Which of the following is crucial for treating bed bugs effectively?

Merging treatment with host identification is crucial for effectively treating bed bugs because understanding the specific circumstances surrounding an infestation helps tailor the treatment strategy. Identifying where the bed bugs are introduced, their travel patterns, and their hiding spots allows for a more targeted and comprehensive approach to pest management. This can involve not only extermination of the pests but also addressing environmental factors that contribute to their presence.

By accurately identifying the host, which in the case of bed bugs often refers to the areas where people sleep or spend significant time, pest control professionals can focus their efforts on those locations. This ensures that treatments are applied directly where they will be most effective, minimizing the risk of resurgence due to unaddressed areas where bed bugs may still thrive.

In contrast, other options do not provide the same level of effectiveness in treating bed bugs. Refrigerating items may not kill all life stages of the insects, particularly the eggs, and could be impractical for larger items. Avoiding the use of insecticides limits available tools that can effectively eliminate bed bugs, while relying solely on professional services may be beneficial but does not inherently address the need for targeted treatment based on host identification.