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While many people view the recent increase in bed bug infestations as a problem predominantly in low-income or unsanitary environments, experts say that's not the case.

"You could go to a flop house or a five-star hotel and find bed bugs in there," entomologist and pest control specialist Jim Dill told the Kennebec Journal.

Dill says the recent "explosion" of bed bugs in the U.S. is due in part to increased international travel. These blood-sucking nocturnal pests come into people's homes on their luggage or clothing and can be extremely difficult and costly to get rid of.

"You think you can be invincible or immune, but everyone is vulnerable," Maine resident Neil Fogg told the news provider. The bugs left him and his girlfriend with red, itchy bite marks that took weeks to heal after a trip to Europe.

U.S. Department of Agriculture entomologist Rich Hansen suspects his home was infested after staying in a hotel, although he can't pinpoint when or where.

"[We] travel and stay in hotels, so that's our suspicion, that we picked them up," he told the news source.

Experts say travelers should be vigilant to avoid the pests. Inspecting hotel rooms and reporting any signs of the bugs is important, as is washing and drying clothes with high heat when you arrive home.

Using a Bed Bug Mattress Cover on all beds in your home may also be helpful in keeping these pests away, as they provide total lock-tight protection against bed bugs.

Using a bed bug treatment, consisting of a powder and a spray to kill the bugs, is also believed to be effective.
 

A recent survey conducted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) revealed that bed bugs are alive and well in the U.S. The study revealed that one in five Americans has either had an infestation themselves or known someone who has.

In order to deal with the growing numbers of bed bug infestations, the association has issued a guide for industry professionals and consumers working to eradicate these blood-sucking pests.

"Bed bugs are extremely difficult to control, let alone eradicate, which is why it's so important that we share these Best Management Practices," said NPMA's Missy Henriksen.

The guidelines contain information on detection, disposal of personal items and furniture as well as methods of controlling the bugs.

While there are several ways to rid homes and businesses of bed bugs – including using chemical pesticides and heat – many say a two-part bed bug treatment method consisting of a silicon dioxide powder and an oil-based pyrethrin spray can be effective.

Bed Bug Killer powder can be applied around the mattress or directly on it. When the bugs encounter it, they dry up and die.

Following the powder treatment up with a Bed Bug Spray can help combat re-emerging problems. It can be applied on mattresses and other places bed bugs hide, such as on wall-ceiling joints and baseboards, as well as behind and underneath furniture, cushions and furnishings.

According to CNN.com, bed bug infestations in North America have increased between 100 and 500 percent in recent years.

Pest control experts say that infestations have been reported in homes, hotels, schools, hospitals, movie theaters, offices, college dorms and ambulances, leading them to employ a variety of methods to get rid of these blood-sucking bugs.

Some experts have resorted to "baking" the bugs, CNN reports. British pest controller Mark Astley tells the news provider that he uses heat to eradicate them, keeping infested homes at 134 degrees Fahrenheit for two to three hours. Other experts use chemical pesticides.

While many people turn to experts to eradicate these pests, hiring a professional to take care of a bed bug problem can be pricey. Some estimates range as high as $5,000.

Individuals can save money and still ensure success by using the same bed bug treatment techniques used by professionals.

Bed Bug Killer is a powder made from silicon dioxide that can be applied around the mattress or directly on it. When the bugs encounter it, they dry up and die.

Experts also recommend following this treatment up with a Bed Bug Spray, which is an oil-based pyrethrin product that helps get rid of the pests.

The spray helps combat re-emerging problems and can be sprayed directly on mattresses, wall-ceiling joints and baseboards, as well as behind and underneath furniture, cushions and furnishings.

While cold temperatures often mean death for many bugs, freezing conditions don't deter bed bugs. Studies show that bed bugs can survive temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit for at least five days.

However, the fact that these blood-sucking pests live indoors means that the winter cold often does little to keep them away.

In the past few years, bed bug infestations have been reported in hotels, motels, apartment buildings, dormitories, hospitals, movie theaters and stores in cities such as New York City, San Francisco and Chicago, as well as in small towns in every state in the country.

According to a recent survey done by the National Pest Management Association, one out of five Americans has had a bed bug infestation or knows someone else who has.

Experts recommend taking precautions to avoid bringing bed bugs into the home, such as treating suitcases with a bed bug treatment spray and washing clothes in hot water and drying them under high heat for at least 30 minutes after travelling.

However, those who are dealing with an infestation should consider a two-part bed bug treatment to eradicate the pests. It consists of Bed Bug Killer powder that is made from silicon dioxide and Bed Bug Spray, an oil-based product that helps get rid of any remaining pests.
 

The cold, icy, snowy weather that many parts of the country have experienced this winter has left some people craving the warmth of a sunny beach.

Whatever type of getaway you prefer, experts say there are steps you should take to ensure you don't bring any uninvited guests home with you.

Bed bugs have been reported at hotels and motels across the country and beyond. And, experts say they often hide out in luggage and are unknowingly brought home with travelers.

Before having to embark on a full-on bed bug treatment process, individuals who are travelling may consider taking precautions such as applying bed bug spray on luggage to deter the pests from entering.

Using a Bed Bug Mattress Cover on all beds in your home may also be helpful in keeping these pests away.

These covers provide total lock-tight protection against bed bugs and dust mites.

Bed Bug Mattress Covers zip onto the mattress and prevent new bed bugs from entering, while also prohibiting any that may already be there from escaping.

In addition, the product boasts many durability and comfort features such as a waterproof, durable, soft terry cloth fabric construction and breathability that reduces heat build up.
 

Bed bugs have become so common that they're set to star in a new reality show.

According to the Huffington Post, the Animal Planet network is currently recruiting New York City residents who are cohabitating with bed bugs for a new show. In addition to bed bug infestations, producers are seeking those with other bug problems or rodent problems as well.

The network promises to have an accredited local pest company take care of the infestation for free, as long as cameras can capture the process.

Bed bug infestations have been documented in all 50 states in recent years. They've been found in hotels, motels, libraries, hospitals, movie theaters, dormitories and store dressing rooms in both big cities and small towns.

They can be eradicated with a bed bug treatment process that consists of a spray and a powder.

Professionals recommend first using an oil-based bed bug spray on mattresses, wall-ceiling joints and baseboards, as well as behind and underneath furniture, cushions and furnishings to combat re-emerging bed bug problems.

Then, apply a bed bug powder around the perimeter of the bed to create a barrier between the bugs and their food source (you). The pests will perish as they crawl through the powder to get to you. This step must be repeated for up to eight weeks to ensure that the bugs that hatch during the treatment are killed as well.
 

The old saying, "sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite" may be uttered in cities and towns throughout the country.

According to a recent survey done by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), one out of five Americans has had a bed bug infestation or knows someone else who has.

While some may think that these pesky insects are only a problem in big cities or in dirty places, experts say that's not the case. They've been reported in hotels, motels, apartment buildings, dormitories, hospitals, movie theaters and stores in cities like New York City, San Francisco and Chicago, as well as in small towns in every state in the country.

"Most Americans recognize that bed bugs are back in a big way. Our survey shows that people are taking the bed bug resurgence seriously and are modifying their daily routines to avoid infestations," said the NPMA's Missy Henriksen.

The NPMA survey also found that while some are taking precautions to avoid falling victim to these blood-sucking pests, many are only responding to their resurgence when they have a problem.

Bed bug treatment includes treating the home with a two-part process using a bed bug powder (diatomaceous earth) and a bed bug spray.

An oil-based bed bug spray is used on mattresses, wall-ceiling joints and baseboards, as well as behind and underneath furniture, cushions and furnishings to combat re-emerging bed bug problems.

The bed bug powder is applied around the perimeter of the bed to create a barrier between the bugs and their food source (you). The pests will have to crawl through the powder to get to you and will die. This step must be repeated for as many as eight weeks to ensure that the bugs that hatch during the treatment are eradicated as well.