Ep 1. Bedbugs, Rats and Scorpions

Infested is a gripping reality TV show that delves into the homes and lives of people as they battle infestations of various kinds. Episode 1 of season 1 is titled Bedbugs, Rats and Scorpions, and it focuses on three different families across the United States that have been infested by these pests.

The episode begins in a high rise apartment complex in New York City. We meet Alex and Maria, a young couple who have recently moved into their dream apartment. However, their dream quickly turns into a nightmare when they start finding bites on their skin and spot tiny bugs in their bedding. As it turns out, their apartment is infested with bedbugs. The couple describes the immense stress and physical toll that this infestation is taking on them, with Maria feeling constantly itchy and unable to sleep and Alex suffering from severe allergy symptoms. They show us how they've had to quarantine their bed and clothes, and the lengths they've gone to in order to try to eradicate the bugs.

Next, we travel to a suburban home in Texas. Here, we meet the Lopez family, who have been grappling with a rat infestation for years. The family has tried everything from traps to poison, but the rats keep reappearing. We see how the rats have chewed through wires and insulation, causing expensive damage to the home. The family can't open their windows for fear of more rats coming in, and they describe feeling trapped in their own home. The Lopez family has even resorted to sleeping on air mattresses in the living room in order to avoid the rats in their bedrooms.

Finally, we head to Arizona, where we meet a couple named Steve and Sheila. They live in a beautiful desert home, but their idyllic surroundings belie a dangerous reality: their property is home to several species of scorpions, including the lethal Arizona bark scorpion. Steve and Sheila show us how they have to constantly check their shoes, clothes, and beds before using them, as a scorpion sting can be deadly. Even their dog has been stung by a scorpion in the past. The couple describes the constant sense of unease and danger that they feel living with these poisonous pests in their home.

Throughout the episode, we see the toll that these infestations are taking on the families. They describe feeling helpless, frustrated, and scared as they try to cope with the pests. For instance, the Lopez family talks about how their son's asthma has gotten worse due to the rats, and how they worry about the health risks posed by the rats' droppings. Meanwhile, Steve and Sheila talk about how they've had to change their entire way of life in order to avoid scorpions, including always wearing shoes and keeping their windows closed at night. These infestations have not only disrupted their daily routines, but have also taken a financial toll, as the families have had to spend thousands of dollars on pest control services and repairs.

The episode also explores the science behind these infestations. We learn about the reproductive habits of bedbugs, as well as the intricate social structures of rat colonies. We also hear from experts on how to best eradicate these pests, as well as how to prevent future infestations. For instance, we learn that sealing up entry points and keeping a clean home can go a long way towards preventing rats from entering. The experts also offer tips on how to identify and treat scorpion stings, in case of an emergency.

Overall, Infested season 1 episode 1 provides a compelling look at the realities of pest infestations in homes across America. Through the stories of Alex and Maria, the Lopez family, and Steve and Sheila, we see how these infestations can have wide-ranging impacts on families' lives. The episode offers important information on how to deal with and prevent these infestations, making it a valuable resource for anyone dealing with pests in their own home.