You told us the pests that most pester you, so we, in turn, are providing a hub of information for control of those top pests. Simply review the short write up on each article or video and click the link for more information.

The pests that pestered even worse than these were:

1. Rodents
2. Flies
3. Ants
4. Spiders
5. Cockroaches
6. Termites or Carpenter Ants
7. Mosquitoes

This eighth article in the series focuses on your #8 concern: Bed bugs.

5% of responders said they have or have had a problem with these in their homes.

The Biting Bed Bug
For decades, the saying “Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite” was a fairly meaningless lights-out phrase for kids in the U.S. But within the last few years, bed bugs have reappeared, causing sleepless nights for homeowners and hotel owners alike. This About the Bed Bug article provides a basic look at this biting bug its identification, human health issues, prevention, and control.

Bed Bugs - Yesterday and Today
After decades of disappearance from the developed world, bed bugs are once again considered to be a common pest that has enabled an entire industry to thrive and evolve. But where did bed bugs come from? Why did they disappear, and, more importantly, why did they reappear? What is their status today? To answer these, and other questions on the ever-evolving bed bug, this article provides is a brief history of this biting bug in the U.S.

Prevent and Control Bed Bugs
As is so often the case with pest control, the best offense against bed bug infestation in your home is a good defense.

This article contains a number of simple precautions that you can take to help prevent bed bug infestation. Although most experts recommend that you immediately contact a pest control professional if you suspect you have an infestation in your home, the article also provides information on integrated pest management, chemical, and non-chemical treatments that can control the bugs.

Do's and Don'ts of Bed Bug Control
According to a survey by the National Pest Management Association Bed Bugs in America, 20% of Americans have encountered bed bugs in their home or hotel, or know someone who has; and 76% of pest professional consider bed bugs to be the most difficult pest to control. So what should you do if you encounter them? This article addresses the do's and don'ts, effective and futile, and truths and fallacies of both do-it-yourself and professional control options.

12 Steps to Prepare for Bed Bug Service
Bed bugs have become one of the most serious of pest problems, and are one of the most difficult to control. In almost all cases, you will need to contact a professional pest control operator (PCO) for service. However the part that the homeowner or resident plays in the bed bug treatment program is just as important to the success of the treatment. Prepare yourself for service by learning some of the general preparation steps that every PCO will (or should!) require, and why these steps are important to both the effectiveness of the treatment and the safety of your family.

10 Bed Bug Videos
The About.com Pest Control site has a number of articles on the history, behavior, detection, and control of bed bugs. But for those who are more visual in nature, there are also a number of informative videos on the topic. Following are 10 videos covering everything from checking your hotel room and avoiding bringing them home to detection and control in your own home, as well as some natural tricks to stop the itch if you are bitten.

Next in the series ... Plant pests (mites, aphids, thrips, etc.)