Undeniably the stuff of nightmares, the common bed bug is sinisterly tiny, difficult to identify, and often hidden in plain sight.
These notorious bloodsucking pests easily migrate to every part of your house, serving instant trauma with every swollen, itchy bite.
Before you unknowingly become the main entree on the bed bug buffet, here are the best bed bug sprays you can use to eradicate the infestation.
1. Bedlam Insecticide Aerosol
Pros
Kills bed bugs and their eggs
Ready-to-use aerosol
Crack and crevice straw included for detailed applications
Contains an insecticidal synergist to combat resistant bed bugs
Residual action for several weeks
Has low odor
Kills on contact
Non-irritating to animals and humans
Cons
Requires precautionary measures when using this product
Flammable
Not environmental friendly
Can be pricey for use in multiple rooms
Only suitable for indoor use
One needs to wait for the spray to dry
Key Details
- Active Ingredients: 3-phenoxybenzyl-(1RS, 3SR)2, 2-dimethyl-3-(2-methylprop-1-enyl) cyclopropanecarboxylate – 0-40%; N-Octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide – 1.53%; Other Ingredients – 98.07%
- How Fast Does It Work: Kills on contact plus residual
- How Long Does It Last: Up to 2 weeks
- Where can you apply: Best used in the toughest hiding places including headboards, box springs and mattresses as well as in carpet, wood and ceramic surfaces.
How Does It Work
This is a simple aerosol spray that uses an insecticide combination combined with a synergist to make this product highly effective.
This spray should be applied directly to bed bug hiding spaces to effectively treat bed bugs.
What I Like
Effective
This product is known to be highly effective against both adults and larva. It uses a highly effective combination of insecticides and synergists to attack bed bugs.
This powerful combination is designed to be effective against resistant bed bug populations.
Easy To Use
This spray is easy to use. It comes in a ready to spray aerosol can so you can begin right out of the box.
It also comes with an easy to use straw, to attack the major crevices and hiding spots of bed bugs.
This is a great spray that allows you to treat bed bugs quickly.
Safe to Apply
One of the greatest features about Bedlamb is that you can apply it directly to the areas where bed bugs hide.
This includes kye areas that come in direct contact with humans and pets such as bed frames, mattresses, and box springs.
This spray will allow you to treat your house safely without interrupting your life. There will be no need to vacate or evacuate your home while the treatment works.
What I Dislike
Spray must Dry
One important thing about using this spray is that you must be sure it is fully dry before you come into contact with it.
If the spray is not dry it can be dangerous and cause reactions to the chemical.
Expensive
This is an expensive product if you need extensive treatments. Since it is an aerosol spray, one bottle is used very quickly.
This means you might need to buy several cans to treat your home which can get rather expensive.
2. EcoRaider Bed Bug Killer
Pros
Proven through USDA IR4 PHP Program
Kills even resistant bed bugs
Extended dry residual protection
Non-toxic, all-natural
Child and pet-friendly
Cons
Very strong odor
Expensive
Entails a single-spraying option
Requires regular spraying to eradicate the bugs completely
Key Details
- Active Ingredients: Natural Geraniol Oil, Cedarwood Oil, and other generally recognized as safe (GRAS) inert ingredients.
- How Fast Does It Work: Eliminates fast through direct contact
- How Long Does It Last: EcoRaider has a two-week dry residual
How Does It Work
EcoRaider is a full line of natural and non-toxic insect spray. It’s scientifically proven with numerous studies.
Its proven effective against both bed bugs and cockroaches.
It boasts as a green and sustainable alternative solution with low risk but striking effectiveness.
What I Like
Safe
Since it doesn’t use any harsh chemicals, it’s completely safe to use around pets and children.
Good for the skin
You don’t need to worry if you happen to be sprayed on or have direct contact with the product because it will not irritate your skin.
Stain-free
You can just freely spray anywhere in your house even on your mattress or couches directly because it leaves no stain.
Well-recommended
It’s recommended by the USDA IR-4 Public Health Pesticide Program for public housing.
Effective
This product kills adult bed bugs, nymphs, and eggs fast on contact with 100% efficacy, even kills resistant bed bugs. It is also the only natural product that achieved 100% mortality of bed bugs.
Extended residual protection
More than eliminating bed bugs fast and thoroughly on contact, EcoRaider also provides extended dry residual protection for two weeks after treatment.
What I Dislike
Strong smell
I had to leave my house for a few hours after spraying Ecoraider and wait until the spray dries.
Expensive
It is a bit costly as compared to most bed bug killers in the market.
3. FenvaStar Ecocap
Pros
Can be used for both indoor and outdoor purposes
Affordable
Works on various types of bed bugs
Microencapsulation technique
Long-lasting residue effect
Easy to use
Environment-friendly
Cons
Not a ready-to-use product
Can be toxic if not properly used
Takes time to kill bugs and other pests
Requires multiple application for the desired effect
Key Details
- Active Ingredients: Esfenvalerate (3.5%), other ingredients (96.5%)
- How Fast Does It Work: 2-3 hours
- How Long Does It Last: 3-4 weeks
How Does It Work
FenvaStar EcoCap is a liquid insecticide concentrate with the active ingredient Esfenvalerate.
Esfenvalerate is a synthetic pyrethroid created to mimic the chemical properties of naturally occurring insecticides.
It uses a microencapsulation method to extend the residual effect of the insecticide.
This is done by surrounding the particles with a protective layer which tends to break once it hits the body of a pest.
The chemical particles will remain active on the ground for much longer than otherwise.
When insects walk over the insecticide they will pick up and consume the insecticide on their legs and body.
The esfenvalerate then attacks the central nervous system of the insects, paralyzing and killing them.
What I Like
Good product record
It has a proven track record which makes it a great choice especially if you have a stink bug infestation.
Easy to use
You can use it and mix it with other products easily due to the container’s design. The application methods are also simple since you only have to obtain a sprayer pump.
Safe around food
It can be used in areas where food is present, like kitchens and restaurants.
What I Dislike
Dilution
This is a concentrate that requires mixing before application. This means you will need additional equipment and safety materials.
Delayed results
You won’t see immediate results after applying. You need to be more patient in order to see its best results.
4. Harris Bed Bug Killer
Pros
Kills larva and bed bugs on contact
Non-toxic ingredients
Safe for use around people and pets
No stains or traces after spray
Cons
Bulky product design
May leave a chemical scent in treated areas
Resistance can develop
Key Details
- Active Ingredient: Deltamethrin: 0.3%
- How fast does it work: Kills on contact
- How long does it last: Product’s effects can last up to four months
How Does It Work
The Harris Bed Bug Killer’s active ingredient, called Deltamethrin, kills pests as soon as they come into contact with the product’s solution.
It has neurotoxic capabilities that target and disrupt the insect’s nervous system.
Upon contact, the ants get paralyzed and slowly die.
What I Like
Cost-efficient
The great thing about this bug spray is that it is easy to find and it is inexpensive. You can purchase a large 1-gallon container for a reasonable price.
This is a great product that will be able to provide many treatments for your home.
Non-staining formula
You can be sure that after applying this formula there will be no stains or residue left over.
This is time-saving because you won’t have to return to the treated areas to clean up any residue.
Safe to use around people and pets
One of the greatest things about these products is that you can apply it to sensitive areas such as mattresses, bed frames, couches, and carpet.
This product is safe to be used in places that come in direct contact with humans and pets.
Ready To Use
This product is ready to use. Unlike other concentrates that require mixing and separate sprayers, this product comes with a ready to spray nozzle.
What I Dislike
Resistance
One of the biggest disadvantages of this product is the active ingredient.
The active ingredient used is a common chemical used to treat bed bugs and unfortunately, bed bugs tend to develop resistance.
Scent
The overall scent of this product is one of the downsides. After initial treatment, the smalls can be quite apparent.
5.Transport GHP Insecticide
Pros
Works on multiple pests
Fast killing action
Non-repellent chemical formulation
Can easily be stored
Cons
Costly
Constant exposure to the product may cause acute health problems
Can develop resistance
Key Details
- Active Ingredients: Acetamiprid 22.73%, Bifenthrin 27.27%
- How fast does it work: Within 30 minutes of application up to 24 hours of killing action
- How long does it last: 3 months
How Does It Work
The Transport GHP insecticide is a multi-purpose pest exterminator that’s a mixture of Bifenthrin and Acetamiprid.
These active ingredients aim for the insect’s nerve synapse.
Perfect for residential areas, a small mixture can cover multiple sites, which is an excellent product for its price.
What I Like
Versatile insecticide
Transport GHP is one of the known versatile insecticides in the market that can kill any insect. It showcases impressive results and can inflict high pest mortality.
Long shelf life
This insecticide can last up to five years when unused and stored correctly away from the sunlight. However, once opened, the product must be consumed within 24 hours.
Large area coverage
Since it comes in a water-soluble package, you’ll only need 0.3oz of powder to cover 1,000 sq. ft.
Proven and tested
Professionals swear by the product’s killing action. It works on all types of surfaces and can eradicate a whole nesting colony in just one application.
What I Dislike
Can leave residue
Once dried, the wettable solution may leave a powdery residue that can be seen on dark surfaces.
6. Temprid SC Killer
Pros
Exterminates broad spectrum of insects
Can be used indoors and outdoors
Insecticide can penetrate through surface and subsurface level
Better killing property than non-repellents
Cons
Expensive
Contains harmful chemicals
Requires you to leave your home when applied
Slow killing rate
Key Details
- Active Ingredient: Imidacloprid 21%, Beta-Cyfluthrin 10.5%
- How fast does it work: kills on contact
- How long does it last: Temprid SC will stay active for until 90 days when used indoors, and 30 days for outdoor use
How Does It Work
The Temprid SC Killer damages different parts of an insect’s body.
The Imidacloprid and Beta-Cyfluthrin is a poison that works best for social insects such as cockroaches or ants.
Once ingested, the poison hangs out in their systems until they return to their colony/nesting sites.
This will infect the other insects until all of them are gone.
What I Like
Able to kill extensive insect species
This insecticide can kill over 50 types of pests and larvae without fail. This insecticide can kill over 50 types of pests and larvae without fail. It is a professional-grade product that doesn’t affect plant growth.
Comes in two variants
Temprid SC is a ready-to-use product that comes as a spray or as a concentrated liquid that needs diluting. However, the concentrated formula is better suited for exterminating severe pest infestation.
Non-staining insecticide
The insecticide does not have any detectable odor and does not leave any stains when used.
What I Dislike
Extremely toxic to aquatic organisms
It’s deadly for wildlife, fish, and other aquatic organisms. That’s why you’re not allowed to use it near sources of water.
Doesn’t come in smaller sizes
The insecticide comes in a 400ml bottle for a 50-gallon use, which is way more than what small households need. It would be better if Temprid SC can be distributed in smaller sizes.
7. SteriFab
Pros
EPA registered three-in-one (virucide, disinfectant, and insecticide) product
Ready-to-use
Fast drying and non-staining formula
Safe to use
Does not damage synthetic fabrics or carpets
Cons
Does not have any residual effects
Evaporates fast
For indoor use only
Key Details
- Active Ingredients:1-Decanaminium, N-decyl-N,N-dimethyl-chloride 0.11%, Isopropyl alcohol 60.39% and Phenothrin 0.22%
- How fast does it work: kills on contact
- How long does it last: 2-3 hours after application
How Does It Work
This is an easy to use spray that uses a combination of insecticide to attack bed bugs.
The insecticide attacks the nervous system of bed bugs but only has a temporary instant effect that lasts 2-3 hours.
What I Like
Dries easily without leaving any powder residual
The product once applied, dries easily within a 15-minute time frame. It leaves no residue and can easily kill insects on contact.
Multi-purpose use not limited to killing pests
The SteriFab also fights odor-causing organisms that build-up in mattresses and carpets.
Long shelf life
When it is not in use, the product can last up to two years if correctly stored in a dry, cool area.
What I Dislike
Can only kill pests while it is wet
The SteriFab has high alcohol content causing it to dry up more easily than most store-bought insecticides. It can only kill pests while wet and won’t work once it dries up.
8. BASF PT 221L Pressurized Insecticide
Pros
Ready-to-use
Ensures pest knockdown
Leaves a long term residual
Perfect for residential and commercial areas
Non-staining and non-greasy formula
Cons
Nozzle may clog
Highly flammable
Expensive
Toxic to humans and animals
Key Details
- Active Ingredient: Lambda Cyhalothrin 0.05%
- How fast does it work: kills on contact
How Does It Work
The BASF Pressurized Insecticide is an aerosol spray ideal for exterminating bugs that love to hide in hard to reach places.
The formula includes Lambda-Cyhalothrin, an active ingredient that paralyzes the insect’s nervous system by causing excitement to its nerve cells.
Additionally, the product residue is transferable, which can guarantee you that all the other insects it has come across with will die.
What I Like
Easy-to-use aerosol system
The aerosol insecticide is easy to use and can kill a wide range of insects. It is a good bargain considering its active exterminating properties.
Effective non-greasy, non-staining insecticide
You’ll only need one product application to kill a room filled with spiders and cockroaches. It also doesn’t produce any odor, is non-greasy, and does not leave any stains, making it ideal to use in small spaces.
What I Dislike
Faulty product container
The dispenser that comes with the product doesn’t work. When tweaked in an attempt to use it, the chemicals inside sprayed all over the place and was a waste of money.
9. Cimexa Insecticide Dust
Pros
Effective to a broad spectrum of insect pests
Contains powerful components
Non-repellent, odorless and non-clumping
Multipurpose
Low-toxicity
Long-lasting control
Non-staining formula
Remains viable for up to 10 years
Noticeable results in the first days of use.
Cons
Issues on applicator nozzle
Not fabric-friendly
Triggers allergies
Expensive compared to other products
Must be kept away from children and food
Key Details
- Active Ingredients: Silicon dioxide 92.1%, other ingredients (7.9%)
- How Fast Does It Work: 24 to 34 hours
- How Long Does It Last: Its effects are claimed to last up to 10 years, if left undisturbed.
How Does It Work
The CimeXa Dust works well as a powder or mixed with water on mattresses, in voids, cracks, crevices, carpets, pet rest areas, and other areas.
It’s also effective against insect pests because it destroys the waxy skeletal cuticle of the insect which will quickly dehydrate them, causing their deaths.
What I Like
Effectivity
This is a dust treatment that has multiple uses and is effective against multiple
This works against fleas, ticks, lice roaches, ants, silverfish, spiders, mites, and dry wood termites.
Tough
Made for tough indoor spiders, including the brown recluse, yellow sac, and hobo.
Solutions
This treats cracks, crevices, voids, mattresses, carpets, pet rest areas, attics, and many other areas.
Kills faster
CimeXa kills bed bugs faster than other products. The product effects manifest in just 24-34 hours after contact.
Long-lasting
If the dust remains undisturbed after application, this product’s residual effect may last until 10 years.
What I Dislike
Sticky
If it sticks to your hands, it may cause dryness and irritation in your eyes.
Expensive
It is available at a higher price than some competitors. It will also cost you a fortune if you need to treat more than one room.
Unsafe
You must take extra precautions in using this. If unattended, it can be dangerous especially for children or people with compromised immunity.
Conclusion
Bed bugs are a hassle to deal with. Choosing the wrong bed bug spray can be disheartening and only make your bedbug infestation stronger than before.
Use this list to choose the best bed bug spray that fits your needs.
This will help you eliminate some of the confusion when choosing your bed bug spray.