Author: Evan Grimes

What Is HVAC and Why Is It Necessary?

Evan Grimes

HVAC is an integral design feature of modern buildings from high-rise tower blocks and hotels to medium to large office and industrial structures. It is also a key element in vehicles, trains, airplanes and ships.

HVAC

Maintain a regular schedule for inspecting and servicing your hvac system. This reduces your risk of emergency repairs and helps you budget for future expenses. Contact Pro Air Install & Repair for professional help.

Many homes in the southern United States require a functioning heating system during colder months. The heating portion of an HVAC system regulates temperatures, while the ventilation system brings in fresh air and exhausts stale or polluted air to create a healthy indoor environment.

A central heating system has an outdoor unit and a blower unit that distributes warm air through ductwork to different rooms in a home. These units may use fossil fuels like propane or natural gas, or they may use alternative energy sources such as solar, wind or geothermal power. Some systems also include a water heater. A packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC) is a type of heat pump that includes both an air conditioning and a heating unit in one package.

To keep indoor air clean, the ventilation system draws in fresh, dry air through a filter and then exhausts stale air with the help of a vent that opens into an outside wall. This helps to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, balance humidity levels and control carbon dioxide levels in the air.

The regulating part of the HVAC system typically controls temperature and activation of other components through a thermostat. These can be found mounted on the walls in easy-to-access locations and are usually programmable. Some newer models of thermostats even integrate with phone apps and smart-home systems to allow for remote control of your HVAC system.

In addition to bringing in fresh air, the ventilation system can improve the quality of existing air by drawing it through filters that remove dust, particles, mold spores and other contaminants. Other parts of the system may add or subtract moisture to maintain a dew point at an optimal level, which reduces condensation and makes it harder for harmful mold to grow in a home.

Because a properly functioning HVAC system is essential for creating and maintaining a healthy living environment in residential, commercial and industrial settings, it’s important to choose the best equipment for your needs and budget. A professional contractor can help you understand your options and choose the right system for your home. Make sure to get itemized quotes and compare costs and warranties before making a final decision.

Cooling

The cooling aspect of hvac is necessary because hot weather creates its own problems when it comes to comfort and health. Hot and cold fluctuations stress the body, leading to discomfort, illness and even heat stroke. The goal of cooling is to create a comfortable temperature throughout the home, but this can be difficult because there are multiple factors at play. For example, the way a house is built may affect how easily and quickly air can move through it. There can also be differences in air pressure between floors, as well as between the exterior and interior of the home.

Basically, your HVAC system moves warm and cool air through a network of ductwork in a forced-air system or directly into rooms in a ductless system. It consists of units and parts on both the inside and outside of your home, including an air handler, furnace, compressor and outdoor condenser. The air handler contains most of the HVAC system’s cooling components, and it pulls your conditioned air through your home’s ductwork.

In a forced-air system, the outdoor unit of the HVAC system contains the condenser coil, compressor and fan. The blower motor in your air handler moves the cooled air over these components to condition it before it’s sent through your ductwork. The cooled air is then circulated around your entire home, and you can feel its effects as soon as the blower kicks in.

The other component of an HVAC system, ventilation, essentially exchanges indoor and outdoor air to provide high quality indoor air. This process removes smoke, odors, heat, dust, airborne bacteria, carbon dioxide, and other gases. It also provides fresh air and helps maintain room humidity at an optimum level.

Most residential HVAC systems use a forced-air system, but some are ductless. The ventilation system in a ductless system can also include whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers that are controlled by the air conditioning system. Some people also choose to use a natural ventilation system, which can be as simple as opening windows and doors or installing ceiling fans.

Ventilation

Ventilation is the process by which filtered and fresh air is brought into a building, moved around a space or room and then replaced with new filtered outdoor air. This is done using either natural or mechanical means.

Having good ventilation in your home is important for health and comfort. It prevents the build-up of indoor pollutants, which can trigger respiratory problems and allergies. It also helps to keep a balance between indoor and outdoor air, as closed environments tend to concentrate pollutants. It’s also a critical factor in the longevity of your structure, as excessive moisture can cause damage to internal surfaces.

The most common way to control your indoor environment is through a central system, which moves air through a series of ducts. This is often used in large commercial buildings, such as skyscrapers and office blocks, but can be found in some residential homes too. Another option is an air conditioning unit, which is smaller and consists of only a heating coil and fan. These units are commonly called ‘fan coil units’ or FCUs.

There are several key factors to consider when selecting an HVAC system for your home, including size and layout, climate, and ventilation requirements. It’s important to understand how each of these factors can impact your energy consumption and cost. A professional can help you make an informed decision about which system is best suited to your needs.

Building standards and regulations set minimum levels for ventilation in both new and existing buildings. These standards are designed to ensure that indoor air quality is high and consistent with societal values such as accessibility, sustainability and health and safety. They can include limits on contaminant concentrations, limits on air motion, limits on humidity, or a combination of these factors.

Controls

Controls are essential for HVAC systems, allowing users to regulate the system’s performance. They allow you to adjust temperature, pressure, air flow, humidity, and more, making it easier to maintain a comfortable environment while reducing energy costs. Efficient HVAC controls keep the system running smoothly and prevent costly maintenance issues, saving you both time and money in the long run.

Basic HVAC controls include programmable thermostats, which let you schedule heating and cooling to match your usage patterns. They help businesses save energy during non-business hours and weekends, while still keeping spaces ready for occupancy. By integrating with your security and lighting systems, these types of systems can even learn occupancy patterns and adjust accordingly.

More advanced controls use machine learning to predict needs and optimize climate settings. These include Smart thermostats that access your preferences from anywhere, integrate with weather apps to learn forecasts, and automatically adjust fan speed based on room occupancy. Some of these systems are also designed to detect and flag minor problems before they become more serious.

Larger facilities benefit from integrated control systems that are designed to manage multiple building systems in a centralized location. The control system may include multiple programmable thermostats, but it may also be used to open and close dampers within HVAC ducts, or to change the flow of air from ventilation fans. The centralized system gives building managers the power to change settings on demand from any location, whether they’re on-site or remotely.

Aside from the convenience of these systems, they also improve workplace productivity and health. Enhanced indoor environments reduce allergens, pollutants, and contaminants in the air, helping workers feel healthier and more productive on the job. In addition, the control system can monitor environmental conditions and flag minor problems before they become more severe.

The fusion of automation and modern programming is redefining how we manage our energy resources. HVAC systems can now anticipate and proactively manage climatic conditions, resulting in substantial efficiency gains for the environment and your wallet. This is a revolutionary shift in the way we approach energy management, and one that will continue to grow as research propels the capabilities of machines.

The Beauty of Landscaping

Evan Grimes

A well-kept landscape makes your home or business more appealing to visitors and potential buyers. It also reflects that you care about your property and take the time to maintain it.

Landscaping

Hardscaping involves changing the terrain of your yard by adding or removing material. It can include features like patios, walkways and retaining walls. Visit https://www.primecutlawnky.com/ to learn more.

The word “aesthetic” is derived from the Greek words (aisthetikos) and (esteikos). It is used to describe the appearance of an object, person, or idea. It is also used to describe how people perceive beauty and taste. It is often confused with the word esthetics, but the two are different. The etymology of both words is the same, but they have different connotations.

Aesthetics is a branch of philosophy that studies the nature, expression, and perception of beauty. It is considered a liberal art, and it is important in the lives of many people. It has a great impact on the way we live, work, and play. It is also a major part of the cultural identity of a nation or region.

The aesthetics of landscaping is a combination of horticultural science, spatial organization, and artistic composition. It involves the use of various colors, plant sizes, shapes, and textures to create a harmonious environment. It can be achieved by using a variety of hardscaping and softscaping features, such as paths, walls, and water features.

To create a pleasing visual harmony, the landscape designer must consider balance and proportion. Balance is created by arranging elements of equal size, shape, and color on either side of a central point or axis. This can be done by using symmetrical balance, which has a formal look, or asymmetrical balance, which has a more natural feel.

Repetition is another technique used in landscape design to add interest and create unity. It can be achieved by lining up similar plants or objects in a row, or by placing geometrical shapes such as squares in an orderly arrangement. It is important to be careful when using repetition because too much can lead to boredom.

The aesthetics of landscaping is a broad topic that has inspired a lot of thought and discussion. One of the most important concepts is the nature of aesthetic value, which is based on the perception of an object’s beauty and pleasure. This concept is difficult to define, but it can be described as a subjective and personal experience.

Function

The purpose of landscaping is to beautify a building or an area and make it a joyful place for people to live. It involves planning the drives, walks, gardens, shrubbery, flower-beds etc. around a house, office or a commercial building to make it attractive and pleasant. It also helps to improve the overall appearance of the area and enhances its value.

Moreover, it contributes to the environmental health of an area by providing an environment for a variety of wildlife. It prevents soil erosion, reduces carbon dioxide levels and other pollutants in the air. It also protects water sources and habitats for animals. In urban areas, it can help to control runoff and sedimentation.

Landscaping services can be used to improve the aesthetic of a property by trimming bushes and trees, re-edging gardens, or installing new plants and structures. This can increase a home’s curb appeal and make it more appealing to potential buyers if the owner decides to sell it. It can also create a relaxing space for entertaining guests and spending time with family.

In addition, a well-planned landscape can increase a home’s value by up to 12%. It can also encourage neighbors to maintain their properties. In fact, beautiful parks and green spaces attract tourists and residents alike. They can even help to improve the environment and people’s mental health by reducing stress levels, improving memory, and promoting feelings of happiness and wellbeing.

Aside from boosting a home’s curb appeal, landscaping can also provide practical benefits, such as enhancing privacy and reducing noise pollution. It can also improve a home’s drainage system and water retention capabilities, as well as reduce erosion and flood risk. It can even provide an opportunity for horticulture, such as growing fruit trees and vegetables.

While the current trend is to allow nature to take the lead, a successful design should strike a balance between dwelling and natural setting. This can be done by introducing focal points to the garden or yard. For example, the placement of a pergola or bench can draw attention to a particular part of the garden and enhance the view. Adding lighting can also help highlight features and create an ambiance that is both inviting and peaceful.

Maintenance

Landscape maintenance is more than just upkeep of your beautiful new landscaping; it’s about keeping it at its best and helping it reach its full potential. The key to this is consistent care that addresses all the needs of your yard or garden. Some of these needs are obvious, such as mowing and trimming lawns, while others are more complex and involve things like disease management and pest control.

Landscaping services include the installation, repair, and modification of outdoor features such as trees, shrubs, flower beds, and garden areas. They also include hardscapes, such as patios, walkways, driveways, and fences. These are often constructed with materials such as wood, stone, concrete, and brick and can be customized to fit your space. In addition to providing a pleasant aesthetic, these features can increase the value and usability of your property.

When Does Landscaping Become Construction?

While landscaping includes many types of activities, some may be considered construction projects. This is because they alter the land in order to make it more functional. For example, improving drainage or raising certain areas of your property could be considered landscaping construction because it improves the functionality of your home. It’s important to work with a licensed and experienced landscaping company when considering construction projects for your property.

The most common types of landscaping construction are hardscapes and softscapes. Softscapes refer to the plants and flowers in your garden, while hardscapes are the paved or built elements of your yard. Examples of hardscapes are paths, walkways, patios, and retaining walls. Some of these structures are incorporated into the landscape design while others stand on their own.

The purpose of landscaping is to create a relaxing and peaceful environment in which you can unwind. It’s been shown that spending time in nature lowers blood pressure, increases endorphins, and helps people feel happier and healthier. In addition, a well-maintained landscaping project will add value to your property and help keep you safer. It’s important to have a team of experts by your side to assist you with the design and building process, and then to maintain the final product.

Safety

The safety measures taken by landscapers can make all the difference in the world. A shaky ladder can cause injuries, and the jagged edges of a chainsaw or other hand tool can cut or even dismember a worker who is not wearing proper safety gear. The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) focuses on safety throughout the year, and offers members a Safety Tailgate Training Manual, multiple annual safety webinars, and safety adviser services. Landscaping companies also typically offer extensive safety training to all new employees and emphasize employee training during the hiring process with formal tests, screenings, and orientations.

Planting is a large part of a landscaping job and poses several risks. The most common hazards include falling or rolling objects, back injury from heavy lifting, and heat stress. Employees should follow safe work practices, take frequent breaks with water and food available, and wear a face mask and eye protection when spraying chemicals. They should have a spotter or colleague support their movements while on ladders, and use caution when moving heavy plants. They should keep vehicles and equipment fueled and secure, and report unsafe conditions to their supervisors.

Maintenance involves mowing, pruning, fertilizing, weed control, and blowing debris. Workers can be exposed to chemical and physical hazards, including cuts and amputations, respiratory disease, hearing loss, and vehicle accidents. They should wear gloves, safety goggles while working with blowers, and ear protection when using mowers. They should wear high-quality, comfortable work shoes, and have access to water and food. They should report any unsafe working conditions to their supervisors, and make sure they have a first aid kit and know where emergency telephone numbers are located.

In addition to a host of health benefits, green spaces can decrease crime. Studies show that areas with more tree coverage have lower rates of violent crime, while well-maintained yards and parks increase property values. With the right approach, a business owner can maximize the benefits of their landscaping investments while mitigating any potential risk factors. By focusing on safety, landscapers can protect their clients, their workers, and their assets.

Trenchless Sewer Repair

Evan Grimes

Trenchless Sewer Repair Aurora eliminates the need for invasive excavation. It uses methods like pipe lining and pipe bursting to fix your damaged pipes without destroying your landscaping or disrupting your home life.

Sewer Repair

Both methods use epoxy-coated sleeves that are inserted into your current pipes. Both options offer a longer lifespan than your old sewer pipes.

One of the most common and effective trenchless methods of sewer line repair involves lining rather than completely replacing old pipes. In this method, called pipe lining or cured in place pipe (CIPP), plumbers insert a liner into your existing sewer drain and fill it with resin, creating a brand new pipe inside your old one. This effectively solves issues with your old pipes like holes, cracks, channeling, age deterioration, and root intrusion. It also provides a solid, structurally sound, corrosion-resistant pipe within your old one, which prevents future problems.

To perform the process, first, a plumber will hydro and mechanically clean out your drain lines to remove any clogs. Once the clogs are cleared, the plumber will dig two access points for the project, one at each end of your existing pipe. Then, the liners will be inserted into each segment of damaged pipe. During this step, technicians will measure, mix, and impregnate the liner with resin to prepare it for insertion. After the liner is inserted, it will be inflated with a special tool to adhere to the walls of your old pipe and create an airtight seal.

After the liner has been inserted, it will undergo a curing process, which typically lasts about 30 hours, before being trimmed and tested. This will ensure the CIPP liner is properly placed, cured, and sealed to the old pipe. Once the lining has cured, it will be ready for use. This method is less expensive than full pipe replacement, and can be used to solve many of the same problems. It also requires less time to complete and causes much less damage to your property.

Pipe Bursting

Pipe bursting is one of the oldest and most reliable trenchless methods for replacing sewer lines. It involves mechanically pulling a new pipe through an existing one, causing it to burst apart as it goes. This method is also known as a “mechanical trenchless sewer replacement” and is ideal for replacing large sections of your aging sewage system.

Before a plumber performs this process, they’ll use a video inspection to locate the source of your sewage line problems. They’ll then dig two small holes at the start and end of the sewer line that needs to be replaced. A cable is fed into these holes and hydraulically pulled to deploy a cone-shaped “bursting head” that breaks apart your old pipes as it’s pulled behind a new, seamless high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe.

While this is a very effective trenchless solution for repairing your sewer line, it’s not the right option for every situation. For example, this method cannot be used for smaller pipes or if your sewer line has multiple connections. In these cases, another trenchless technique, like cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, may be more appropriate.

It’s also important to make sure there aren’t other pipes or underground wiring related to local utilities that can get in the way of this trenchless sewer repair method. It’s also crucial that you check the severity of your sewer line break. Large wet areas on your property indicate a serious problem that should be addressed immediately. This may require a full excavation of the affected area before the trenchless sewer repair can be completed. Afterward, the licensed plumber will heat weld your new pipes in place above ground to ensure they’re long-lasting and durable.

No Digging

Sewer and drain lines are an essential part of any urban environment, helping to ensure the proper disposal of wastewater. However, over time, these pipes can become corroded or clogged and need to be repaired. Thankfully, advances in technology have made it possible to repair these lines without the need for extensive excavation. Trenchless sewer repair techniques like pipe bursting and relining can provide a long-lasting solution to damaged pipes that is less invasive than traditional dig methods.

One of the biggest benefits of trenchless sewer repair is that it has a much smaller environmental impact than traditional excavation. Traditional dig methods often involve tearing up sidewalks, driveways, gardens, and other outdoor features to access the sewer line. However, trenchless methods only require a few small access points to reach the pipe. This means that your landscaping and outdoor spaces remain intact, and you don’t have to spend extra money putting your yard back together after the work is done.

There are several different types of trenchless sewer repair, but the most common involves using a plastic slip liner to seal leaks in the pipes. This method requires two small holes to be dug, but it is a much more streamlined process than digging large trenches across your property.

Another popular option is pipe bursting, which uses a hydraulic head to break apart the old sewer line and immediately replace it with a new pipeline. This technique is more comprehensive than relining and works well for pipes that are too corroded or narrow to be repaired with a lining.

Longevity

Trenchless repairs are quick and non-invasive, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time waiting for your property to be back in use. Traditional excavation methods can disrupt local traffic and lead to a delay of business, while trenchless solutions minimize downtime by allowing you to continue with your daily routines while the work is being done.

The longevity of your new sewer line is another benefit of choosing trenchless repair services. The cured-in-place pipe, or CIPP, that is installed during a trenchless sewer repair, has a 50-year lifespan and offers many advantages over traditional pipe materials. For example, the CIPP pipe prevents off-set pipes and cracks, which can cause clogs in the future. It also helps to improve your pipe flow capacity and reduces tree root invasions that can damage your line over time.

During the trenchless pipe lining process, a resin-coated tube is inserted into your existing sewage line and inflated or cured in place. The resulting lining can seal cracks, leaks, and fractures, while also reinforcing your old pipe for improved structural integrity. This method is especially helpful if you’re looking to update your older, rusty sewer line with a more durable and efficient replacement.

During the trenchless pipe bursting process, a local service provider will create access holes at both ends of your sewage line to begin the repair. Then, a cone-shaped device with a new flexible sewage pipe attached will be pushed through the old line from one end to the other. The old sewage pipe will be broken up and replaced with the new, flexible liner, which will take up its former space right away. This approach is effective for repairing or replacing large sections of damaged or deteriorating sewer lines and can help to upsize your existing system with little disruption to your home or business.

Environmentally Friendly

Sewer and drain systems are essential parts of your home or business that allow for the safe removal of waste. However, they can get damaged due to a number of reasons including age deterioration, roots, and blockages. While traditional excavation methods are necessary for sewer line repair and replacement, trenchless technologies offer a non-invasive alternative that is both environmentally friendly and affordable.

Trenchless techniques rely on a camera inspection to locate sewer line issues, rather than digging an entire yard and tearing up driveways and sidewalks. Because of this, they are less invasive to landscaping and require much less time for completion.

One of the most significant benefits of trenchless sewer repair is that it reduces waste. Traditional excavation methods generate a great deal of debris in the form of dirt, broken pipes, and other materials that must be transported to landfills. Trenchless repairs involve rehabilitating existing pipes rather than replacing them entirely, which eliminates the need for new materials and reduces environmental degradation.

Additionally, trenchless methods for locating and repairing sewer lines require only two access points at either end of the affected pipe. These holes are smaller than the typical excavation hole, which further reduces surface disruption and damage to your property.

The two most common trenchless techniques for addressing sewer line problems are cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining and pipe bursting. CIPP lining involves inserting a flexible tube coated with resin into the old pipe and inflating it to create a new pipe within the original pipe. UV light can also be used to cure the resin coating, providing a more energy-efficient solution.

Both of these techniques are a good option for addressing cracks, leaks, and other minor problems with your sewer lines. They can help you avoid costly repair bills and keep your home or business running smoothly for years to come.

Effective Strategies for Bed Bug Eradication

Evan Grimes

Bed bug infestations are difficult to control. While vigilance and sanitation are important, some serious infestations may require professional help.

Bed Bug Eradication

Pest management professionals use a variety of chemical treatments to eradicate bed bugs. These include liquids that are sprayed into cracks and crevices, as well as insecticide dusts in hard-to-reach places like behind baseboards, drawers, and furniture. Contact Bed Bug Control Boise for professional help.

Bed bugs are primarily nocturnal and active at night, but can be found during the day as well. They feed by piercing the skin with their mouthparts, leaving itchy bite marks on the victim’s skin, often in a linear or clustered pattern. A sweet, musty odor can also be present when the pests are present.

Bed bug detection technologies have not kept pace with the rapid resurgence of these insects. Many methods depend on visual inspections and identification of live bugs, exuviae (droplets), or fecal droppings. These are time consuming and unreliable when only a few bugs are present. Using dogs to detect bed bugs is becoming more popular, but is expensive, may unintentionally advertise the presence of a problem, and cannot reach all the places where the insects hide. Passive pitfall traps and monitors are effective for detecting an infestation, but must be regularly monitored and replaced.

Thoroughly inspect all furniture that is near the bed, including dressers, nightstands, and other wooden pieces. Use a flashlight to look into all the nooks and crannies, especially along seams and screw holes. Pull the mattress out a few feet and inspect underneath, as well as behind the headboard. Inspect upholstered furniture, and remove cushion covers to look for eggs or bugs. Inspect clothing and other personal items, double bagging anything that could be infested or contaminated before putting it back in storage.

It is also a good idea to clear out any clutter that might provide hiding places for the pests, such as clothes, books, toys, papers, and electronics. Getting rid of this stuff can help you to see the extent of an infestation, as well as speed up treatment. Also consider caulking cracks and other hiding places where bed bugs are known to lurk in your home, around frames, floors, baseboards, and moldings. This eliminates a valuable hiding place and makes it more difficult for the pests to escape. Lastly, consider removing or at least reducing animal habitats such as bird nests and bat roosts. These can offer the pests a new harborage site and accelerate an invasion.

Prevention

Several measures can help prevent a bed bug infestation. Keep bedding, mattresses and box springs free of clutter and clean; vacuum frequently. Consider encasing mattresses and box springs in special protective covers, which remove all hiding places for the bugs. These are available at most major retailers.

Be especially careful when traveling or staying in a hotel/vacation rental. Do not spray anything in your room unless you have been told by the hotel management to do so. Doing so may actually disrupt the pest control treatment they have already started and may spread the bugs to other rooms.

If you suspect a bed bug problem in your home, inspect the entire bedroom area and any furniture that is close to it. Start with the mattress and box spring, then move on to the dressers, nightstands and closets. Inspect the creases, seams and trim on chairs and couches as well.

Use a flashlight and magnifying glass to look for signs of the bugs themselves. Adults are rusty red, about the size of an apple seed and 3/8″ long, and have six legs. Nymphs are lighter in color and go through five stages (diagram shows only three) of growth before becoming adults.

Be sure to remove and wash any infested clothing and place it in trash bags. Do not leave dirty clothes next to clean laundry or on a counter; bed bugs can crawl out of the bags and infest your house. When discarding potentially infested items, wrap them in plastic or tape over the edges and throw them in an outdoor trash container as soon as possible to prevent spreading the bugs to someone else’s home.

Sealing furniture with specially made moat-style traps can also isolate an infested room and intercept the bugs as they travel to and from their hiding places to feed at night. A small, commercially available product called diatomaceous earth can be used as a substitute for pesticides in some situations since it works by drying out the bugs. However, make sure to use food grade DE and not pool grade DE, which can be toxic when inhaled.

Treatment

A professional can perform a thorough inspection and assess the extent of the infestation. They can identify hiding spots, locate eggs and determine the severity of the problem. This information will help them select the most effective treatment strategy. The homeowner must prepare the room in advance of a professional visit to reduce the number of hiding spots and make it easier to treat all areas that are infested. This includes decluttering and vacuuming, washing or heat-treating infested bedding, linens and clothing, and sealing cracks.

Begin by emptying drawers, closets and other storage containers. Double bag items like toys, papers, books and electronics that could serve as hiding places for bed bugs. Launder all infested linens and clothing, ideally at the highest temperature settings recommended on the labels. If you can’t wash items, seal them in plastic bags until they can be carefully treated or cleaned (for example, placed in a hot dryer for 30 minutes or in a freezer). Remove and inspect mattresses and box springs, headboards and footboards, as well as dressers, nightstands, armoires and other furniture near the beds. Look under and behind these items as well.

Also inspect and vacuum your car, especially the seats, trunk and crevices. Many people have discovered that their bed bug problem started in the back of their car where the bugs hitched a ride from an infested public place like a hotel.

Infestations of clothes and drapes can be difficult to treat because bed bugs are resilient and can survive long after a person is free from them. Vacuuming and sanitizing with strong cleaners is usually sufficient, but if these steps don’t work, it may be necessary to take more drastic measures.

A variety of commercially available products can be used to control bed bugs, including pyrethroids, pyrroles, neem oils and insect growth regulators. These chemicals can be applied as sprays, powders or foams. Some of these chemicals are designed to be absorbed through the skin and act as a repellent, while others kill the bugs or prevent them from reproducing. These products are available from pest control companies or online.

Recommendations

For a serious bed bug infestation, non-chemical treatments are usually not enough to get rid of them completely. High heat (115 degrees Fahrenheit) and extreme cold kill them, but these treatments are difficult to carry out in a home, require multiple applications and are dangerous for children and pets. Chemical treatments are much more effective, but they leave a strong odor and are more disruptive to your home life. They also take longer to work than temperature treatments.

Before a professional begins treatment, prepare the room by moving all furniture away from walls (bed bugs can climb on them and spread to untreated areas). Clean or throw out all clothes, books, magazines, and papers. Vacuum all floors and carpeting. Wash all linens in hot water. If you have a mattress encasement (like Mattress Safe covers) that is made to enclose an entire mattress, use it. These encasements trap the bugs inside so they cannot escape and also make it harder for new bugs to invade.

A thorough inspection of the entire room is needed, including the undersides and trim of the bed frame and headboard, all tufts, pillows and upholstered pieces, the creases, buttons and seams of mattresses, box springs and foundations, and all cracks and crevices. Check for black/brown spots (dried blood or feces), white eggs (very small and very hard to see), live or dead bedbugs, and a musty odor.

In addition to whole-room heat treatments and insecticide sprays, fumigation can be used for very heavy infestations. Fumigation involves tenting a building and filling it with a powerful pesticide that penetrates the structure, killing all insects within. It is more expensive than other treatments, but it is the only way to guarantee that all bed bugs are killed.

Unless you are absolutely sure that the infestation is gone, it’s wise to take precautions when visiting friends’ or family members’ homes. Be sure to keep your own clothing off the beds, and ask if you can change in the bathroom or bedroom instead of the living room. Also, ask not to sit on any upholstered furniture in the house. Even if it doesn’t look infested, the bed bugs might be hiding in the arms of chairs or under loose wallpaper.