Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are tiny, elusive pests that have made a comeback in recent decades – and even here in Vermont, no home, apartment, or business is immune. These blood-sucking insects can invade the cleanest of spaces (infestations are not a product of poor hygiene) and once established, they are notoriously difficult to eradicate (Bed bug – Wikipedia). This article provides an overview of bed bug behavior and infestation patterns, explains how bed bugs spread into homes and commercial spaces, and discusses a cutting-edge biopesticide called Aprehend® – a fungal treatment containing Beauveria bassiana – that offers an effective new way to control bed bugs. We’ll also compare Aprehend to other treatment methods (like heat or chemical sprays) and provide practical guidance for homeowners, landlords, and businesses.

Bed Bug Behavior and Infestation Patterns

Bed bugs are nocturnal, parasitic insects that feed exclusively on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. They typically emerge at night to bite sleeping hosts, then hide during the day in cracks, crevices, and furniture near where people sleep or rest (Bed bug – Wikipedia). Common hiding spots include mattress seams, box springs, headboards, bed frames, couches, baseboards, behind electrical outlets, and even inside electronics or clutter near beds (Bed bug – Wikipedia). After feeding (which they usually need to do every 5–10 days (Protecting Your Home from Bed Bugs | US EPA)), bed bugs retreat to these secluded “harborages.” There they often congregate in clusters of adults, nymphs, and eggs, protected from light and awaiting their next meal (Bed bug – Wikipedia).

Bed bugs are extremely resilient. Even though they prefer to feed at least once a week or so, they can survive for several months to a year without feeding under favorable conditions (Protecting Your Home from Bed Bugs | US EPA). This resilience means an infestation won’t die out on its own if the hosts (people) leave temporarily – the bugs can simply go dormant and wait. Female bed bugs also reproduce rapidly: one female can lay 1–10 eggs per day, totaling 200–500 eggs in her lifetime (Bed bug – Wikipedia). Those eggs hatch into nymphs that mature through five life stages. Given this reproductive rate, a small introduction of just a few bed bugs can explode into a large infestation in a matter of weeks to months if not addressed. Bed bugs tend to spread out once their population grows, infesting multiple rooms or units in a building if they can find pathways.

It’s worth noting that bed bug infestations are not caused by filth or poor housekeeping. Unlike pests that are attracted to garbage, bed bugs care only about finding a blood meal. Infestations can occur in the tidiest homes or the fanciest hotels – cleanliness is not a factor (Bed bug – Wikipedia). However, clutter can provide more hiding places that make infestations harder to eliminate. Bed bugs are more commonly reported in high-density housing (like apartment buildings, dorms, or hotels) simply because there are more potential hosts in close proximity and more opportunities for them to spread (Bed bug – Wikipedia).

How Bed Bugs Spread into Homes and Businesses (Vermont Perspective)

Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers. They often gain entry to homes, rental units, and commercial spaces by catching a ride on people’s belongings (Protecting Your Home from Bed Bugs | US EPA) (Bed bug – Wikipedia). In Vermont, as in other places, a few typical scenarios account for most bed bug introductions:

• Travel and Overnight Guests: One of the most common ways bed bugs enter a structure is via luggage, bags, or clothing after traveling. If you visit or stay in an infested hotel or bring an infested suitcase back from a trip, bed bugs can come home with you (Bed bug – Wikipedia). Vermonters who travel for work or vacation (or folks visiting Vermont’s hotels, B&Bs, and ski resorts) can inadvertently transport bed bugs. The insects hide in seams and folds of luggage or clothes and then crawl out later, infesting a new location. With air and bus travel, bed bugs are increasingly found in transit and can disperse widely (Bed bug – Wikipedia).

• Secondhand Furniture and Thrifted Items: Vermont’s communities often embrace reuse through thrift stores, yard sales, and antique shops. Unfortunately, used furniture or mattresses can harbor bed bugs or their eggs if they came from an infested site (Bed bug – Wikipedia). A discarded couch on the curb or a bargain box spring could be infested. Always inspect secondhand beds, sofas, and dressers for telltale signs of bed bugs (live bugs, tiny white eggs, dark specks of excrement, or molted skins) before bringing them into your home.

• Adjacent Units in Multi-Unit Housing: In apartment buildings or duplexes, bed bugs can spread between units. Once one apartment has them, the infestation may expand to neighboring units through tiny cracks, wall voids, plumbing or electrical conduit openings (Bed bug – Wikipedia). They don’t move rapidly, but over time bed bugs can travel through walls or along wiring/pipes to find new hosts next door. This means in a condo, dormitory, or apartment complex in Vermont, one infested unit can lead to several adjacent infested units if not promptly treated. (For this reason, pest control professionals often inspect and treat units adjacent to an infested one as a precaution (What Landlords Need to Know about Bed Bugs | US EPA).)

• Visitors and Personal Belongings: It only takes one or two “hitchhikers” to start an infestation. A friend or relative coming from an infested home could unknowingly carry a bed bug on their sweater or in a bag, which then drops off in your living room. Likewise, employees can bring bugs from a home infestation into a workplace (or vice versa). Bed bugs generally do not live on people or pets (like lice or fleas do) and they don’t usually ride on someone’s body, but they can hide in clothing layers or items someone carries (Bed bug – Wikipedia). In Vermont’s colder months, coats and sweaters left in a shared closet at work or school could be a transfer point if an undetected bug is clinging to them.

• Wildlife and Other Unusual Sources: In rarer cases, bed bugs or close relatives can come from wildlife. For example, bat bugs (a close cousin of bed bugs) may infest attic spaces or wall cavities if bats are living in a building, and then move into human living spaces (Bed bug – Wikipedia). Birds nesting in or on a structure can host similar bloodsucking bugs. These scenarios are less common in Vermont homes but are possible in rural farmhouses or older buildings with critter entry points.

Once inside, bed bugs typically start an infestation in areas near where people sleep – hence the name “bed” bug. In a home, they gravitate to bedrooms; in a hotel, they settle in the bed and furniture of the room; in an office or store (where people don’t sleep overnight) an introduced bug might not establish a colony unless there is a secluded area and a regular host to feed on. Over time, if not discovered, the infestation grows and can spread to other rooms or units as bugs seek new harborage and hosts. Early signs include unexplained bites, small reddish or dark fecal spots on sheets or mattresses, shed exoskeletons, or a sweet musty odor in heavy infestations (Bed bug – Wikipedia) (Bed bug – Wikipedia). Prompt detection is key, because a long-standing bed bug problem only becomes harder to eliminate.

Bed Bug Infestations in Vermont: Although Vermont is largely rural and not as densely populated as many states, bed bug cases have been reported across the state. Burlington, with its mix of college housing, apartments, and tourism, has seen its share of infestations, but so have small towns – bed bugs are “now relatively common in all regions of the globe” (Bed bug – Wikipedia). Increased travel and commerce over the last few decades have effectively ended any region’s immunity to bed bugs (Bed bug – Wikipedia). Vermont’s cold winters don’t kill bed bugs as long as they stay in heated homes. In fact, bed bugs were nearly eradicated in the mid-20th century but resurged worldwide due to factors like international travel and second-hand furniture markets, plus pesticide resistance (Bed bug – Wikipedia). This means vigilance is necessary everywhere – including the Green Mountain State.

Aprehend® Biopesticide (Beauveria bassiana): How It Works

To combat these resilient pests, pest control professionals in Vermont and beyond are turning to biological controls like Aprehend®, a groundbreaking biopesticide for bed bugs. Aprehend is a formulation of the natural fungus Beauveria bassiana, which is an entomopathogenic fungus (meaning it infects and kills insects). Beauveria bassiana spores are tiny and cling to surfaces where they are applied. When a bed bug comes into contact with these spores (for example, by walking across a thin treated barrier of Aprehend around a bed frame or baseboard), the spores attach to the bug’s exoskeleton. The fungus then germinates, penetrating the bed bug’s cuticle and growing inside the insect’s body, ultimately causing death by a process akin to a systemic fungal infection. This usually takes a few days – laboratory studies show B. bassiana can cause rapid mortality in bed bugs 3–5 days after a brief exposure to treated surfaces (Beauveria bassiana – Wikipedia).

One remarkable advantage of Aprehend is that it harnesses the bed bugs’ own behavior against them. Bed bugs are very social with each other (they aggregate in groups and rub against one another in their hiding spots). A bed bug that has contacted the fungal spores doesn’t die immediately; it often survives long enough to return to its harborage and interact with other bed bugs – spreading the fungal spores to others in the group before it succumbs (Beauveria bassiana – Wikipedia). In effect, one contaminated bug can infect many others, helping the biopesticide reach bugs that never directly touched the treated surface. This “transmission effect” makes Aprehend especially powerful for eradicating entire bed bug colonies, including those hidden deep in cracks.

Aprehend is applied as a residual spray by licensed pest control professionals. Technicians typically use it to create barrier treatments: for instance, a thin spray line along baseboards, bed frame legs, under furniture, and other routes bed bugs travel. The fungal spores in Aprehend are formulated in an oil carrier that allows them to remain viable on surfaces for up to three months, providing long-lasting protection (meaning if bed bugs emerge or are introduced later, they can still contact the spores and die). Importantly, Aprehend’s active ingredient is a biological organism specific to insects – it is generally considered safe for humans and pets when used as directed, with minimal risk of exposure compared to conventional chemical insecticides. (In fact, Beauveria bassiana is a naturally occurring fungus in soil and has been used for years in agriculture to control crop pests with a strong safety record (Beauveria bassiana – Wikipedia).) Homeowners cannot buy Aprehend in stores; it is available to pest management professionals who are trained in its application.

Effectiveness: Since its introduction, Aprehend has shown impressive real-world results. Field and laboratory studies have reported high efficacy even against “tough” bed bug populations. For example, one study found over 94% mortality in pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs (strains of bed bugs that are not easily killed by common insecticides) when using a commercial B. bassiana biopesticide (Beauveria bassiana – Wikipedia). This indicates Aprehend can overcome many chemical resistances because its mode of action (fungal infection) is completely different from chemical poisons. Another benefit is that bed bugs do not detect Aprehend as a threat – unlike some repellent insecticides, the fungus doesn’t repel the bugs or stop them from crossing treated areas. They unwittingly walk on treated surfaces and pick up a lethal dose of spores without any change in behavior.

It’s worth noting that Aprehend does not kill instantly; residents may still see live bugs for a few days after treatment until the fungus takes effect. However, because the spores remain active, any new bed bug that moves into the treated zone weeks later will also be infected. Many pest control companies use Aprehend as part of an integrated approach, combining it with other measures (like intercepting traps or minor use of other insecticides) to ensure all bed bugs are eliminated. Overall, Aprehend’s science-based approach – turning a naturally occurring insect disease into a targeted weapon – has proven to be a game-changer in bed bug control, offering high efficacy with lower chemical exposure.

Comparing Aprehend to Other Bed Bug Treatment Methods

Bed bug infestations can be addressed in several ways. Here’s how Aprehend (fungal biopesticide) stacks up against other common treatment methods in terms of approach and effectiveness:

• Conventional Chemical Insecticides: Traditional bed bug treatments often involve spraying chemical insecticides (such as pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, or insect growth regulators) in infested areas. These chemicals can be effective if the bed bugs come into direct contact with them or rest on treated surfaces long enough. However, many bed bug populations have developed resistance to common insecticides, especially pyrethroids, which greatly reduces the effectiveness of these treatments (Bed bug – Wikipedia). Over time, excessive use of chemicals has led to “super bugs” that can survive exposures which once killed them. Additionally, some chemicals can repel bed bugs (causing them to scatter and spread) or pose mild health concerns for people if misapplied. In contrast, Aprehend works on resistant bugs (since fungi infect regardless of insecticide resistance genes) (Beauveria bassiana – Wikipedia) and does not repel the bugs – they carry on with normal behavior until the fungus kills them. Chemical sprays often require multiple treatment visits and careful application to every hiding spot. Aprehend’s advantage is its long residual action and transfer effect, which can achieve control with fewer applications. That said, professional pest control operators may still use a combination – for example, dusting voids with diatomaceous earth or silica (desiccant dusts) and applying Aprehend barriers – to cover all bases.

• Heat Treatments: Heat treatment is a chemical-free method that has gained popularity for bed bugs. This involves using specialized equipment to raise the temperature of an infested room to lethal levels for bed bugs and their eggs. Bed bugs and eggs die within minutes at temperatures above ~122°F (50°C) (Bed bug – Wikipedia) (Bed bug – Wikipedia). Professional heat treatment services typically heat the air in a home or apartment to around 130°F (54°C) for several hours, ensuring heat penetrates all furniture, belongings, and wall voids. The big advantage of heat is that it can kill all stages of bed bugs in one intensive treatment, including hard-to-reach eggs that might be missed by chemicals. It leaves no residue and is a one-day process. However, heat treatment has no lasting residual effect – it does not prevent re-infestation if bed bugs are introduced again the next day. It can also be very expensive and requires careful preparation (and sometimes the use of fans and thermometers to avoid cold spots). Compared to Aprehend, heat is a quick knockdown solution, whereas Aprehend offers a ongoing protective barrier for up to 3 months after application. Some pest control strategies use heat to rapidly reduce the majority of pests in a home, then immediately follow up with Aprehend application to intercept any that survived or might be reintroduced, combining the strengths of both approaches.

• DIY Methods and Home Remedies: Homeowners often attempt do-it-yourself measures for bed bugs, with mixed results. Common approaches include washing and drying all bedding and clothes on high heat (which does kill bugs and eggs on those items), vacuuming cracks and crevices, using mattress encasement covers to trap any bugs inside a mattress, and applying diatomaceous earth (a fine powder that abrades and dries out insects) in hiding places. While these steps can help reduce bed bug numbers and are good practice as part of a larger plan, DIY methods alone rarely eliminate an entire infestation. Bed bugs are adept at hiding in tiny crevices that vacuuming or powders may not reach. One thing not to do is use total-release foggers or “bug bombs.” These products are largely ineffective against bed bugs because the insecticide droplets do not penetrate deep into the cracks where bed bugs hide (Bed bug – Wikipedia). In fact, foggers can worsen the problem by driving bed bugs deeper into walls or into adjacent rooms while leaving survivors behind (Bed bug – Wikipedia). Additionally, some over-the-counter bed bug sprays have limited success and can expose you and your family to unnecessary chemicals. By contrast, Aprehend is not a DIY product – it requires professional application – but it provides a more thorough solution by leveraging biology. For homeowners serious about eradication, engaging a professional who can use tools like Aprehend, rather than relying on trial-and-error home remedies, is usually more efficient and effective in the long run.

• Steam and Cold Treatments: Other non-chemical tools include steam treatments and freezing. Steam can kill bed bugs on contact if applied correctly – a steamer delivering over 180°F at the surface can kill bugs and eggs instantly on mattresses or sofas (Bed bug – Wikipedia). Freezing items (at least down to 0°F or −18°C for several days) can also kill bed bugs; however, simply turning down the heat in a building is not effective, since bed bugs in walls can survive cold temperatures unless it’s extreme and sustained. These methods are generally supplementary – for instance, a pest control technician might steam along baseboards or tufts of a mattress to ensure any exposed bugs/eggs are dead, then apply Aprehend as a residual. Steam has no residual and can be labor-intensive, but it’s a useful immediate kill method. Aprehend doesn’t provide instant kill like steam, but as noted, it offers lasting control.

In summary, Aprehend’s role in bed bug management is often as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach: using multiple techniques to achieve complete control. It stands out because it introduces a new mode of action (biological infection) into the arsenal, which is highly effective against bed bugs that have evaded traditional chemicals. Many pest control professionals consider Aprehend a “game changer” that can either replace or augment conventional insecticide treatments. Choosing the right treatment (or combination) depends on the situation – for a severe infestation in a single family home, a pro might combine methods; for a small infestation caught early, Aprehend alone might quickly resolve it. Consulting with a knowledgeable pest control provider will help determine the best approach for each case.

Practical Guidance for Specific Audiences

Bed bug control is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re a homeowner, a landlord, or a business owner in Vermont, understanding your role can make a big difference in preventing and managing infestations. Here are brief, practical tips for each group:

For Homeowners

• Be Vigilant and Proactive: After traveling (especially from cities or hotels), inspect luggage and clothes for bed bugs before unpacking at home (Protecting Your Home from Bed Bugs | US EPA). Wash and dry clothing on high heat if you suspect exposure. Similarly, inspect any second-hand furniture or mattresses thoroughly (look in seams, under cushions, in screw holes, etc.) before bringing them inside. Taking these precautions can prevent many infestations in the first place.

• Know the Signs: Educate yourself on how to recognize bed bug evidence – small rust-colored stains or specks on bedding, tiny white eggs or eggshells, molted bug skins, and of course live bugs. Bed bug bites on your skin (often in clusters or lines) can also indicate a problem, but reactions vary, and bites alone aren’t proof. If you suspect bed bugs, act quickly to confirm it. Early detection is key to a simpler solution.

• Don’t Waste Time on Ineffective DIY “Bombs”: If you do have an infestation, avoid the temptation to grab “bug bombs” or random sprays. As noted, foggers won’t reach the hiding bugs (Bed bug – Wikipedia) and can even spread the infestation. Instead, focus on non-chemical steps that help: laundering bedding, vacuuming crevices (and immediately disposing of the vacuum bag outside), reducing clutter in the bedroom, and perhaps using bed bug interceptors (special traps) under bed legs to monitor activity. These measures can contain the problem until professional treatment is arranged.

• Consult Professionals Early: Bed bugs are notoriously hard to eliminate completely on your own. A licensed pest control professional will have access to effective treatments like Aprehend, heat equipment, or stronger insecticides that are not available to the public. They can also conduct a thorough inspection of your home (including less obvious areas) to find all infestation spots. The sooner you involve professionals, the sooner you can get rid of the bed bugs with minimal spread. Don’t be embarrassed – bed bugs are a widespread issue, and reputable pest control companies are there to help, not to judge.

• Follow Through and Prevent Reinfestation: Even after treatment, remain cautious. Continue to monitor for any signs of bed bugs for at least a few months. Encase your mattress and box spring in bed bug-proof covers to trap any unseen survivors and prevent new bugs from hiding there. Be careful with what you bring into your home. By following good practices (like inspecting travel items and used furniture as mentioned), you can greatly reduce the chance of a repeat infestation.

For Landlords and Property Managers

• Educate Tenants and Staff: Prevention and early reporting are critical in multi-unit housing. Inform your tenants about how to avoid bringing in bed bugs (e.g. caution with used furniture, reporting travel history) and how to spot signs early. Train maintenance staff or cleaning crews to notice potential bed bug evidence during routine work. Having informed eyes on the ground can catch an infestation in its infancy. Provide tenants with clear information on what to do if they suspect bed bugs, emphasizing that they won’t be blamed – the key is to report it immediately so it can be addressed. (What Landlords Need to Know about Bed Bugs | US EPA) (What Landlords Need to Know about Bed Bugs | US EPA).

• Respond Quickly to Reports: If a tenant reports bed bugs (or if you find evidence during an inspection), act promptly. Have a plan in place with a pest control company so an inspection and treatment can occur as soon as possible (What Landlords Need to Know about Bed Bugs | US EPA). The longer you wait, the more the bugs will spread. Quick response can mean the difference between one unit lightly infested versus an entire building outbreak. Document the report and actions taken, as some jurisdictions (including Vermont) have regulations requiring landlords to address pest issues in rentals in a timely manner.

• Inspect Adjacent Units: Bed bugs easily spread in apartments, so inspect units adjacent to an infested unit (next door, above, below) for any signs of bugs (What Landlords Need to Know about Bed Bugs | US EPA). In many cases it’s prudent to treat those units proactively, even if no bugs are found yet, because early-stage infestations can be hard to detect. Some experts recommend treating all apartments adjacent to the known infestation to ensure eradication (What Landlords Need to Know about Bed Bugs | US EPA). This might involve preventive treatment with Aprehend in neighboring units to intercept any migrating bugs.

• Coordinate Professional Treatment and Follow-ups: Engage a professional pest management firm that has experience with bed bugs in multi-unit housing. They may suggest an integrated treatment plan – for example, using heat treatment or conventional insecticides in the heavily infested unit, and Aprehend barriers in surrounding units as a preventive measure. Ensure tenants cooperate by preparing their units (e.g., laundering bedding, decluttering, vacuuming) as instructed, since proper preparation increases treatment success (What Landlords Need to Know about Bed Bugs | US EPA). Schedule follow-up inspections or treatments about 2–3 weeks later to catch any late-hatching eggs or stragglers – bed bug control often requires at least two rounds of service.

• Preventative Policies: Consider policies to reduce bed bug risk in your properties. For instance, provide mattress encasements for tenants or as part of furnished units. Prohibit tenants from picking up furniture left at curbsides. Offer early intervention if tenants are struggling with bed bugs – it’s cheaper and easier to handle one unit early than multiple units later. Keep records of any pest issues and resolutions. By being proactive and working collaboratively with tenants, landlords can maintain a bed-bug-free environment and avoid the costly damage an unchecked infestation can cause.

For Businesses (Hotels, Offices, and Retail)

• Hotel and Hospitality Industry: Hotels, motels, and B&Bs are at the front lines of bed bug risk due to the constant turnover of guests. Train housekeeping and maintenance staff to routinely check rooms for signs of bed bugs – this includes inspecting mattress seams, behind headboards, in lounge chairs, and in bedding when changing linens. Even a small spot of blood or a single bug should be taken seriously. It’s wise to do periodic deep inspections of high-risk rooms (or even the entire property) using either trained staff, pest professionals, or bed bug detection dogs. Promptly respond to any guest complaint about possible bed bugs: discreetly relocate the guest, inspect the room, and if bed bugs are confirmed, take the room out of service and treat it immediately. The faster a hotel addresses a case, the less likely it will spread to other rooms or hurt your business’s reputation. Many hospitality businesses in Vermont use preventative Aprehend treatments in guest rooms as a protective barrier, reapplying every 3 months, especially during peak travel seasons. This proactive approach can kill any bed bug that a guest might introduce, before an infestation establishes.

• Offices and Workplaces: As the EPA notes, offices and shops are generally unlikely to develop full-blown infestations, since people aren’t sleeping there overnight (Protecting Yourself from Bed Bugs in Public Places | US EPA). However, workplaces can serve as transfer hubs – a bug might hitchhike in on an employee’s bag and later crawl into another worker’s coat. Businesses should raise awareness among employees: encourage them to report any sighting of an actual bug or unexplained bite-like welts after work. Facility managers can do targeted inspections of break rooms, lounge furniture, or locker areas if a concern arises. Reducing clutter in storage and personal areas makes it easier to spot any problem early (Protecting Yourself from Bed Bugs in Public Places | US EPA). If a bed bug is found in an office, don’t panic – often it’s a one-off hitchhiker. Still, you should have a professional inspect to be sure. They may apply a treatment (like Aprehend or insecticidal dusts) in the immediate area as a precaution and set up monitors to catch any others. Quick communication with staff, assuring them the issue is being handled, will help maintain trust and prevent unwarranted alarm.

• Retail Stores and Other Commercial Spaces: Bed bugs in retail (e.g., clothing stores, libraries, theaters) are usually introduced by customers. Regularly inspect seating areas (like fitting room chairs or cushioned benches) and returned merchandise for any signs of pests. If your business involves trade-ins or rentals (for example, a furniture resale shop or costume rental), be extra careful to inspect incoming items. In the unfortunate event a customer reports a bed bug (for instance, finding one in a dressing room), respond by closing off that area and getting a professional inspection/treatment. Being proactive is important – a single online review mentioning bed bugs can greatly affect a business’s image. Many businesses establish a relationship with a pest control company for periodic preventive inspections. It’s also wise to educate your cleaning staff on what bed bugs and their evidence look like. For any business that experiences a bed bug incident, using modern treatments like Aprehend can efficiently resolve the issue with minimal disruption, because treatments can often be done after hours and don’t leave significant odors or residues (important for customer-facing environments).

Conclusion

Bed bugs are a challenging pest, but understanding their behavior helps us fight them more effectively. They sneak into our structures by piggybacking on belongings, then hide near where we sleep and multiply rapidly. Vermont homeowners, landlords, and businesses all need to stay vigilant – infestations can happen to anyone, and early detection and action are critical. The advent of Aprehend® biopesticide, with the fungal power of Beauveria bassiana, has added a highly effective, science-driven tool to the arsenal for bed bug control. By infecting bed bugs and leveraging their own habits to spread the treatment, Aprehend achieves high kill rates (Beauveria bassiana – Wikipedia) (Beauveria bassiana – Wikipedia), even against strains that shrug off common chemicals. In combination with other methods like heat or careful pesticide use, it enables an Integrated Pest Management approach that can eliminate infestations while minimizing chemical exposure.

For those dealing with a bed bug problem, the best course is to consult a pest management professional who can tailor a solution to your situation – often using tools like Aprehend for lasting protection. And for everyone, practicing preventive measures and being informed about bed bugs can go a long way to “sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite.”

References

• Barbarin, A. M., Jenkins, N. E., Rajotte, E. G., & Thomas, M. B. (2012). A preliminary evaluation of the potential of Beauveria bassiana for bed bug control. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 111(1), 82–85. (Beauveria bassiana – Wikipedia)

• Barbarin, A. M., Bellicanta, G. S., Osborne, J. A., Schal, C., & Jenkins, N. E. (2017). Susceptibility of insecticide-resistant bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) to infection by a fungal biopesticide. Pest Management Science, 73(8), 1568–1573. (Beauveria bassiana – Wikipedia)

• Parola, P., & Izri, A. (2020). Bedbugs. New England Journal of Medicine, 382(23), 2230–2237. (Bed bug – Wikipedia) (Bed bug – Wikipedia)

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2024, July 11). Protecting Your Home from Bed Bugs. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/protecting-your-home-bed-bugs (Protecting Your Home from Bed Bugs | US EPA) (Protecting Your Home from Bed Bugs | US EPA)

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2025, January 30). What Landlords Need to Know about Bed Bugs. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/what-landlords-need-know-about-bed-bugs (What Landlords Need to Know about Bed Bugs | US EPA)

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2024, October 9). Protecting Yourself from Bed Bugs in Public Places. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/protecting-yourself-bed-bugs-public-places (Protecting Yourself from Bed Bugs in Public Places | US EPA) (Protecting Yourself from Bed Bugs in Public Places | US EPA)

• Bed bug. (2025). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bed_bug (Bed bug – Wikipedia) (Bed bug – Wikipedia)

• Beauveria bassiana. (2025). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beauveria_bassiana (Beauveria bassiana – Wikipedia)