Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite: Separating Fact from Fiction

Orkin recently released its list of the cities with the most bed bugs. (The list is based on the cities in which the company performed the most residential and commercial bed bug treatments.) The top 10 cities, in order, are Baltimore, Washington DC, Chicago, Los Angeles, Columbus OH, Cincinnati, Detroit, New York, San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose and Dallas/Fort Worth.

There are a lot of misconceptions regarding these bugs. Whether you live in one of these cities or not, here’s what you need to know to keep these pests out of your bed.

Myth #1: Bed bugs can fly

Bed bugs can be anywhere, but can’t fly. Image: Astronaut Image/Getty Images

Fortunately, they cannot fly. “Bed bugs cannot fly because they do not have wings,” according to Sydney Crawley, Ph.D. public health entomologist at  Scotts Miracle-Gro. “Instead, they crawl, traveling one meter per minute on average,” Crawley tells Freshome, adding that they also cannot jump.

Myth #2: They only bite at night

Bed bugs will adjust to your schedule. Image: LEK_3DPHOTO/Getty Images

Bed bug activity tends to peak at night, but Crawley says they can bite at any time during the day. “This is especially true if the primary host is active during the night and sessile during the day.” In fact, Crawley says these bugs will adapt to the habits of the host. “Motivation to take a blood meal may drive them to bite at any time.”

Myth #3: They are too small to see

Bed bugs are tiny, but not invisible. Image: Anna Cor/Zumbansen/EyeEm/Getty Images

Bed bugs are indeed visible. “Although bed bug eggs and first instars (newly hatched bed bugs) are very small, they are still large enough to see with the naked eye,” Crawley says. “After the first instar, juvenile bed bugs will molt 4 more times before reaching the adult life stage. First to fifth instars range anywhere from 1.3 mm to 4-5 mm and adults range from approximately 4-7 mm in size.”

Myth #4: They prefer unsanitary conditions

These pests don’t care if you’re clean and tidy. Image: Gabriela Tulian/Getty Images

It’s possible to have bed bugs even if your home is spotless because these insects don’t discriminate, according to Crawley. “Bed bugs prefer small cracks and crevices which are found in every home,” Crawley says. “Populations of bed bugs will continue to grow in homes where proper elimination strategies are not performed, regardless of the level of cleanliness.” Granted, you still need to clean your house, especially the nine nastiest areas of the home.

 Myth #5: They only inhabit beds frames and couches

These little bugs also like the inside of your suitcase. Image: LOOK Photography/Getty Images

While they like bed frames and couches, according to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), bed bugs can be found in stuffed animals, suitcases, wheelchairs, purses and on the inside of bedside lamps.

Myth #6: They are usually found in hotels and apartments

Hospitals are sanitary, but not immune to bed bugs. Image: Ariel Skelley/Getty Images

These may be the two places that get the most media coverage, but they’re not the only place you’ll find these pests. According to the NPMA, the 3 most common places where they are found include single-family homes (91%), apartments/condominiums (89%), and hotels/motels (68%).

But guess where else they show up? Nursing homes (59%), schools and daycare centers (47%), offices (46%), college dorms (45%), hospitals (36%) and public transportation (19 %).

Myth #7: If you don’t see them, you must not have them

They can leave their mark – sometimes on you. Image: Vlajs/Getty Images

You may not always see the bugs themselves, but you can see what they leave behind, and you can also feel them. For example, they tend to leave fecal spots on your mattress, walls, and upholstery (ranging in color from red to reddish brown).  You may also see empty eggshells. Another sign is the presence of bite marks on your arms, legs and other parts of your body. In addition, if there are a lot of bugs, you may start to detect a sweet smell.

Tips for avoiding bed bugs

Be vigilant again bed bugs. Image: ben-bryant

“At home, inspect furniture, especially mattresses, box springs and bed frames,” Crawley says. She warns people to be very careful when purchasing secondhand furniture. “Before bringing any used furniture into your home, inspect it thoroughly to ensure that no bed bugs are present.”

When you’re traveling, be advised that these pesky bugs like to travel for free – in your suitcase. Search your hotel room carefully, inspecting the mattress seams, sofas, chairs, and behind the headboard. If you find bed bugs, the NPMA recommends changing rooms to another area since rooms next to, above or below might also be infected.

Don’t bring them home with you. Image: Nikada/Getty Images

“Search all bags, luggage and clothing thoroughly before you return, and take special care to inspect the seams, as they are a common hiding place for bed bugs,” Crawley says. “When you return home, put clothing and bags in the dryer on high heat for a minimum of two full cycles on high heat to ensure that all potential bed bugs and eggs have been killed.”

Whether you’re at home or traveling, she also recommends a product like the Ortho Home Defense Bed Bug Trap. “These detectors can determine whether there are bed bugs present – within an hour.”

Do you have any additional tips for preventing these bugs from getting into your bed? Let us know in the comments.

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Trending Now: Rattan Furniture

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Rattan isn’t just for outdoor furniture anymore. You might associate this material with your grandma’s house, but rattan furniture is having a moment. And we’re here for it. It’s versatile, durable and can take just about any room to the next level.

Before we dive deeper, let’s get clear on rattan. It’s not the same as wicker. Wicker is a type of weave, whereas rattan refers to the actual material itself, a flexible, fibrous plant. We’ve long used its pliable stems to make furniture because it’s both lightweight and durable. Today, not all rattan-style furniture uses actual rattan – but we’ll forgive it because the whole point of synthetic rattan is to protect the natural environment in which rattan grows.

If you’ve been looking for furniture that packs a punch aesthetically but doesn’t add a ton of visual weight to your space, rattan is for you. Let’s look at some of the various ways you can use rattan furniture to set the tone of a room.

Rattan furniture in the bedroom

Like we said, rattan is versatile. That’s why you can use it just about anywhere in a bedroom, from the headboard to the accent chair to the table. Here are some different ways you can incorporate this material in any bedroom in your home.

In a tropical bedroom, the Curved Rattan Bed is a no-brainer. Image: Anthropologie

If you want to add an eclectic feel to your bedroom, the Kubu Rattan Woven Headboard can deliver. Image: Pier1

The comfy Pari Rattan Daybed creates a cozy – but still airy – lounging area in this bedroom. Image: Anthropologie

Make it extra fun to get ready with the Ria Leaning Rattan Mirror, which includes a place to hang extra outfit options. Image: Urban Outfitters

Pair your leaning mirror with the matching bed. With a low profile, the Ria Rattan Bed invites you to lounge. Image: Urban Outfitters

Rattan furniture in the living room

Maybe you’re the type of person who has a set style you follow in your living space. Or maybe you’re the kind of person who pulls from various influences, from traditional to mid-century to eclectic. Either way, rattan can serve you. Because of its vintage roots and natural feel, it works in a wide variety of living spaces. Check it out.

Rattan doesn’t just work for boho spaces. It can be ideal when you’re looking for a modern edge, as exemplified by the Tiered Rattan Pendant. Image: Anthropologie

The inviting Noelie Rattan Lounge Chair offers welcoming seating when you invite guests over. Image: CB2

If you’re looking for a statement piece for your living room, look no further than the Natural Rattan Fallon Cocoon Chair. Image: Cost Plus World Market

Rattan is more versatile than you might think. It gives the Reflect Rattan Credenza texture and warmth. Image: CB2

If you’re looking to add seating without adding visual weight, an airy rattan piece – like the Pari Rattan Chair – is a perfect fit. Image: Anthropologie

Rattan furniture in the dining room

The dining room is an interesting space to design. You want it to feel both structured and comfortable. It’s a place where you might serve an elegant, multi-course extravaganza or enjoy a cozier meal like spaghetti. Rattan works in either setting – and everywhere in between. Its carefully woven, sculpted feel is elegant but its natural fibers can help add a sense of casualness. When you want your dining room to make a striking statement without feeling stuffy, this material can deliver. Here are a few examples of it doing exactly that.

The Maluku Natural Rattan Dining Chairs give a dining room table extra texture. Image: Crate & Barrel

Make it easier to entertain at your next dinner party with a compact and mobile bar set up on the Kali Bar Cart. Image: Pottery Barn

Traditional rattan meets modern design in the Haylee Mono Rattan Chair. Image: Urban Outfitters

Rattan can help you bring the outdoors in. These Cinta Wicker Dining Chairs add an earthy feel to an already eclectic dining space. Image: Pier1

Rattan doesn’t have to be in your face. In the Marte Dining Chair, it’s a subtle element. Image: Urban Outfitters

What do you think of rattan furniture? Would you add it to your house? If so, what room would you choose? We’d love to hear in the comments!

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10 Bedside Pendant Lights That Will Rock Your Bedroom

Gorgeous bedside pendant lights transform the Houchins Upholstered Storage Platform Bed in a contemporary bedroom. Courtesy of  Wayfair

Bedside pendant lights are the ultimate bedroom multi-tasker. They provide light from above for reading and relaxing, but also remove the need for table lamps. We love the idea of creating more space on our nightstands — this is also the perfect opportunity to style your nightstand.

Installing a pendant or swag light over a nightstand is not a new idea. This was a popular style in the 1960s, especially with kitschy chains draped from the ceiling. Today’s bedside pendants are more refined and are available in all decorating styles.

Here’s Why Bedroom Pendants Are So Hot Right Now

• Minimalism Rules – Our need for simplified spaces is still strong. Eliminating the need for a table lamp creates a clean look.


• They Transcend Style – Bedside pendants are now available in every decorating style.


• Renters Love Them – Pendants are available as plug-ins, too. If you’re able to attach a hook in the ceiling, you can add a swag light to your bedroom without any wiring.


• They’re just beautiful – Installing a pendant light next to your bed is an instant design update that’s more than just adding a light to your bedside. It’s a strong style statement.

Once you’ve decided what type of bedside pendant light you’ll need in your bedroom and the size requirements, it’s time to have fun choosing a style. Don’t be afraid to venture out of your style comfort zone if you see a light you love. With the right accessories, any pendant or swag can work with your bedroom decor. Here are the bedside pendants we’re loving right now:

Geometric Beauty for Your Nightstand

The bronze finish of the Alrai Wire 1-Light Geometric Pendant is perfect for mixed-metal bedroom decor. Courtesy of  Wayfair

Clean lines and geometric shapes are on-trend right now. Airy light fixtures are wonderful when you want to keep things light. The latest geometric shapes are versatile and work with contemporary, rustic and mid-century modern bedroom decor.

Banded Gold Contemporary Globe Pendant

A band of gold turns the  West Elm’s Banded Glass Pendant into something special. Courtesy of  West Elm

Look for special style details if you’re shopping for a focal point pendant. If your pendants will be the center of attention for your bedroom decor, it’s okay to be a little more extravagant with your choice.

Versatile Contemporary Bedside Pendant

A simple contemporary pendant light like the Cayden 1-Light Globe Pendant works best in a supporting role for your bedroom decor. Courtesy of  Wayfair

Contemporary pendant lights are so easy to add to any bedroom because of their simple lines and shapes. Complete your contemporary bedroom decor with a platform bed, floating nightstands and monochromatic bedding.

The Glamorous Crystal Pendant

Glam it up with the Chatteris 1-Light Crystal Pendant. Courtesy of Wayfair

Sometimes all your bedroom needs is a little glamour. A pair of gorgeous iridescent crystal pendants bring the sparkle to your life. Crystal pendant lights are available in a variety of colors, giving you personalized bedroom styling options.

A Traditional Bedside Pendant Light

Simplicity is the secret to choosing a traditional bedroom pendant light like the West Elm’s Sculptural Glass Geo Pendant. Courtesy of  West Elm

If you’d like to soften the light in your bedroom, a frosted glass pendant can give you the ambiance you need. You can change the softness of your bedroom light just by changing the bulb. When you’re shopping for a pendant light, be sure that you know which bulbs are specified for any fixture you’re considering.

Industrial Loft-Style Pendant

Dark bronze metal and chunky details give the PB Classic Industrial Cord Milk Glass Pendant a pretty, industrial, style. Courtesy of  Pottery Barn

Love industrial and loft style? Look for bronze or iron and strong details when you’re shopping for bedroom pendants. You can mix and match metal finishes in an industrial-style space, but the dark metals should rule the room.

Give Your Bedroom a Vintage Vibe

Add a little vintage style with the PB Classic Ribbed Glass Pendant. Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Bring the vintage vibe back from where it started in the 1960s with a retro-looking bedside pendant that’s a fun addition to any bedroom decorating style. To get this look, shop for globe shapes, chain swags and vintage finishes. 

Modern Farmhouse Style in the Bedroom

Wood details bring a modern farmhouse vibe to the Shelbi 1-Light Geometric Pendant. Courtesy of Wayfair

Bring your favorite modern farmhouse style into your bedroom with rustic pendants. The secret to farmhouse style is comfortable shapes and materials. Wood and rustic metals, along with Edison bulbs, capture the modern farmhouse style perfectly.

Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Pendant

The Anello Spun Cone Pendant has mid-century modern-style, and is an easy way to pull together a contemporary bedroom. Courtesy of  Rejuvenation

Mid-century modern decorating never seems to go out of style. The iconic lighting of this style can be used in a contemporary bedroom to give it a mid-century look. Corded pendant lights are the truest to the mid-century style and give your bedroom a more authentic vibe. 

Boho Swag Light

Express your boho style with Andino Rolled Edge Pierced Dome global-style pendant. Courtesy of Wayfair

Bedroom swag lights are perfect for boho style. Look for pendants in natural materials like rattan, wood and metal with intricate patterns. A swag pendant with a chain or cord gives your boho bedroom a relaxed and casual vibe. 

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10 Modern Storage Beds that can Solve your Storage Issues

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An oversized closet is a very rare luxury. So what do you do if yours is less than generous? You get creative with where you store your items. The bed is the largest piece in the bedroom – and often wastes lots of valuable storage space. No more! These 10 modern storage beds cleverly solve your storage issues.

1. Morphis Upholstered Platform Bed at Wayfair, $440 and up

The Morphis is a simple, modern upholstered and tufted bed that pops open to reveal tons of storage underneath the mattress. Add boxes, bins and baskets to keep the contents under the bed organized. Image: Wayfair

2. Step One Full Platform Bed at AllModern, $360

This storage bed is a good choice if you already own a simple headboard. Mount the headboard on the wall and pair it with this bed. Image: All Modern

3. PB Teen Ultimate Platform Bed + Cubby/Cabinet Set, $900 and up

This bed may be sold by Pottery Barn Teen, but the clean styling makes it perfectly grown up. Image: PBTeen

4. Flexible Full Storage Platform Bed at Wayfair, $330 and up

Open cubbies underneath the mattress can hold books, boxes and baskets for additional storage. Image: Wayfair

5. Room & Board Marlo Bed with Storage Drawer, $2100 and up

This custom upholstered bed features a large drawer at the footboard instead of on the sides to avoid interfering with your nightstands. Image: Room & Board

6. Carnevale Upholstered Storage Platform Bed at Wayfair, $770

The mechanism of this platform storage bed lifts straight up and locks in place to allow for ease of access to the items underneath. Image: Wayfair

7. Ikea BRIMNES Bed Frame with storage & headboard, $399

This is one of Ikea’s best selling beds, with 2 drawers on either side of the bed and a headboard that features a bookcase and slide-out storage. Image: Ikea

8. PB Teen Cleary Captain’s Bed, $1600 to $1800

If you have lots of small things that would benefit most from drawer storage, the updated look of this traditional captain’s storage bed is what you need. Image: PB Teen

9. PB Teen Store-It 6-Cubby Bed + Storage Headboard Set, $730 and up

Simple clean lines and plenty of shelving area on the headboard and below make this bed a versatile choice with plenty of places to arrange your extra items. Image: PB Teen

10. LAXseries Queen Storage Bed at Amazon

The LAX Storage bed is a contemporary platform bed with the bonus of self-concealing drawers on wheels. Image: Amazon

Which of these modern storage beds are your favorite? Let us know in the comments.

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5 Secrets for Creating a Romantic Feng Shui Bedroom

Decorate your Feng Shui bedroom with The Twillery Co. Akins Duvet Cover Set in romantic light pink. Courtesy of  Wayfair

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When you think of Feng Shui, romance may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Feng Shui principles are all about enhancing our living spaces — including the bedroom. The elements of Feng Shui are meant to bring out the right energy, (or Chi’i) for every room in our home. The colors and elements of this practice focus on many areas of our lives, including family harmony, creativity and romance. The good news is that you can create a Feng Shui bedroom with just a few simple changes.

Here’s how Feng Shui elements can create a romantic and relaxing vibe for your bedroom.

1. Start with a romantic Feng Shui bedroom color scheme

The Burrier 6-Piece Comforter Set, in a neutral gray and rich red palette, create the perfect color scheme for a romantic Feng Shui bedroom. Courtesy of Wayfair 

The Feng Shui colors meant to enhance loving relationships at home are, not coincidentally, the same colors we already associate with romance. Traditional Feng Shui bedroom colors include red, pink, and white. It’s not  practical to decorate your bedroom in such a limited color palette, but a soothing neutral color palette with Feng Shui color accents is a wonderful way to incorporate them. Here’s how to use these romantic colors in your bedroom decor:

• Choose artwork with red or pink accents to enhance your romantic bedroom color scheme.

• Add a few throw pillows or a luxurious throw in the Feng Shui romantic colors.

• Candles can not only enhance your color scheme, but also add a romantic vibe.

• Fresh flowers in red or pink are especially beneficial to achieving the romantic Chi’i (energy) in your bedroom.

• Think beyond a simple red, pink or white Feng Shui color palette in your bedroom. To create harmony, you can choose shades that fit your color scheme, like peach, rust or ivory.

2. Use Feng Shui romantic symbolism in your bedroom

Wall26 Romantic Swan Wall Art is the ideal Feng Shui symbolism for a romantic bedroom. Courtesy of   Walmart

There is more to Feng Shui than colors or furniture placement. When it comes to your bedroom, there are designs and symbols thought to enhance the romantic energy.

• Decorate in pairs. The symbolism of “twos” is important to Feng Shui bedroom design. Images or figurines of swans, Mandarin ducks, in pairs, is especially auspicious.

• Artwork that evokes love and relationships. Whether you frame happy photos with your significant other for your walls, or hang classic art that depicts loving relationships, this type of wall art is a must for romantic Feng Shui.

• Avoid art and decor that suggests unpleasant emotions or loss.

• Family photos are wonderful in other areas of the house, but are not considered favorable for a romantic Feng Shui bedroom — this is the space for romantic photos that support your relationship.

3. Add romantic bedroom lighting

The pretty Kappler Comforter Set, and pendant lighting over a nightstand, adds glamor to a romantic bedroom. Courtesy of Joss & Main

The most romantic bedrooms are relaxing, and lighting is a big part of that. Every bedroom needs basic overhead lighting for cleaning, getting dressed and finding things. Your romantic bedroom lighting is another layer of light that sets the mood for your romantic Feng Shui bedroom.

Bedside lighting can come from table lamps, sconces and swing arm lamps, or hanging pendants over your nightstands. To achieve romantic ambiance through lighting, your bedside lights should be dimmable and soft. You can add additional romantic lighting with LED candles, which can be purchased with a timer and remote, for hassle-free mood lighting. You can also put up delicate string lights in your bedroom for a totally romantic look, year-round.

4. Choose romantic and luxurious bed linens

Finding the perfect bedding for your romantic bedroom makeover is magical, like this gorgeous Lush Velvet Tack Stitch Quilt + Shams  from West Elm. Soft pink accents makes this the perfect Feng Shui bedding. Courtesy of  West Elm

Your bed linens are the most important element in a romantic bedroom. The Feng Shui element for love is Earth — this means that bed linens in natural fabrics and neutral colors can enhance romantic energy in your bedroom. The most romantic bed linens should feel romantic and luxurious to the touch, even if they aren’t expensive. Complete your bed linen ensemble with throw blankets and pillows in the colors of Feng Shui romance.

5. Feng Shui your bedroom with romantic accent decor

The romantic Urban Habitat Comforter Set in neutral colors and peach accents sets a calming mood. Your Feng Shui bedroom doesn’t have to be elaborately decorated, just inviting and romantic. Courtesy of  Bed, Bath & Beyond

The wonderful secret to bringing the benefits of Feng Shui into your home is that it works in any decorating style. Your accent decor doesn’t have to be Feng Shui-themed, it can be in whatever style you choose for your bedroom. Your goal for achieving a romantic bedroom is to consciously choose each piece of decor, and ask yourself if it will enhance the relaxing and romantic style you hope to achieve through Feng  Shui. The most romantic bedroom decor invites you to linger and relax.

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