have already got into the dog’s fur.
The gas the collar releases is enough to suffocate and kill these pests. However, its killing abilities are limited to the areas near where the collar is worn.
What I love about repelling collars is the fact that the gas it generates doesn’t stay in the fur. Therefore, no need to worry about being close to your pet when it is wearing the collar.
The only con, this type of collar lasts for a couple of months only. After this time, you will need to remove it and tie another one.
Related Post: 7 Best Dog Flea Collars Reviewed

Absorption-based collars
This type of collar is pretty common among pet owners. It works by killing the fleas on your dog, thanks to being soaked in a chemical solution. What you need to know is that it contains insecticides that will be sucked up in the dog’s body.
Once in the body, the product spreads evenly in the blood, killing and preventing further flea infestation on your dog effectively. While these collars are the most effective products, they can be harmful to both you and your dog.
Therefore, make sure to choose the item with a suitable dose for your pet. Also, don’t touch your dog for a day until the insecticide is soaked in its body.
Related Post: 7 Best Flea Collars for Cats Reviewed
High-frequency collars
High-frequency models represent the advanced form of flea collars. They work by releasing ultrasonic waves that are effective in repelling fleas from your dog. While the previous types contain chemicals or poisonous gas, such collars are not harmful to humans and animals at all.
Therefore, you won’t be allergic to such an item, and the dog should be comfortable wearing it. However, they work more as a preventive option and won’t help with a flea infestation.
Flea Collar Effectiveness
How effective are flea collars? Generally, they are quite reliable when used correctly, meaning that you have to adhere to the instructions given on their usage.
For example, when the guidelines say, do not expose a collar to water, follow this precaution. It means that the given collars are not water-resistant and will not be effective once they are wet.
Also, with time, fleas may develop resistance to chemicals used in making a specific collar. Therefore, I recommend changing protective models once in six months.
Flea Collar Variations
Besides the classification provided above, flea collars can be divided into natural or chemical-based. A natural collar is one that has been made using naturally-sourced ingredients. It mainly relies on raw materials you can receive from nature, for instance, oils and herbs. However, such items are not as powerful as chemical-based ones.
Chemical (repelling, absorption-based) collars are made using ingredients that are synthetically produced. Such collars may have some adverse side effects because the chemicals used may not be entirely safe for dogs or humans. However, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), manufacturers have agreed to end the sale of pet collars that have pesticides for the sake of children and pet protection, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Main Ingredients Used in Making Flea Collars
As I have mentioned above, chemical flea collars contain insecticides, that is, a mix of chemicals. Some of the chemical used include:
- Deltamethrin. It is classified among the insecticides that are safe for animals and human beings. It is a synthetic form of natural Pyrethrin.
- Propoxur. It works by poisoning the nervous system of fleas. The main downside to this ingredient is that significant exposures can be harmful to human beings. Therefore, avoid much contact with collars made using this chemical.
- Amitraz. It is a common ingredient in collars made for preventing flea infestation. That is because it is primarily considered effective in controlling parasites.
- Pyriproxifen. It is another ingredient used mainly in making insecticides for preventing parasites. It works effectively by targeting the eggs and larvae of fleas, sterilizes them, and controls their breeding.
Possible Side Effects
One thing you have to understand is that insecticides are meant to be poisonous to their targets. Therefore, in the process of performing their role, they may end up harming you and your pet, too, if not used carefully.
According to a study by Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the following are some of the side effects that toxic chemicals on flea collars can have on humans and animals:
- Damage to the nervous system, especially those with Tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) as an ingredient;
- Gastrointestinal complication on pets;
- Irritation of the skin the collar is attached;
- Chemical burns on pets.
Therefore, make sure to check for the precautions provided by the manufacturer. Alternatively, you can consult your vet to select the right option for taking care of your pet and preventing fleas. It is always better to think of the protection beforehand that struggle with fleas attacking your pet.
FAQ on How Do Flea and Tick Collars Work
Based on the mixed consumer reactions that these items elicit, users have many questions on their functionality and effectiveness. Here are answers to some of these questions.
How long does it take for a flea collar to work?
The period it takes for the product to start working depends on its type. Natural collars take longer than their chemical counterparts to begin working. In most cases, chemical collars may take as little as one day to start being emitted. Based on this timeline, their impact may be felt within three to four weeks.
How long do flea collars last?
A well-maintained collar should last for five to eight months. As a precaution, avoid exposing the collar to water. This way, you will allow the items to serve as per the manufacturer’s instructions. However, if you purchase a water-resistant model, there’s nothing to worry about.
How much is a flea collar for dogs?
The prices of flea collars vary, depending on the brand and type. Chemical models tend to cost higher but serve for longer than natural ones. However, the price doesn’t always reflect the quality, so be sure to check the ingredients and feedback on the web.
When can I put a flea collar on my puppy/kitten?
Flea collars can be harmful to puppies and kittens. Therefore, it is recommended that for puppies, one should not use such an item until the pet reaches the age of eight weeks. Kittens must reach fourteen weeks before they are introduced to a pet collar.
Also read:
Getting High-Quality Flea Collars for Dogs
Getting rid of fleas and preventing them on your pet is an important care practice. While pets play outside, they can catch fleas, and it would be better to take preventive measures than dealing with flea infestation.
Using flea collars is one of the most effective preventive strategies. The advantage of this technique is that it can be used in conjunction with other preventive and treatment insecticides. On the bright side, I have discussed some of the concerns you may have, including the pressing one, do flea collars really work? Yes, they work, but one should choose the right model carefully.
Based on your experience, what is the best type of flea collar to obtain? Which type do you consider most effective? Have you ever dealt with fleas on your dog or cat? If yes, did a flea collar help you? Share your thoughts in the comments, and I’ll be happy to read and answer them.
References:
- Companies Agree to Stop Selling Pet Collars Containing Pesticide to Protect Children (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency):
  https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/companies-agree-stop-selling-pet-collars-containing-pesticide-protect-children
- Poison on Pets II (Miriam Rotkin-Ellman, MPH; Gina Solomon, MD, MPH):
  https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/poisonsonpets.pdf
2020-04-23
Best Flea Collars for Dogs in [year]: Expert Reviews
Fleas are a menace. Apart from causing skin discomfort, their bites can spread ailments that suck out the cheer from your dog’s life. Besides, they can be a severe risk for you and your family, particularly if flea infestation is not controlled timely. Luckily, with the best flea collars for dogs, people can eliminate these pesky pests and, better yet, ban them from their houses for good.
If you’ve had it with these minute creatures and are considering acquiring a dog flea neck strap, this post will prove handy. Below, I provide you with seven in-depth dog flea collar reviews, thus, narrowing your options, given the many products available.
Furthermore, I’ve included a comprehensive shopper’s guide that’ll educate you on what to consider when selecting a flea strap, the various classifications of flea neck gear, and when to utilize a specific kind of mutt flea neck gear.
Product
Best Dog Flea Collar Overall
Best Budget Pick
Title
Seresto Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea & Tick Treatment & Prevention Collar for Dogs Over 18 lbs. |…
SOBAKEN Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs, Natural and Hypoallergenic Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs,…
Price
–
–
Prime
–
Pros
Continued protection over eight months.
Hypoallergenic.
My review
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Best Dog Flea Collar Overall
Product
Title
Seresto Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea & Tick Treatment & Prevention Collar for Dogs Over 18 lbs. |…
Price
–
Prime
Pros
Continued protection over eight months.
My review
Read review
Buy
Check Latest Price
Best Budget Pick
Product
Title
SOBAKEN Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs, Natural and Hypoallergenic Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs,…
Price
–
Prime
–
Pros
Hypoallergenic.
My review
Read review
Buy
Check Latest Price
What dangers do fleas pose? Note this: fleas don’t even need to chew on your mutt to start causing problems. Their sheer presence means seeing them crawl under the pet’s coat, triggering a bad itch. This discomfort, while enough trouble on its own, will lead to further problems.
See, as fleas crawl under the dog’s coat, causing an itch, dogs will endeavor to ease things by pulling the fleas out with their teeth or scratching with their huge and sharp nails. Eventually, your dog might cut its skin and start bleeding, or worse still, lose its hair and be at risk of infections.
How do dog flea collars assist in preventing these troublesome pests? For one, they ward off fleas, thus keeping them far from your four-legged companion. Besides that, these insect-preventing straps consist of toxic insecticides that kill the adults. And lastly, they’ll sterilize any egg and larva, therefore, breaking the existence phases of these minute nuisances.
Top 7 Top-rated Flea and Tick Collars for Dogs
There’re tons of flea straps in commercial circulation, which makes it hard for customers, especially first-timers, to decide what to buy. In light of that, I have narrowed down on the seven best products you can consider. Check out their in-depth reviews to discover your ideal insect-preventing gear.
1. Top Pick for Dog Flea Prevention: Seresto Collar

Seresto Large Dog Vet-Recommended Flea & Tick…

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Specifications:
- Active Ingredients: Flumethrin* 4.5%, Imidacloprid 10.0% (*Trans Z-1/trans Z-2 Ratio: max 66% trans Z-1 and min 34% trans Z-2)
- Age Range Description: All Life Stages
- Item Weight: ‎2.08 Ounces
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 4.75 x 4.75 x 1.5 inches
- Target Pests: Fleas, Ticks
If you’ve had it with these tiny creatures and prefer to deal with them immediately, then acquiring this neck gear for fleas and ticks might be an excellent place to begin. It offers an eight-month safeguard to your four-legged companion against these pests, saving you from having to administer flea controls each month.
This product performs two functions – warding off and exterminating fleas and ticks. These pests don’t have to chew on the gear or mutt to get eliminated; instead, they’ll die just by touching this strap. It has no smell, which means your four-legged companion won’t have to contend with an irritating whiff when they wear this gear.
I love that this product can be utilized with other identifying or restraining neck gear without any issues. Also, it is non-oily; thus, it won’t get all greasy on your mutt’s coat.
This product offers an eight-month protection period and weighs 2.08 oz. It has Imidacloprid and flumethrin as active ingredients; it’s waterproof and suitable for mutts/ puppies that are seven weeks or older and above eighteen pounds.
Pros: Cons:
Non-oily;
Easy to apply;
Kills via contact;
Continued protection over eight months;
It cannot be destroyed by water or the sun.
Quite pricey.
2. Budget Pick Flea & Tick Collars for Dogs: SOBAKEN

SOBAKEN Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs, Natural…
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Specifications:
- Active Ingredients: Spearmint Oil 7%, Clove Oil 7%, Citronella Oil 8%
- Age Range Description: from 3 month age
- Item Weight: 3.21 Ounces
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 3.74 x 3.7 x 1.3 inches
- Target Pests: Fleas, Ticks
The Sobaken strap effectively prevents fleas/ ticks and makes the ideal purchase if you have limited finances to spare. It offers a continuous safeguard against these insects for eight whole months, which implies that it’s not necessary to replace the flea strap moment after moment. Unlike the previous versions, this new gear boasts of an improved and potent formula that’s way more reliable for eliminating these pests. Better yet, it won’t trigger allergic reactions in your mutt.
This flea collar suits dogs of all sizes and should be used if your four-legged companion is at least three months old. Of all things, I loved this product because it stays potent and lethal on fleas even after your mutt plays in the water.
This neck strap weighs 0.9 oz and delivers many months of continued safeguard against these pesky organisms. You just need a single insect-preventing gear for the whole use. It has a length of twenty-five inches and natural components.
Pros: Cons:
Water proof flea collar;
Hypoallergenic;
Fits all mutts;
Economical.
This flea strap has a smell that can put some people off.
3. Best Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs: Virbac Preventic
No products found.
Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Amitraz 9%
- Age Range Description: All Life Stages
- Item Weight: 15.5 Ounces
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 0.75 x 4.25 x 4.69 inches
- Target Pests: Fleas, Ticks
If you’ve got to handle a flea and tick outbreak simultaneously, this strap might make an excellent purchase. Within a short span, this flea gear can exterminate and remove ticks and fleas from your mutt, sparing them the agonizing itch that these pesky tiny creatures cause. Given that your mutt has a maximum neck measurement of twenty-five inches, I assure you that this flea strap will fit properly.
The manufacturer recommends that you utilize this flea gear on mutts/ pups of three-months and older. Furthermore, it’s advisable to leverage it if the dog weighs over sixty pounds. As an active ingredient, it has nine percent amitraz, an effective acaricide and insecticide.
It can fit mutt necks of up to twenty-five inches and weighs 0.97oz. The product is manufactured in France.
Pros: Cons:
Adjustable;
Effective tick killer;
Three-month protection;
Large flea collar.
May cause irritation.
4. Best Tick Collar for Dogs Small to Extra-Large: Petsmont
No products found.
The Petsmont is among the preferred flea collars out there and boasts of an innovative, potent plant-based formula. It offers a one-year safeguard against these pests, becoming one of the countable collars in commercial circulation, delivering such a lengthy timeline of protection. In the package, there’re two flea collars, each offering a six-month safeguard against fleas.
If you’re thinking of flea collars for small dogs, I recommend this neck gear since it can perfectly fit any dog. Besides that, it has no pesticide, thus, conforming to an earlier directive that saw companies agree to cease the sale of pesticide-containing mutt straps. It has a length of 22.44 inches and is lightweight.
With this item, count on two flea collars, a one-year safeguard, and plant-derived components. Moreover, it contains 100 percent vital natural oils and is waterproof.
Pros: Cons:
Snug;
12-month protection;
Satisfaction guarantee;
Plant-derived formula.
The smell might be annoying.
5. Flea Collars That Work as Dewormers: Inspector
No products found.
Specifications:
- Water-Resistant
- Age Range Description: Puppy
- Item Weight: ‎0.02 Pounds
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 11 x 8 x 0.9 inches
- Target Pests: Flea, Tick
For those in search of a collar that safeguards your mutt from all types of parasites, and not just fleas and ticks, the Inspector might just do the trick. This brand collar functions as a dewormer too, getting rid of eleven distinct kinds of parasites inside and outside the body, including roundworms and hookworms.
I found this product to be quick-acting as you can start noticing results in two days. It typically keeps killing ticks for up to three, helminths for two, and other parasites for four months. These flea collars are brown and come in three sizes. There’s a small size for dogs weighing below 22 pounds, the medium for dogs between 22 and 65 pounds, and the large size for canines above 65 pounds. You can find measurements for each size to see which fit will be appropriate for your mutt.
The fact that this brand offers two in one protection, i.e., from fleas and worms, makes it quite affordable too (you won’t need to buy individual products for each problem). This natural flea and tick collar is also water-resistant. So, it’s not harmful to an animal and won’t stop working when it comes into contact with water.
Pros: Cons:
Anti-flea & anti-worm;
Goes for 120 days with no need of replacement;
Offers sizes for all dogs;
Easy to put on.
Stops working on helminths and ticks after 60 and 90 days, respectively.
6. Best Flea Collar for Puppies: Adams 2PK
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Specifications:
- Water-Resistant
- Age Range Description: Puppy
- Item Weight: ‎0.05 Pounds
- Product Dimensions LxWxH: 0.88 x 4.25 x 4.13 inches
- Target Pests: Fleas, Ticks, Flea Eggs and Flea Larvae
While this flea band protector can be adjusted to fit larger canines, I found it ideal for pups (they must be 90 days or older). It helps kill fleas and ticks and keeps doing so for half a year of wearing. As a plus, it also acts as a mosquito repellent. Since one purchase comes with two collars in the tin, you can use it on two dogs for six months or on one mutt for a year.
The collars are infused with an Insect Growth Regulator too. So, apart from killing full-grown fleas, it also keeps unhatched younglings (larva, pupa, or egg) from fully forming into flies, which translates into no new infestations.
The effectiveness of these collars isn’t affected by water-related activities such as swimming or bathing, as they are entirely waterproof. Only one size is available (adjustable), and it comes in grey.
Pros: Cons:
Good choice for puppies;
Two collars enough to last a year;
Can be adjusted and cut to the mutt’s neck size;
Has an IGR to prevent re-infestation.
The scent can be strong on the first day.
7. Top Rated Flea Collars for Dogs and Cats: INDREMY
No products found.
INDREMY collars might be a worthy choice for those looking for matching neckbands for their dogs and cats. INDREMY is a brand that sells all kinds of pet supplies, including toys, collars, training pads, etc. This particular band is 24 inches long but can be adjusted downwards.
These collars for dogs can guard against flea, lice, tick, mosquito, and larvae. This brand is among the more long-lasting flea protectors on this list, with just one neckband going for about eight months. The materials used to make them are fragrance-free and natural, which means the collars are less likely to trigger allergic flare-ups.
I found that these collars can withstand being submerged in the water now and then. However, you shouldn’t expose them to rain or the sun too much so that they are effective in the long run. It’s also relatively easy to fit. Once you’ve adjusted it to fit around your mutt’s or cat’s neck size, you just buckle it (no need to cut the extra part off).
Pros: Cons:
For both cats & dogs;
Can give service for 8 months;
Odorless and hypoallergenic;
Easy to fit and adjust.
Can be affected by excessive exposure to rain or sun.
Buyer’s Guide and FAQ
With so many products available, it becomes quite challenging to navigate the flea collars market. So, to help you, below is a comprehensive shopper’s guide and FAQs to educate you on flea collars.
What to Pay Attention to When Shopping for Flea Collars
No flea bands are the same, but it is imperative that you still acquire a working item. In light of that, here are some essential things I highly suggest that you pay attention to when shopping for mutt flea collars.
1. 1. Contents: Flea collars can either contain natural oils or chemical substances. Overall, chemical flea collars are more potent, and thus, deliver better results.
    Waterproof: Mutts will not stay dry all the while. So, to ensure that the active substances do not wear off after contact with water, it helps to acquire a waterproof flea band for your four-legged companion.
    Measurements: Flea collars come in different sizes. Therefore, it helps to find a neck gear that fits your mutt perfectly. You can measure the neck of your mutt before purchasing these collars to ensure a proper fit. Besides that, it helps to acquire an adjustable band to make it easy to customize the size for your four-legged companion.
    Duration: Flea collars come with information on their service period. The longer the term, the better since you won’t have to change the flea prevention from time to time.
    Functionality: The best flea collars are those that work on fleas at all stages. A product that can repel, kill adult fleas, and sterilize flea eggs/ larvae is always a better solution when compared to the rest.
    Additional protection: In case of a double infestation by fleas and ticks, it makes sense to acquire a product that eliminates both of these tiny creatures. Luckily, there are tons of collars offering dual-protection, making them an ideal purchase during a double-infestation.
Related Post: 7 Best Flea Sprays on the Market.
The Varying Kinds of Flea Collars
Mutt flea collars are diverse. This diversity has made it crucial for customers to learn about the selection of treatment bands available online before they settle on a particular brand. That said, below are the two used classifications of flea collars:
Natural Collars
These flea collars are laden with organic oils and are a terrific alternative compared to chemically-composed toxic solutions. For the most part, this category of products does not trigger any allergic reactions in your mutt and is friendly to the environment.
These bands make for a terrific option for any canine parent before resorting to artificial ingredient-based products. They have fewer side effects, but their drawback is that they usually have lower potency levels.
Related Post: Best Dog Flea Shampoos: Natural & Effective Picks.
Chemical Collars
These collars have potent synthetic agents for exterminating pests. They are quite effective at eliminating these pesky little pests and will offer service over lengthy durations. You could opt for these pest collars whenever you have a severe flea invasion that’s severely affecting your canine’s health and physical activity.
Within these two categories, you can also find pest collars that exterminate parasites and those that only repel them. Both of these sub-classifications go around the issue differently and have distinct efficacy levels.
Categories of Flea Collars & the Needs They Satisfy
Flea collars can be categorized into distinct groups based on what’s used to manufacture them or the way they do their job. Knowing about these types can help you make the best choice for your requirements. Here’s when to choose each type:
1. 1. Natural collars: these parasite protection collars typically rely on organic components, for example, cedarwood oil to keep parasites away. They provide a fantastic go-to remedy for owners looking for mild flea control options for their allergy-susceptible dogs. If your canine has reacted to an artificial product, a natural neckband is best.
    Chemical collars: synthetic collars typically use an insecticide to exterminate or repel the pesky pests. This choice is best when you’re up against a really bad pest problem and searching for a remedy that can produce speedy results. However, make sure that your mutt isn’t already struggling with an allergy, as that means their skin is extra delicate.
    Repellent collars: these collars work by emitting a repellent to keep insects away. They are best when you are looking to prevent being overrun with fleas, want to save on cash, or are utilizing the neckband as part of a large and comprehensive pest management plan.
    Flea extermination collars: these collars infuse an insect-eliminating compound on a canine’s surface. They are an ideal selection when looking to treat an ongoing parasite invasion as they exterminate small bugs anywhere on the mutt’s skin. You may find collars in this category that also double up as repellents.
Related Post: Best Flea Treatment for Cats: Most Effective & Safe Products.
FAQ
Have questions about these protection collars you’d like me to answer? I have answered the most common ones below based on my years of pest control experience:
How Long Does It Take for a Flea Collar to Work?
Generally, parasite neckbands work differently depending on the brand and whether they are artificial or organic. If you go with a synthetic collar, you can expect it to start working in 24 hours. Natural collars typically take longer for results to be seen. So, do flea collars work in the long run? The product you pick, regardless of composition, should give you real results in about a month of continuous use.
How Long Do Flea Collars Last?
Different flea collars have varying longevity. Some may safeguard the pet for 90 days; others may go up to an entire year. However, these periods may vary, depending how well you maintain the collar. Case in point, it’s always wise to unbuckle the band when bathing your canine, even if it’s advertised as waterproof.
What Are the Side Effects of Using a Flea Collar?
Collars have been around for decades and are regarded by most pest experts, myself included, as safe. In a few instances, however, a mutt with delicate skin may experience mild side effects such as red hue on the skin, itchiness, restlessness/ discomfort, and thinning of the coat. If your canine is prone to allergies, I suggest going for a natural dog collar. For safe flea and tick neckbands, check out the products I have reviewed here.
How Much Is a Flea Collar for Dogs?
There are dozens of options for flea collars for people in every budget category. Prices start as low as $3.5 or as much as $100. Of course, the features will vary with the price. Also, the higher-priced options will often include two or more bands. If your cash is tight, my suggestion would be SOBAKEN Flea and Tick Prevention, as it offers good value at an affordable price.
When Can I Put a Flea Collar on My Puppy?
The appropriate period to use a flea protection band on a pooch is determined by the brand of band you have or wish to buy. Some are listed for usage on pooches as tiny as 6-7 months. Always check the age recommendation stipulated by the seller prior to procuring a product. For a person owning a pooch younger than that, try a flea comb or manually remove flies with a pair of tweezers.
Related Post: Adams Flea Collar Review
How Does a Flea Collar Work?
How do flea collars work exactly? There are two techniques. The first is by discharging a gaseous compound that exterminates or repels flying parasites that come close. These collars usually protect the neck and head area. The other method is the neckband producing a pesticide that permeates the fat layer of the mutt’s skin and moves to cover the entire epidermis. The compound exterminates insects upon landing on or being in close proximity with a treated mutt.
Verdict and Final Recommendations
Common parasites such as fleas make pets uncomfortable and may sometimes bring about medical problems. If these parasites get carried into the house, they ruin comfort there too. The most efficient technique of doing away with them is to procure efficient flea collars for your furry buddy. The names I have reviewed here are the most outstanding flea collar brands you’ll come across currently. Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar is my overall pick as it’s resilient, odorless, and excellent for both repulsing and exterminating pesky parasites.
Have some personal experience with flea collars you’d wish to share? How have they helped your pooch so far? Post your comments, questions, or suggestions below to continue this discussion.
References:
1. - Companies Agree to Stop Selling Pet Collars Containing Pesticide to Protect Children (United States Environmental Protection Agency):
    https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/companies-agree-stop-selling-pet-collars-containing-pesticide-protect-children
  - Controlling Fleas (Mike Merchant and James Robinson Texas A&M AgriLife Extension):
    https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/library/insects/controlling-fleas/
  - Insect Growth Regulators (Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency):
    http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/ptype/igr.html
2020-04-22

Pros:	Cons:
humane trap; reliable materials; reusable; its price is lower than for similar items; salt-water resistant.	you will have to get rid of the snake by yourself.

Pros:	Cons:
12 trays in the pack; disposable traps; does not contain chemicals; contains an attractant; powerful glue.	these trays are not reusable. Once the snake is caught, you have to get rid of it.

Pros:	Cons:
easily folded material; strong glue to hold 6-feet snake; works well on other pests; disposable; does not require additional baits.	it is not reusable.

Pros:	Cons:
humane trap; unique design; easy way to catch snakes; affordable price; reusable.	you have to release snake yourself.

Pros:	Cons:
affordable price; advanced powerful glue; catches numerous pests; large area of action; non-toxic.	not reusable.

Pros:	Cons:
totally safe and humane way of possum removal; made of durable material, so you can use it for many years if needed; simple working mechanism.	it might be a bit pricey.

Pros:	Cons:
made with safe and non-toxic ingredients; doesn’t spoil the soil of the garden; works for different kinds of animals.	the effect may disappear after the rain.

Pros:	Cons:
natural repellent; doesn’t get spoiled because of the weather; scares away the rodents as well.	can’t be applied at home.

Pros:	Cons:
an effective treatment; can be used with a trap; one dose is enough to kill a possum immediately.	non-humane way to get rid of pests.

Pros:	Cons:
safe for both outside and inside usage; works amazingly together with a cage trap; non-toxic bait.	it might be dangerous if you have small kids in the house.

Pros:	Cons:
Low-toxicity; Can be used against other pests, not only bed bugs; The result is noticeable in the first days of use.	Quite costly if you need to treat more than 1 room;

Pros:	Cons:
It kills the bed bugs within two days; Easy in use; Eco-friendly.	It is usually sold in small size; The bed bug powder is not shipped to all countries.

Pros:	Cons:
It kills bed bugs and their eggs; Can be applied in two ways; Long-lasting effect.	Does not kill other insects.

Pros:	Cons:
1-year warranty; Low-toxic; Kills all insects.	Expensive; The product gets sold out very fast.

Pros:	Cons:
It kills various insects; Affordable price; It can get into inaccessible areas.	It kills the insects only after they contact with powder; The bed bug killer is not shipped to all countries.

Pros:	Cons:
Humane way to get rid of rodents; Lightweight; Durable; Sensitive trigger.	Does not kill chipmunks.

Pros:	Cons:
Powerful trigger inside; Weightless and small; Affordable price; Durable.	This trap actually kills chipmunks.

Pros:	Cons:
Acts almost immediately; 144 blocks in a pack; Kills mice and rats as well; Affordable price.	If the chipmunk dies in the wall, the whole house will stink until you remove the corpse.

Pros:	Cons:
Reliable structure; Catches up to 20 rodents at one time; Does not kill animals.	It is more expensive than similar products.

Pros:	Cons:
Scares away various rodents and big animals; Is not harmful to your plants; Easy to use; Organic materials only.	It is not the cheapest product.

Author: Nicholas Martin

Top 5 Best Snake Traps

1. Frabill Minnow Trap – Reliable Humane Snake Trap

2. Catchmaster Baited Rat, Mouse and Snake Traps – Affordable Non-Toxic Snake Glue Traps

3. Cahaba Glue Catch Inserts 6 Pack – the Best Offer Among Big Snake Traps That Work

4. Frabill 1271 Fishing Equipment Nets & Traps – Reliable Metal Live Snake Trap

5. HARRIS Supersized Snake Glue Trap – an Expert in Trapping Snakes of Big Sizes

A Detailed Manual and FAQ

Snake Box Trap or Cage Trap

Glue Traps

Minnow Traps

How Does a Trap Work?

Tips for Trapping Snakes

FAQ

Can a Trap Catch-All Types of Snakes?

How to Catch Garden Snake?

How to Trap a Snake in the House?

What to Do with Trapped Snakes?

How to Make a Snake Trap?

Do I Need to Call Professionals?

Which Trap to Choose?

References:

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs: Detailed Review of the Most Popular Insects

What Are Bed Bugs And How Do They Look

What Are Other Tiny Bugs in Bed That Are Not Bed Bugs

Bat Bugs vs Bed Bugs

Baby Roaches vs Bed Bugs

Ticks vs Bed Bugs

Fleas vs Bed Bugs

Booklice vs Bed Bugs

Carpet Beetles vs Bed Bugs

Spider Beetles vs Bed Bugs

Getting to Know Your Enemy: Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs

References:

Manual into Ants’ Lifetime

The Role in the Caste System

Species

The Life Cycle

FAQ

What Is the Average Lifespan of an Ant?

How Fast Do Ants Reproduce?

How Long Do Queen Ants Live?

How Big Can Ants Get?

How Long Can Ants Live Without Food?

Can’t We Just Wait Till They Die?

Ants And Cornmeal

Cornmeal Ant Killer?

Why Use Cornmeal?

FAQ

Why Does Cornmeal Kill Ants?

Will Cornmeal Kill Fire Ants?

How to Kill Ants with Cornmeal?

Words of Caution

Conclusion

References:

How to Determine a Possum?

Possums vs Opossums: Is There a Difference?

Potential Possums Dangers

How to Inspect for Possums Signs

How to Get Rid of Possums: a Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1: Survey Your Property for Damage

Step 2: Find the Nest

Step 3: Bait the Possum

Step 4: Develop a Treatment Plan

Best Possums Control Remedies

1. Duke Large 1-Door Humane Animal Trap – the Best Possums Trap

2. One of Best Possums Repellents: Bonide Chemical Co 239 037321002390 Shot Gun Rtu Animal Repellent

3. Organic Possum Repellent: Shake Away 2852228 Fox Urine Granules

4. Poison to Try: Farnam Just One Bite II Bait Chunks

5. Coon Gitter Bait: Best Possums Trap Bait

Possums Prevention

Eliminate Its Source of Food

Seal the Trash

Protect Your House

FAQ

How Do Possums Get into Your House?

What Attracts Possums?

How to Get a Possum Out of Your House?

How to Get Rid of Possums Naturally?

Is Possum Pest Control Effective?

Pros:	Cons:
Scares away chipmunks; Easy to remove and transport; Durable; The 60 days money back guarantee.	It costs more than similar repellers.

Pros:	Cons:
For use on various fabrics and other materials; Two active ingredients; Kills all bed bugs in the short term.	Due to high demand, it is often out of stock.

Pros:	Cons:
Meant for professional use; Can be used indoors and outdoors; Manufactured by Bayer.	Not eco-friendly; Small bottles are quickly sold out, so, as a rule, only large ones remain.

Pros:	Cons:
Manufactured by a well-known company in the field; There are several buying options; Eco-friendly.	The price is above average; Not shipped to all countries.

Pros:	Cons:
Can be used in homes with people and pets; Odorless; Frequent discounts.	Sold only in big bottles; Quite expensive.

Pros:	Cons:
Manufactured by one of the largest chemical producers in the world; High-quality; Kills the bed bugs within several days.	No official warranty; Sold out very quickly.

Pros:	Cons:
Four remedies in one kit; High-quality; Manufactured by the company specialized in insect killers.	A bit pricey; Beware of the fakes.

Pros:	Cons:
Highly concentrated for killing even the toughest bed bugs; Affordable price; Several options for buying.	Can be harmful to humans.

Pros:	Cons:
Pet-safe components; 1 spray is enough for 2100 square feet; No mess and odor; Prevents infestation for up to 7 months.	Quite costly.

Pros:	Cons:
Effect lasts up to 7 months; Help to access hard-to-reach places; Covers up to 3000 square feet. Helps against adult fleas, eggs, and larvae.	Not very effective if there are drafts in the house.