Best Bed Bug Spray

While there are tons of different pests out there, there are some that are usually considered the worst. Most people will say that cockroaches and mosquitoes are the worst because of the plethora of diseases they can transmit to you. But we personally believe that bed bugs are one of the most insidious home pests on the planet.

Bed bugs feed on human blood, and they are often active during the night. So you won’t even know that they are biting you until you wake up with their bites all over your body. While they may not transmit any diseases through their bites, they can still be very dangerous because they often result in a number of health impacts like allergic symptoms and skin rashes.

Similar to fleas, the most common (and annoying) health issue related to bed bug bites is the itching that comes along with them. If the bites are really itchy, you will need to seek medical attention.

Most people experience red bumps, or welts, on their skin within a few days after the bed bugs have attacked. There are many cases, however, where a person might get a reaction weeks later, or they might not get a reaction at all.

This renders a bed bug one of the most dangerous pests out there, so you should definitely learn how to kill bed bugs and take care of the infestation as soon as you can. To stop any potential infestations, you could try using different repelling tools like aerosol spray, foggers, DIY spray bottles, natural repellent, spot treatment, or any bed bug spray.

Facts About Bed Bug Infestations

There are tons of interesting yet shocking facts about bed bugs and bed bug infestations out there. Before we go through all those facts, let’s first take a look at some general info about bed bugs.

Bed bugs belong to a certain order of insects, known as Hemiptera, and are related directly to aphids, stink bugs, and cicadas. Many insects that belong to this order usually feed themselves by sucking on sap or plant juices. Bed bugs are somewhat different. For some reason, they only like to consume blood. Unfortunately, they love our blood more than any other animals’ blood. Although they can still feed on your pets, they will probably like you more. They can follow your scent, and they will find a place to hide so that they can feed on you.

Most bed bugs can be spotted on walls, furniture, carpets, and electronics. But, they are more dangerous if they are staying on your bed. If you don’t find them out quickly, they could prove extremely dangerous to you. A study conducted by the Scientific Journal found out that the female bed bug can produce up to six eggs a day. No wonder you got a bed bug infestation. They multiply so fast!

The key symptom of an infestation is bed bug bites that you can possibly get from bed bugs hiding in the bed frames, headboards, linens, and baseboards’ crevices. But, if they haven’t bitten you yet, a dead giveaway is seeing them move. This is why you will need to check dark or closed spaces, like your mattress or your couch, where bed bugs tend to live. If you see any traces of them, or if you see them moving around, you probably have an upcoming or ongoing infestation. One of the best ways to get rid of them is by using one of the bed bug sprays we’ll mention below.

Bed bugs tend to invade new areas as they are carried there either through clothing or luggage. If you are moving to a new place, make sure to always check your bedding before you sleep in your new house. Some of them might have ended up there.

As we have already mentioned, bed bug bites don’t carry any diseases. While they might cause an allergic reaction to some people, you shouldn’t fear them getting you ill.

Different Types Of Bed Bug Insecticides

According to the EPA, there are over 300 products that are used against bed bugs. The EPA categorizes these products into seven different chemical classes. We mention these below:

Pyrethrins and pyrethroids

Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are the most usual compounds in indoor pest control products. These are also a great solution for bed bugs, along with almost any other pest. While pyrethrins are botanical insecticides and thus derive from natural products, pyrethroids are chemical insecticides that act very similar to pyrethrins.

If your bed bug spray has either of the ingredients, you will be set. They are both very effective against pests and are especially great against bed bugs because they are deadly against them. However, due to the increased use of these two compounds, there are many bed bug populations that have become resistant to these.

Desiccants

Desiccants are substances that destroy the exoskeleton of bed bugs and any other pests. When the outside coating is destroyed, any bug will slowly dehydrate until its ultimate death. Some of the most widely used desiccants are diatomaceous earth and boric acid.

When you buy a product that contains any kind of desiccant, you should always make sure that it has been registered by the EPA, and that it’s specifically labeled for bed bug control. There are other desiccants that are used in swimming pools but can be really harmful if you inhale them.

Cold-pressed neem oil

This is the only biochemical pesticide that can be used against a bed bug infestation. Cold-pressed neem oil is derived from the Neem tree, a tree that can be found in parts of Southeast Asia and Africa. 

This oil has many medicinal properties and can be found in tons of different products, like soaps and toothpaste. This is a great pesticide against bed bugs since it targets both the adult population and the eggs.

Pyrroles

There aren’t many pyrrole pesticides that have been registered for use against bed bugs. In fact, the only one is Chlorfenapyr. You don’t need to remember that name. What you do need to remember is that this is another great active ingredient that can be used against bed bugs. And it is really effective against them since it targets their cells, leading them to their death.

Neonicotinoids

These are a synthetic form of nicotine (yes, the nicotine that’s in cigarettes), and they target some receptors on different pests, including bed bugs. By targeting these receptors, the nervous system of bed bugs gets gradually destroyed until they die. Neonicotinoids are also one of the best ways to get rid of bed bugs since they target them in a different way compared to other pesticides.

Insect growth regulators

These are a group of pesticides that try to mimic the juvenile growth hormones in pests. They will also change the production of chitin, the main material of the exoskeleton. They might also change the bed bugs’ transition into adulthood, making them a great pesticide against bed bugs.

Natural-based sprays

There are lots of different sprays that are great against bed bugs, which use natural and organic active ingredients. The products that contain these ingredients will usually mention that on the packaging, so you will be able to notice them easily.

How Do Bed Bug Sprays Work?

Bed bug sprays aren’t anything too complicated. There are actually two different main categories of bed bugs. These are residual and contact sprays. As you can imagine, contact sprays are instant killers. They will kill the bed bugs right away and then evaporate. On the other hand, residual sprays stay in the area where they are applied, and they usually last for a longer time.

In reality, the exact time that it will take for you to kill the bed bugs in your house depends on the type of bed bug spray you use, as well as the active ingredient in said spray. As you can imagine, any contact spray is faster acting than all residual sprays. If you take a look at the ingredients we mentioned above, you’ll see that some of them can be more effective in certain situations. For example, a residual spray might be effective for weeks or up to even a year.

Keep in mind that there are no magical sprays out there. If you apply any insecticide correctly and in common areas where bed bugs tend to stay, it will kill every single bed bug that’s there.

Bed bugs cannot be seen with the naked eye, making them difficult to eliminate. Contact Pest Guide now and take advantage of our helpful guides, resources, and products to squash your bed bug problems.

Best Bed Bug Sprays For You

HARRIS Black Label Bed Bug Killer

This is a very handy bug spray which you can spray due to its ready to go bottle. It has pyrethroid, and its formula is really effective. It can offer up to 16 weeks of protection from bed bugs, making it one of the top bed bug sprays for you.

HARRIS Black Label Pros

• Long-lasting residue

• Really effective formula

HARRIS Black Label Cons

• Nothing of note

Ortho Home Defense Bed Bug Killer

This is one of the best bed bug killers out there, and it is sold by the industry giant known as Ortho. It doesn’t only kill adults, but it also gets rid of eggs. You can spray this anywhere you want since the formula is stain-free.

Ortho Home Defense Pros

• Sold by Ortho

• Kills eggs as well

Ortho Home Defense Cons

• Not the best for mattresses

Eco Defense Bed Bug Killer

This is the best natural bed bug spray we could find. If you have any pets or children, you will certainly appreciate this since it 100% for them and for you. The formula is also odor-less, so you won’t need to deal with any strong odors.

Eco Defense Bed Bug Killer Pros

• All-natural

• Odor-less

Eco Defense Bed Bug Killer Cons

• Not as effective as others

Bedlam Plus

This bed bug spray is the best one for mattresses. There are many of these out there, but this one is hands down the best. The best thing about this is that once it kills all the bed bugs on your mattress, it has a residual killing power of up to two weeks.

Bedlam Plus Pros

• Best for mattresses

• Effective residue

Bedlam Plus Cons

• Nothing of note

Rockwell CimeXa Insecticide Dust

This is an interesting bed bug spray because it comes in the form of dust. The best thing about this one is that as long as you keep it in a dry place, it can last for up to 10 years. So, you won’t have to face a bed bug infestation ever again.

Rockwell CimeXa Insecticide Dust  Pros

• Low-toxicity.

• Work three times faster that most insecticides.

• Remains viable for up to 10 years.

• Useful for other pests as well other than bed bugs.

• The result is noticeable in the first days of use.

Rockwell CimeXa Insecticide Dust  Cons

• Higher price point than some competitors.

• Can stick to hands causing dryness and irritation in eyes.

• It could be harmful to inhale in large quantities.

Trapper Max Glue Boards

We had to add this one in because of its value. This is the best budget solution for a bed bug infestation. With these glue boards, you can easily catch any adult bed bugs that want to suck your blood.

Trapper Max Glue Boards Pros

• Extremely cheap

• Works well on beds

Trapper Max Glue Boards Cons

• Not effective against eggs

MDXconcepts Bed Bug Killer

This is one more all-natural bed bug killer that comes in the form of a bed bug spray. Since it is 100% natural, it’s also safe for your pets and your children. However, it leaves little residual control, so it’s not the best option for the long-term.

MDXconcepts Bed Bug Killer Pros

• 100% natural

• Safe for pets

MDXconcepts Bed Bug Killer Cons

• Not great residue

JT Eaton Oil-Based Bed Bug Spray

The last product on our list is one of the best natural bed bug sprays. Its main ingredient is pyrethrum, a natural ingredient. Bed bugs haven’t yet built resistance against it. This is why it is really effective against bed bugs.

JT Eaton Oil-Based Pros

• Pyrethrum formula

• Natural ingredient

JT Eaton Oil-Based Cons

• Nothing of note

Get In Touch With Pest Guide Today

Always remember that pesticides need to be used with a lot of caution. This is especially true if you use pesticides for bed bugs indoors. We would definitely recommend you consult pest professionals before you start using any pesticides.

If you want to find experienced licensed professionals in your area, contact us, and we will get in touch with the best pest professionals in your area. You can also check out some of our other guides here.

PRO TIP :

“Bed bug infestations can be hard to control and may require multiple forms of treatment. But all of this can be prevented by simply keeping your entire home clean.”