Bed bugs remain one of the most common pest problems worldwide. An estimated one in five people has either encountered bed bugs personally or knows someone who experienced such a problem.
The most common cause of bed bug infestations is travel. Bed bugs will hitchhike on your clothing, pieces of luggage, and other belongings. Without you realizing it, you may bring these parasites into your home.
These pests increase rapidly in some regions of the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other parts of Europe. So it’s no wonder that they’ve become a nuisance anywhere across the globe.
Note that one impregnated female bed bug can lay two to five eggs a day. So, just one of these pesky pests in your property should already be a concern for a full-blown infestation. That’s why it’s essential to get rid of them fast, and one best option is to use a bed bug powder.
There are various kinds of powder for bed bugs in the market. Thus, we put together a list of the best bed bug powders you can use to kill these pests. There’s no one-size-fits-all chemical solution for bed bug infestation, but this article will guide you on finding the best choice and getting rid of them fast.
Harris Diatomaceous Earth Powder
This product is made of 100% freshwater diatomaceous earth powder and provides effective pest control against crawling insects over time.
Features:
- Easy to apply in hard-to-reach areas
- Chemical-free and safe to use around kids and pets
- Fast-acting
Cimexa Insecticide Dust
This odourless and engineered silica-based product has a broad label usage. However, it is highly effective on bed bugs, fleas, ticks, and other insects.
Features:
- It kills a broad spectrum of pests
- Low-toxicity
- Rapid and long-lasting control
Delta Dust Insecticide
This product is 100% waterproof dust that provides quick control for crawling insects, including bed bugs.
Features:
- Eliminate pests in wet areas
- Non-staining and odourless
- It does not clump or absorb moisture
Drione Dust
This silica-based desiccant dust is effective in controlling bed bugs and other pests in commercial and industrial areas.
Features:
- Good flushing action
- Penetrates easily into voids
- Non-staining and relatively odorless
Hotshot Bed Bug Killer Powder
This product contains diatomaceous earth and is designed to treat bed bugs and other insects in homes.
Features:
- Ready to use
- It kills bed bugs by contact
- Non-staining
JT Eaton 203 Bedbug and Crawling Insect Powder
With diatomaceous earth as the main ingredient and other elemental oxides, this dry powder stops bed bugs and other crawling insects in their tracks.
Features:
- Labeled for use against bed bugs
- Works three times faster than other insecticides dust
- Safe to use around humans and pets
Harris Resistant Bed Bug Killer Powder
This highly effective powder is designed to kill bed bugs and eggs that have developed resistance to traditional pesticides.
Features:
- It can be used in various settings
- Multiple application methods
- Residual protection for up to 16 weeks
| Harris Diatomaceous Powder | Cimexa Insecticide Dust | Hotshot Bed Bug Killer Powder | |
| Efficiency | Kills bed bugs within 48 hours of initial contact | Kills bed bugs within 48 hours or less | Kills bed bugs within 24 hours of application |
| Toxicity | No fillers or additives and safe to use around people or pets | It has low-toxicity engineered silica dust and is safe to use around people or pets | It contains other chemical compounds that may not be safe for human inhalation |
| Residual Effects | Continues to kill bed bugs for weeks after application provided that it’s kept dry | Remains viable for up to ten years if the powder is undisturbed | Has a residual power of up to weeks |
| Treat bed bug problems naturally and effectively with Harris Diatomaceous Powder. | Eliminate bed bugs
pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs with Cimexa Insecticide Dust. |
Use Hotshot Bed Bug Killer Powder as part of a comprehensive bed bug treatment plan. |
An Overview of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are tiny, brownish insects that feed on animal or human blood. As their name implies, bed bugs seek refuge in beds and feed on the hosts while they sleep. These pests have flat bodies about the size of an apple seed, which protects them from being smashed if people roll onto them.
While they do not fly or jump, bed bugs can crawl and move quickly across the room. However, they are tough to spot. They can easily blend in the bed frames and other furniture because of their reddish-brown colour.
Bed bugs are pretty good at hiding and they can remain unnoticed even if they have already bitten you. But it’s worth noting that people respond differently to bed bug bites. Some may have zero to small marks, while others may have an allergic reaction.
Unlike most pests, there are no findings that bed bugs can transmit or spread diseases. However, they can cause other public health issues, such as the following:
- Severe, whole-body bite reaction
- Secondary infections of the skin
- Anxiety, insomnia, and system reactions
How Do Bed Bugs Spread?
Most of the time, it seems that bed bugs appear from nowhere. But as people travel from one place to another, these fast-moving pests hitch a ride in their luggage, purses, backpacks, and other belongings. That means you can get them from everywhere and transport them unknowingly to various locations, including your home.
Once bed bugs are introduced to a new environment, they will spread through the cracks and openings in floors, ceilings, and walls. A single female bed bug can lay approximately five eggs per day. In her lifetime, it may lay up to 500 eggs. Add up to that the ability of bed bugs to survive without food for a longer period. Thus, it may not take long for a bed bug infestation to grow out of control.
What Are the Signs of Bed Bug Infestation?
Treating a minor bed bug infestation is critical before they become more widespread. But it can be challenging to detect low-level infestations correctly. Misidentifying them can give these pests more time to hitchhike and infect other areas. It can also result in more costly treatment for the wrong bug.
The first step in controlling and getting rid of a possible bed bug infestation is to be aware of the following signs:
- Bed bug odours: Bed bugs emit odours that may smell sweet or musty, like raspberries, cilantro, or almonds. But the scent of only a few bed bugs may be too faint for you to notice.
- Bed bug bites: Waking up to find unexplainable insect bites on your arms, hands, or legs might be a sign of bed bugs. They can appear in small clusters or lines of three bites. But bed bug bites may also look like single bites or in random patterns.
- Bloodstains: Bed bugs can leave bloodstains on mattresses, sheets, pillows, furniture, and more. When you notice red or rust-coloured splotches or smears without other probable causes, it might come from bed bugs.
- Bed bug droppings: Bed bugs also leave tiny block droppings that are stickier and darker than their bloodstains. They can occur anywhere, but you can usually find them in harborage areas.
- Bed bug eggs: Bed bugs lay tiny white eggs in the areas they invade. They are visible but can be difficult to identify unless you know what you’re looking for. Although they could be anywhere, you can often find them in crevices, fabrics, or wooden surfaces.
- Live bed bugs: Seeing live bed bugs is the most obvious sign of an infestation. But since they are experts at hiding, you may never see them around until the infestation becomes severe.
How to Kill Bed Bugs?
Bed bug populations can develop quickly, which is why it’s crucial to eliminate them as soon as possible. However, getting rid of them is notoriously hard, especially if you don’t have any background knowledge.
To give you an idea, here are different ways most people use to eliminate a bed bug infestation:
- Vacuum: Using a vacuum cleaner is a natural way to reduce the number of bed bugs. However, they are only effective if they are still in groups or clusters. Note that you can only vacuum what you can see, so you won’t be able to remove all hidden bed bugs and their eggs.
- Steam: If applied correctly, steam can be an effective method to eliminate bed bugs. However, the steamer should be able to deliver lethal temperatures to the infested area. A high temperature of steam 212°F (100°C) can instantly kill bed bugs. But this may not work if they stay in deep crevices where steam can’t penetrate.
- Protect Your Bed: Throwing your mattress at the first sign of bed bugs won’t help get rid of them as they might still infest your new bed. Instead, you can invest in a bed bug mattress protector. This method allows you to trap them within and stop them from feeding on you at night. But it won’t help you mitigate the entire infestation.
- Dryer Sheets: Applying dryer sheets is another natural remedy to remove bed bugs. The pleasant scent of fabric conditioners can drive them away and prevent them from reproducing. But there’s not enough evidence that may support this.
- Essential Oils: Oils made of eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, or lavender can be a safe alternative to get rid of bed bugs, but their efficacy may vary. Paraffin and silicone oils may be more likely to suffocate bed bugs because they are odourless and colourless. But still, essential oils may work better as a repellent or preventative measure.
- Alcohol: Spraying alcohol can kill bed bugs as soon as it makes contact with them. But since it only works 50% of the time, its low efficacy won’t help solve an infestation. Plus, it’s a flammable material that can create a fire hazard.
- Ultrasonic Pest Repellers: These ultrasonic pest repellers claim to attract and get rid of bed bugs quickly. But the Journal of Economic Entomology published a study that none of these repellers affected bed bug behaviour. Therefore, it’s not helpful to mitigate bed bugs.
- Pesticides: With proper application, pesticides are moderately effective at bed bug control. Most of them work by affecting the nervous system of the insect. But they may have different active ingredients and use a different mode of action.
- Extermination: Applying home remedies or DIY treatment for a continuous cycle can help rid your bed bug problem. But anything other than professional pest control may not always work. If you want to exterminate bed bugs for good, getting a pest management professional is your best option.
How do Bed Bug Killer Powders Work?
Deciding which bed bug treatment to use can be confusing. But one of the most common solutions used in households is applying a bed bug powder. It’s an affordable and effective method that significantly helps fight infestations. Take note that proper use of bed bugs powder is vital to ensure optimal results.
Each bed bug powder has its own instructions for use. So make sure to read the label to understand the mode of application. No matter what, avoid scattering them all over the baseboards. It’s best to sprinkle them on the cracks and crevices for effective use. Once these pests encounter the bed bug powder, it will cover the outer part of the bug and eventually kill them through dehydration.
What to Look for in a Bed Bug Killer Powder
Despite there being other effective ways of controlling bed bugs, using powders for bed bugs has become increasingly popular. One reason for this is their long-lasting effects and ability to easily penetrate inaccessible areas. But not all bed bug killer powders are created equal.
Consider the following factors when looking for the best powder for bed bug infestations:
- Efficiency: An ineffective bed bug powder is the last thing you’d want to purchase. So, be sure to find a product that is known for being effective in eliminating a bed bug infestation. Note that some powders take effect fast and have a low residual impact. Meanwhile, others may work slowly but have long-lasting power. Thus, ensure to check the active ingredients of a bed bug powder before purchasing.
- Toxicity: Bed bugs powders are generally safe to use around humans and pets. However, some products may contain more toxic chemicals than others. To ensure safety at all times, always read the label of the bed bug powder or check out their customer reviews online.
- Price: The cost of a bed bug powder will depend on the severity of the infestation. If you have a severe bed bug infestation, you can expect to use more powder and spend more money. But the good news is, there are many affordable bed bug powders in the market.
Bed bug extermination is not an easy task. In fact, bed bugs are among the most difficult insects to eliminate due to how quickly they invade and multiply. Get in touch with a professional exterminator to end your bed bug problem for good.
Pro Tip
“Bed bug killer powder should be effective and safe for your home. Make sure to read the label and follow the directions.”
Bed Bug Killer Powder Reviews
Harris Diatomaceous Earth Powder
With an easy-to-use bottle and reliable results, Harris Diatomaceous Earth Powder is one of the top bed bug solutions on the market. It can kill bed bugs and other pests like beetles, cockroaches, ticks, and mites within 48 hours of contact. As long as the area is kept dry, this non-toxic powder works even after weeks from application.
Harris Diatomaceous Earth Powder is registered with the Organic Mineral Research Institute (OMRI) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). But some people reported that they developed a rash after using this powder.
Harris Diatomaceous Earth Powder Pros
-
Reliable results
-
Safe for people and pets
-
Long residual
Harris Diatomaceous Earth Powder Cons
-
The powder is messy and sticks to everything
-
It leaves a distinct odor
-
Some people claim it has given them rash
$11.99
CimeXa Insecticide Dust
CimeXa Insecticide Dust is made from manufactured silica powder. Like diatomaceous earth, the silica in this powder works to dehydrate the exoskeleton of bed bugs, which eventually kills them. Due to the inability of insects to resist silica dust, many people find CimeXa to be more effective.
This product keeps working for up to a decade if left dry and undisturbed. Plus, it doesn’t contain chemicals that can easily irritate the lungs. That’s why many people choose CimeXa for long-term pest control.
Delta Dust Insecticide Pros
-
Remains active even when exposed to water or moisture
-
Provides an eight-month, residual kill
-
Odorless and safe for both humans and pets
Delta Dust Insecticide Cons
-
Highly toxic to aquatic animals
-
Messy and hard to clean
$17.77
Delta Dust Insecticide
Delta Dust Insecticide is a waterproof and versatile insecticide. It is effective in killing more than 30 types of insects, including roaches and bed bugs. However, it’s a pyrethroid-based chemical, meaning some bed bugs might have built resistance against it. So, you would have to conduct a test to ensure that the bed bugs in your home are not pyrethroid-resistant.
Unless ingested or breathed in for a prolonged period, this product is generally safe for humans and other larger animals. But note that it is highly toxic to fish and aquatic species. Overall, Delta Dust Insecticide is ideal for eliminating pests in wet areas and crevices since it will not clump or absorb moisture.
Delta Dust Insecticide Pros
-
Remains active even when exposed to water or moisture
-
Provides an eight-month, residual kill
-
Odorless and safe for both humans and pets
Delta Dust Insecticide Cons
-
Highly toxic to aquatic animals
-
Messy and hard to clean
$32.95
Drione Dust
Drione Dust is a powerful insecticide composed of amorphous silica dust and added chemical pyrethroids. With a residual effect for up to 6 months, it effectively eliminates bed bugs, roaches, and other pests. It works to shred the insect’s exoskeleton, resulting in dehydration and death.
This odorless product doesn’t cause stains on surfaces after an application and is generally safe for humans and pets. There are several insecticide dusts on the market, but many people find Drione’s dual-action formula to be the most dependable.
Delta Dust Insecticide Pros
-
Remains active even when exposed to water or moisture
-
Provides an eight-month, residual kill
-
Odorless and safe for both humans and pets
Delta Dust Insecticide Cons
-
Highly toxic to aquatic animals
-
Messy and hard to clean
$34.53
Hotshot Bed Bug Killer Powder
Hotshot Bed Bug Killer Powder is a non-staining and easy-to-use dust that can kill bed bugs, fleas, ants, and other insects. However, this product only works if the insects come in contact with the powder and when you use it with another insect killer. You may not eliminate your pest problem if you only use Hotshot Bed Bug Killer Powder.
Hotshot Bed Bug Killer Powder Pros
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Easy-to-use dust in inaccessible areas
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Non-staining
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It kills a wide range of insects
Hotshot Bed Bug Killer Powder Cons
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It kills the insects only after they are in contact with the powder.
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Not adequate for infestations as a standalone product
$11.40
JT Eaton 203 Bedbug and Crawling Insect Powder
This powerful bed bug killer contains diatomaceous earth as the main ingredient. But the other elemental oxides speed up the dehydration process of the bed bug exoskeleton, resulting in its death.
JT Eaton 203 Bedbug and Crawling Insects Powder doesn’t have resistant strains of bed bugs and will continue to work indefinitely if kept dry. So, you only have to apply it once during a bed bug treatment.
JT Eaton 203 Bedbug and Crawling Insect Powder Pros
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Its effect starts within a few hours
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Eliminates bed bugs from your infested locations.
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Ten-year residual effect
JT Eaton 203 Bedbug and Crawling Insect Powder Cons
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The powder can get clogged in the bottle nozzle
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Does not have an applicator
$10.73
Harris Bed Bug Killer Powder
Harris Bed Bug Killer Powder is an excellent pest control remedy that can kill mature bed bugs and their eggs. With an innovative formula, this product can also kill the bugs that have developed resistance to traditional pyrethroid pesticides.
Many people find Harris Bed Bug Killer Powder as a helpful tool in hard-to-reach infested locations. It is generally low-toxic. However, it is recommended to leave the area after you apply the powder. Apart from houses, this product is also used in hotels, motels, and hospitals.
Harris Bed Bug Killer Powder Pros
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It kills pyrethroid-resistant bugs and eggs
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It lasts for up to 16 weeks
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Odorless and non-staining
Harris Bed Bug Killer Powder Cons
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Not safe for pets and children
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It does not kill other insects
$10.99
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Frequently Asked Questions
Most of the best bed bug powders are made up of diatomaceous earth, a chemical that kills bed bugs by absorbing the moisture in their exoskeletons. But the best one really depends on your needs.
Some bed bug powders claim to kill insects on contact within 24-48 hours. However, it’s worth noting that there’s no chemical quick fix for a bed bug infestation. The time frame and amount of treatment may vary on the level of infestations. Plus, eliminating bed bugs for good will require professional pest control treatment.
There is no scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of talcum powder in eliminating bed bugs. It is not sharp enough to penetrate a bed bug’s exoskeleton, making it impossible to kill bed bugs in any way, shape, or form.