Got bedbugs?
Ick! 5 things to know about the price of getting rid of them.
3. Debugging is no DIY project
You can try to battle bugs yourself by washing infested items or spot-treating them with a hot blow dryer or steam cleaner. Over-the-counter sprays are also available, but the pesticides can pose health risks (find safety info at epa.gov/bedbugs). All-natural sprays haven't yet been shown to be effective, says Gangloff-Kaufmann.
Bottom line: A do-it-yourself remedy will cost you more in the long run if it merely delays calling a pro. Best to start with a licensed pest control expert with bedbug experience. Check credentials with your state's pesticide regulatory agency (find links at npic.orst.edu).
NEXT: 4. Some pros like it hot, others go cold
Last updated January 25 2011: 5:15 PM ET
