Finish this phrase: "Good night. Sleep tight. Don't let the..."

Yes, we're all familiar with the idea of bed bugs, but bed bug control is something that you may not have had to deal with before. In the 1950s, with the invention of DDT, bed bug treatment took a major step forward, and bed bugs became less common in the United States. But recently, we have seen a resurgence of these nasty little critters, and they seem to be here to stay.

What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bug control starts with knowing the enemy. Bed bugs are small insects (less than a quarter of an inch in length) and can live for up to two years. They reproduce by laying small white eggs in clothing, furniture, and sheets. Bed bugs have been found to carry a variety of diseases, though no conclusive evidence suggests that they can actually transmit these diseases. They feed on human blood, which makes their bites painful. Although there is sometimes a stigma attached to bed bugs, it's unearned. Bed bugs are transmitted via luggage, dry cleaning, pets, and humans, and bed bug control professionals will tell you that they are as likely to appear at a five-star hotel as they are in a messy house.

Keys to Effective Bed Bug Control
Bed bug control is a tricky process, and one that will require the help of a professional. But here are some things that you can do to help prepare for bed bug treatment:

• Inspect the area in and around your bed thoroughly using a flashlight. Small blood spatters are a telltale sign of bed bug activity.

• Also check the bed frame, and any crevices around the bed area where bed bugs might hide.

• Placing glue traps around the perimeter of the bed is a good way of checking whether bed bugs are in the area. If you find any in the traps, call a bed bug control expert right away.

• Bed bug bites are usually along a straight line on the body, with a small indentation in the center of each bite. People's reaction to bites often varies, depending on the individual.

• Don't panic or throw away your mattress. And don't start fogging or using insecticides haphazardly. Bed bugs are experts at hiding, and bed bug treatment must be very focused and specific.

• Don't sleep on a couch or at a friend's house. If you do have bed bugs, this will only spread the problem around.

• Call a bed bug control professional soon. Bed bugs reproduce quickly, and the longer you let the problem go, the bigger the problem will become. Plan on some heavy cleaning bills, as you will have to clean everything from your sheets to your wardrobe to your furniture.

Although there is not much you can do to prevent a bed bug infestation, following the above tips will make your bed bug treatment as smooth and successful as possible.