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Updated 11-06-2019
Bed bugs have become a common household problem since the World War II era. Around that time they were eliminated with loads of different pesticides. However due to their undercover behavior and habits combined with a lack of public awareness, their infestation spread at a very rapid rate world-wide. Spray is the fastest killer. But which one to choose? We'll help you to make the right choice. Here you'll find 10 best bed bug sprays: natural and professional insect killers.
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Even today no specialist can identify for sure what actually causes an increased bed bug activity globally. What has been proven is that they have been primarily identified in the hotel rooms. That is why this specific insect is generally associated with travelling, but not with poor sanitation or just poverty. Yes, cleanliness and social status have nothing in common with getting these bloodsuckers. This misconception leads to the million dollar question of how to get rid of bed bugs in the hotels, commercial buildings, public transportation, and peoples houses.
The truth is that none of the methods alone would eliminate all the bed bug infestation. Youll need to use several techniques for the control to be effective. This approach includes the prevention, monitoring, and use of chemical pesticides. Bed bug sprays will be one of the effective treatment methods that you need to employ along with any other technique of your choice (vacuuming, fumigation, etc).
Without residual pesticide application bugs can travel freely and safely. They just move from the luggage right into your bed, and thus a new infestation begins. Luckily, todays pest management practices can boast of a miraculous elimination of bed bugs. The infestation in the hotels and motels, as well as apartments and houses today can be eliminated with the help of pesticides.
But as VDACS research shows, There are relatively few insecticide products registered for indoor use. Those that are registered are primarily from one chemical class, the pyrethroids. Bed bug populations in the United States are known to be resistant to pyrethroids, therefore no single insecticide is capable of eliminating a bed bug infestation if used alone. Scientists recommend not relying entirely on the repellents and IGRs (insect growth regulators) in terms of completely exterminating bugs, butuse such products as liquid insecticides, insecticidal dusts and aerosol insecticide sprays.
We have included 10 best killer sprays in our todays review. There are both artificial chemical and organic products. Each product is great in its own way, so instead of rating them, well give you a more detailed description of each of them so that you could choose one that suits your needs the best.
This 16 oz bottle is #1 Best Seller in Pest Control Sprayers. Among the active ingredients of EcoRaider Spray are geraniol (1%), cedar extract (1%) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (2%). The manufacturer claims that it is the most effective spray, as the Entomological Society of America Journal Publication named it "the only natural product that kills bed bugs with 100% efficacy". The EcoRaider is available as a travel size spray (Check current price) and a 1 gallon jug (Check current price).
The scientists consider two oil-based products (based on the Rutgers University study) to be surprisingly effective against adult species and eggs, ... andpotentially useful pesticide for controlling bed bug infestations. They are EcoRaider (Geraniol & Cedar extract) and Bed Bug Patrol. Direct spraying of EcoRaider caused 100 percent mortality after 10 days.
In summary, it destroys any kind of bed bugs (even those resistant to insecticides); kills adults, larvae, and even causes high mortality (86%) in bugs at the toughest egg stage. What do users say about the effectiveness of the product? Many of them agree that the sprays, including this one, are most effective as part of an integrated approach - together with the use of a mattress cover and traps. By the way, some users have tried to improve the deadly effect of this spray, mixing it with Gentrol Insect Growth Regulator - and stated that this mix has worked better. You can also read more than 2000 other reviews and find out more helpful tips.
Bed Bug Killer by EcoRaider
The Entomological Society of America Journal Publication named it the only natural product that kills bed bugs with 100% efficacy.
And finally, the other characteristics of the product. Cedar scent is not for everyone, but it is quite tolerant: "The smell of this spray is intense, it smells like concentrated cedar, like a cedar chest, but once it dissipates, the smell is not too bad". Also, Eco Raider does not leave marks on the furniture or floor, so you can use it anywhere without getting spots and stains.
EcoRaider: 16 oz bottle: Check the current price
2 oz travel size bottle: Check the current price
1 gallon jug: Check the current price
Yet another two productsrecommendedby the entomologists. As with the other contact sprays, these would kill the bed bugs on contact, and would become inefficient as soon as they dry out. Also, they would haveno effectwhatsoever on bed bugs' eggs. Because of the low toxicity levels, both SteriFab and Bedlam can be used on mattresses, furniture, and other places that are most habituated by humans (and pets) in the house.
In case youd want to cover larger area, wed advise to go forSteriFabkit, which includes one gallon of Sterifab spray and one pint of bactericide, both of which are pretty potent sanitizers and would work on various kinds of pests, including primarily bed bugs. The seller provides the following recommendations for use on mattresses: use 4-5 ounces of Sterifab for single bed and folding cot mattresses and 6-8 ounces for double bed.
In case youre looking for a smaller and more portable version and your bed bug infestation is not as big, then consider purchasing low toxicityBedlam Insecticide SprayorBedlum Plus Aerosol. And although weve stated that Bedlam contact spray is not efficient against eggs, theBedlam Plusis a residual spray, thats much more potent at killing bed bugs, and is pretty efficient at eliminating pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs with their eggs for two weeks after treatment. It can be still, however, used on clothing, although its more toxic than a contact spray.Bedlam Insecticide Sprayis a contact spray that works just as SteriFab.
Temprid SC is a professional dual action pesticide. It can kill over 50 types of pests including bed bugs. Its active ingredients are two powerful insecticides: beta-cyfluthrin and imidacloprid. The former kills regular species while the latter will be able to deal with pyrethroid-resistant ones. The killer is available both as a ready-to-use spray and a concentrated suspension that has to be dissolved in water. Concentrate is better-suited for a large-scale invasion while a spray is more appropriate for smaller areas.
The manufacturer doesnt recommend spraying Temprid directly on surfaces where people are constantly in contact (cushioned furniture, mattresses). Use it for treating joints, seams and edges of the mattresses, as well as box springs, bed backs, any furniture and floor cracks, corners, skirting boards, carpets, shelves, cabinets and curtains.
95% of users are satisfied with the concentrates killing effect as it has received a high rating. They have additionally learned from the manufacturer that Temprids effect is best if used immediately after being dissolved without leaving it idle for a long time. As for the spray, it should be used during a small-scale invasion. Judging by the customers reviews, 2-3 applications are enough to get rid of bed bugs completely.
Temprid, Spray: Check the current price
Temprid Sc, concentrated insecticide: Check the current price
Harris with deltamethrinkills bed bugs and lice on contact; the customers therefore call it instant death and often use it simultaneously with Harris Bed Bug Diatomaceous Earth Powder (Check current price).
One of the customers has shared that it were their kids who brought bed bugs home and that for the first couple of months these insects went completely unnoticed as they were breeding actively and hiding well. Their activity peaks at night, when humans are asleep. Harris Killer helped reduce the population in few weeks. Harris also has1 Gallon Toughest Bed Bug Killerfor "pyrethroid resistant" bed bugs and eggs (Check current price).
Some consumers tested this product on cockroaches. Others use it as a preventive measure. In fact, another reason for us to really like this spray is that it comes in large volume and that it is really cost-saving (which experienced users appreciate the most). You canread all customer reviewsas a proof.
Harris Bed Bug Killer Check the current price
Harris Toughest (for "pyrethroid resistant" bed bugs): Check the current price
For spot treatment use aerosol sprays. High pressure helps to treat deep into cracks and crevices where bed bugs are hiding. It is good for treatment on and around bed frames, headboards, walls, bedding, box springs, luggage, drapes and other window appointments. Customers admit that the bugs die within 3 seconds after coming into contact with the spray. But don't stop. Re-spray all of the surfaces weekly until no signs of bed bugs are to be seen.
The manufacturers assure that these bottles contents are able to kill not only regular bed bugs, their eggs, fleas, ticks and lice, but also pyrethroid-resistant species. When we looked into this issue in more detail, we found a National Geographic article claiming that certain types of bed bugs have become pyrethroid insecticide-resistant, and humans are to blame as theyve been exterminating these insects like that for ages. This resulted in DNA mutation and appearance of chemical-resistant genes.
Harris is EPA Registered - Approved for use in homes with people and pets by the Environmental Protection Agency (No. 1021-1767-3).
Ortho: Check the current price
Harris:Check the current price
Natural plant extracts of peppermint and clove oils and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate from oconut extract are among the active ingredients of this non-toxic spray. The product promises to kill bed bugs on contact. Its residual effectiveness under lab conditions has been proven by the Rutgers University scientists. They claim that although it takes longer time to kill on contact than chemical sprays, 91-92% mortality rate was detected within 10 days after treatment.
It is also reported that this spray can be applied not only on these bloodsuckers regular home hideouts, but also directly on the mattress and its cover, cushioned furniture and other surfaces with which people come in contact. The users opinions on its effectiveness are contradictory. Some find it helpful like no other treatment, while others note the slowness of its killing action (Yes, it seems it does work ok but only on direct contact with the bed bug that it dies and not all that fast like 15 minutes or more.)and lack of residual effect (This stuff will work on live bugs if it is sprayed directly on them. Once it has dried, worthless,). It is up to you to make the right choice, soread all customer reviewsto learn more.
Bed Bug Killer Patrol: Check the current price
In spite of the fact that the manufacturer claims that it is all natural, we cant consider it to be fully organic as it contains, for example, such synthetic chemical as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). The active component is Geranium Oil.Inactive ingredients:Distilled Water, Citric Acid, and Ethyl Lactante. It is a good thing that some of the active components are natural ones, but nevertheless we cant call it all-natural.
The manufacturer promises that the Eco Defense Spray will kill bed bugs once it comes in contact with them, as soon as possible, wont leave any stains or artificial odor, but is this really so? Yes, some users speak of killer results in their reviews. Others share that it didnt work at all or simply paralyzed the insects. The lack of odor is also debatable as some customers dont complain of it, while others say that the odor is worse than chemical sprays one. You might as well read all of the customer reviews on your own and make your own judgment. As for us, we advise using it combined with other treatments as a means of indemnifying.
Eco Defense:Check the current price
EcoRaider (16 oz)
Geraniol,Cedar extract,Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
EcoRaider Travel/Personal Size (2 oz)
EcoRaider (1 Gallon Jug)
Beta-cyfluthrin,
Imidacloprid
Temprid Sc Insecticide
Beta-cyfluthrin,
Imidacloprid
Harris
Deltamethrin
Harris Toughest
Chapin Sprayer
Ortho Home Defense
Harris Aerosol Spray
Phenoxybenzyl,Dimethyl, N-Octyl-bicycloheptene dicarboximide
Bed Bug Killer Patrol
Steri-fab Bed Bug Spray
Bedlam Insecticide Spray
Eco Defense
*Although many users spray these products right over their sheets, we wouldnt recommend doing it if the said product containssodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a synthetic chemical which is also present in all other cleaning products. According to theUnited States Department of Agriculture, in spite of the fact that SLS is commonly used in household chemicals production and other products, long-term contact with this substance can lead to dermatitis.
If youre still torn between a spray and a fogger, follow the specialists advice. According to theNational Center for Healthy Housing,"Bug bombs" are not effective against bed bugs. The pesticide droplets generated by foggers typically do not penetrate the hiding spaces used by insects.
As for us, once again we would like to remind you (along with the University of California professors), thatInsecticides must be combined with infestation prevention measures, such as removing and cleaning infested beds, bedding, and other harborage sites, as well as nonchemical tactics such as steam or heat delivery.
What scientists unanimously agree on is that homemade bed bug sprays are a far greater threat than commercial ones. Do not use them! Any sprays containing detergents as well as alcohol, are dangerous. Commercial products, on the other hand, have undergone the necessary laboratory tests and are allowed for indoor use. The Michigan State University experts recommend using only EPA- and MDARD-registered products that come in their original packaging.
Dont count on repellents either, as the Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech states: However, none of our current insecticide products appear to be repellent to bed bugs, particularly after they have dried. For whatever reason, bed bugs do not recognize repellent chemicals the way that other household insects do. So far, no insect repellent or insecticide product has been able to stop bed bugs from biting.
That is why we will have to resort to contact killing with natural and artificial chemical insecticides. Lets see what the entomologists recommend doing and how.
Some conditionally organic low-toxic sprays can indeed kill bed bugs on contact. As the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension unit specialists state, dont expect any residual action after such sprays are dry. In addition, it has been proven that these pests can avoid any places treated with organic sprays. Along with that, the scientists consider two oil-based products (based on the Rutgers University study) to be surprisingly effective against adult species and eggs.They are EcoRaider (Geraniol & Cedar extract) and Bed Bug Patrol . Direct spraying of EcoRaider causes high initial death toll (80%) and 100% of the insects were dead within 10 days.
Nowadays, pyrethrin- or pyrethroid-based (the latter are synthetic analogues of pyrethrins) remain the most popular chemical sprays. They attack nerve cells and cause multiple nerve excitation. This ultimately leads to paralysis and the death of the insects. These pesticides are one of the most powerful ones, but many insects have become resistant to them over the years. Nevertheless, pyrethroid-based sprays are most common today.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the registered active ingredients for bed bug control include 16 pyrethrins and pyrethroids, 4 neonicotinoids, 3 inorganic compounds, chlorfenapyr, DDVP (dichlorvos), propoxur, S-hydroprene, alcohol, and neem oil.
The University of Kentucky Entomology team also considers professional products such as Temprid SC, Transport and Phantom effective. Among their active ingredients, not only pyrethroids are found, but also neonicotinoid compounds (imidacloprid, acetamiprid) as well as pro-insecticide chlorfenapyr.
All these products are reviewed in our Top-10 best killer sprays. Read it to learn more.
Theres no simple answer to that question. According to the US FTC, bed bugs have developed a resistance to chemicals that are used in common pesticides, bug bombs, and foggers. Also, according to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, fumigation is not very effective: bed bugs almost always hide in crevices where fogger aerosols do not penetrate. Vacuuming can be ineffective because while it can suck up a lot of insects, eggs are much harder to get. Besides, bed bugs can relocate to other rooms when youll try to empty the vacuum canister. So, all of the methods have their limitations, and youll have to use several for the extermination to be truly effective.
There are two types of bed bug sprays that are available on the market, namely contact and residual sprays. The time it takes to kill a bug will essentially depend on which type you use in your household.
If you choose to use contact sprays then they will almost immediately kill the bug upon contact, whereas if you happen to buy a residual spray it will work slowly but will also last longer. Another thing that you have to consider before buying is what type of chemical formula the spray has. You need to ensure youre buying the latest version of the spray with the newest chemical compounds because bugs have developed resistance to old sprays and youll just waste your money on something that would be totally ineffective.
The EPA website has a tool to help you choose the latest best pesticide for your particular situation. For example, pyrethrins and pyrethroids are the oldest known compounds, that might prove to be ineffective when used alone. So, look for insecticides that would combine both pyrethrin and any another chemical class. Otherwise, go for desiccants that work physically through destroying the outer coating of a bed bug, meaning bed bugs cannot develop resistance to them.
Contact sprays will kill affected bed bugs immediately, while residual sprays will require more time (several minutes) to kill but will also last longer, sometimes even up to a year after application. The time it would take to eliminate a bed bug infestation depends on the size of that infestation, other methods you are going to use, type of spray, and other individual factors.
The Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech specialists explain that today there is only one insect growth regulator that is labeled for bed bug control hydroprene. However, some latest research has shown that IGRs dont actually sterilize these insects, they slowly kill them instead. This means that bed bugs can produce at least one generation of offspring before dying. The Cornell University experts dont recommend rely on IGRs too much either (Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) affect the development and reproduction of insects. Although they can work well, they dont kill bugs quickly). Therefore, we can say that youd better use IGRs that are complementary to other insecticides.
Professional products are most recommended for use by experts. Their advantage is their long-term action and residual killing effect after they are dry. However, in order for an adult insect to die of an insecticides residual effect, it should remain within the boundaries of the treated territory for several days. For this reason, its best to spray chemicals in places where insects typically hide, such as floor cracks, corners, places along and under the skirting boards.
Also remember that these pests eggs are most difficult to eliminate as their outer shell protects future larvae from insecticides. That is why several repeat treatments will be necessary to remove any larvae that could hatch.
Type
Active Ingredients
Killing Action
Residual Action
Natural contact sprays
Geranium oil, geraniol, clove oil, sodium lauryl sulfate etc
Are partially effective on contact.
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The 10 Best Bed Bug Killer Sprays Comparison Review ...
