Reviews of the latest bed bug killer sprays
When you discover bed bugs, the first thing you will want to do is wash your bedding and replace your mattress. But, this won't make any difference long-term, as you need to tackle the problem head-on. For most people, the poison of choice would be an effective bed bug spray. While some resort to cheaper brands, I would suggest using what the hired professionals use.
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- THE MOST EFFECTIVE BED BUG KILLER — Journal of Economic Entomology published university study confirmed that EcoRaider is the only natural product that kills bed bugs with 100% efficacy.
- PROVEN THROUGH USDA IR4 PHP PROGRAM — field tested by research entomologists for eradicating bed bug infestations in public housing buildings and recommend for sensitive environment.
- KILL ALL STAGES INCLUSIVE & EVEN RESISTANT BED BUGS — Kills adults, nymphs fast on contact with 100% efficacy, kills bed bugs that are resistant to traditional pesticides. Highest performance in eliminating bed bug eggs.
- EXTENDED DRY RESIDUAL PROTECTION — University study shows EcoRaider residual provides extended protection for two weeks on bed bugs even after dried.
- NON-TOXIC, SAFE AND ECO-FRIENDLY — certified USDA BioBased insecticide, dermatologically safe; child and pet friendly; safe to use directly on mattress and box springs.
Last update on 2023-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Best Non-Toxic Bed Bug Spray Killer – EcoRaider
If you have kids and pets and want to do more for the environment then this non-toxic, safe, and eco-friendly bed bug spray is the perfect weapon of choice to spray around your home. Made from natural and botanical ingredients it has a pleasant cedar/eucalyptus odor and is easy to apply.
What I really like about the EcoRaider (see at Amazon), is that it is specially formulated so that it doesn't include traditional pesticides that some bed bugs are becoming resistant to and claims to kill 97% of all bed bugs no matter what life stage they are at. Its long-term effectiveness has also been studied by the Rutgers University, with results showing it continues to be effective two weeks post-application. Â For those who are always on the move, EcoRaider also comes in a handy travel-sized version that is easy to pack into your luggage case.
Pros
- Kills bugs on contact and for up to 2 weeks post application
- Targets bed bugs at all life stages
- Award-winning brand
- Non-toxic and environmentally friendly
Cons
- Acquired scent
Recommended: Does EcoRaider really kill bed bugs?
- Kills Resistant Bed Bugs & Their Eggs - Kills even the toughest "pyrethroid resistant" bed bugs and eggs that have built up a resistance to traditional pesticides
- Kills Quickly - Knocks down bed bugs fast when sprayed directly
- Long Residual - Continues to kill bed bugs for up to 16 weeks after initial application
- Odorless Formula - Odorless and non-staining formula will not cause damage to fabrics when used according to label directions
Last update on 2023-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Long Lasting Residual Spray – Harris Bed Bug Spray
Some bed bug sprays, such as the EcoRaider, have a strong scent that can be overpowering and takes a long time to dissipate. I always recommend using Harris if you are unable to ventilate your property or have a sensitive nose as this bed bug spray is odorless.
This spray is tough, and I would advise trying this if your bed bugs have shown a resistance to other brands as it not only kills bed bugs on contact yet continues to kill for up to 16 weeks post-treatment targeting eggs, nymphs, and adult bed bugs.
The Harris Toughest Bed Bug Killer is registered with the EPA and considered safe to use around people and pets. Please note, however, that it does contain chemicals, so I personally would avoid using this around children and animals.
Pros
- Odor-free
- Kills bugs on contact and for up to 16 weeks post application
- Targets bed bugs at all life stages
- Does not stain soft furnishings
Cons
- Bulky packaging
- Expensive purchase
3. Best Bed Bug Killer Spray Around Pets and Children – Pest Peeve Bye Bye
I love a product that not only claims to work, but is backed by certified research and reviews. This relatively innovative eco-friendly spray uses real-testing results and video's within in its marketing to prove its success, and I have to say having used it myself I agree with the hype.
Just like the EcoRaider, the Pest Peeve Bye Bye Bed Bug Spray (check price at Amazon) is great for those who have children or pets as it is made from natural ingredients. It is also odorless and won't leave behind any stains after spraying. The bottle nozzle is versatile and comes with several spray options, allowing you to penetrate all those difficult-to-reach places.
This spray leaves a residual effect and can target bed bugs at all stages of life.
Pros
- Safe to use around kids and pets
- Only requires a small amount of spray
- Effective formula that has been lab-tested with proven results
- Odorless
- Water-based formula that is non-staining
Cons
- More expensive than other products available
- Kills bed bugs where they hide
- Will not stain water safe fabrics and surfaces
- For use on mattresses, wood furniture and carpeting
- Contains two active ingredients for a dual mode of action
- Treatments last up to 2 weeks
Last update on 2023-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Best Chemical Bed Bug Spray – Bedlam
This is the spray that most professional pest control experts recommend. Why? Because it is the very one we use ourselves. I love Bedlam Plus (see at Amazon) and have used it on some of the worst bed bug infestations I have encountered with great results. It even claims to kill pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs.
That said, for those with a sensitive nose, a word of warning…this bed bug spray stinks. The strong stench can be likened to smelly feet, which could be why it is so effective at killing bed bugs!
This is another spray that kills bed bugs from eggs to nymphs to adults thanks to its residual effects, which last for up to 2 weeks. Again, due to its toxic nature, I would strongly recommend that you do not use this product around children and pets.
Pros
- Comes with a straw applicator to get into tight spaces
- Residual effect for up to 2 weeks
- Designed specifically to kill resistant strains of bed bugs
- Targets bed bugs at all life stages
Cons
- It stinks
- Proven To Be Effective: Journal of Economic Entomology published an independent study by Rutgers University Entomology Department, which confirmed that Bed Bug Patrol is "The Most Effective Essential Oil-Based Pesticide" on the market. Bed Bug Patrol's 100% natural, proprietary formula eradicates bedbugs in every cycle of life form, from egg and nymph to pesticide-resistant mutating adults. It is helping to prevent future outbreaks of bed bugs and stopping mutation in its tracks.
- Plant-Based, Non-Toxic — Made in the USA, using 100% natural and non-toxic ingredients (including Peppermint Oil and Clove Oil).
- Child and Pet Safe - No more worries about toxic fumes or dangerous chemicals coming in contact with you and your family.
- University Studied, Lab Tested - Snell Scientifics conducted treatment tests for Bed Bug Patrol Bug Killer. An impressive mortality rate of 83% was shown within 30 minutes after application and 98% within the first four hours. Upon completion of the study, Bed Bug Patrol Bed Bug Killer demonstrated a 100% mortality rate on the tested bed bugs.
- Stain Free* — Our one-of-a-kind formula can be used on any water-safe surface, including upholstery, mattresses, bed linens, clothing, floors, walls, etc. Spray a light mist and watch as we leave nothing but a pleasant peppermint smell and destroyed bed bugs behind. *As with all new products, always do a small test on any fabric or material BEFORE first use. Test in an inconspicuous area.
Last update on 2023-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Best Odourless Bed Bug Spray – Bed Bug Patrol
Following on from the Bedlam Plus, if you are looking for something that smells good as well as works great, then the Bed Bug Patrol is a brilliant solution. Made from the natural plant extracts of peppermint and clove oils, the active ingredients in this spray are non-toxic and the scent is pleasant.
This product promises to kill bed bugs on contact yet has residual effects that have been proven to kill 91-92% of bed bugs within a 10-day period post-treatment. It can be used on mattresses, covered furniture, and surfaces without any damage.
Pros
- EPA registered – child and pet safe
- Made with 100% natural ingredients
- Nicely scented
- Residual effect for up to 2 weeks
Cons
- Takes time to work
Using residual sprays to kill bed bugs
Most people choose an insecticide-based bed bug spray to fight an infestation. These sprays tend to come in two different forms contact and residual. A contact spray does exactly what it does on the tin, and once sprayed directly on the bed bug itself will kill within a matter of minutes.
This is great and effective on the bed bugs you can see, but highly ineffective on the ones that you can't. Not to mention the eggs that lie in wait.
Therefore, my preference is always to apply a residual bed bug spray in any situation as they continue to work days after application – killing anything that walks in its path.
I particularly tend to choose the sprays that contain deltamethrin, as they are water-based, and you can apply them liberally to your couches, chairs, carpets, and mattresses without the worry of damaging or staining your soft furnishings.
I would also advise spraying those hard-to-reach areas, crack and crevices, and around the feet and headboards of your bed. In addition to this, I would strongly advise treating your suitcase and luggage.
As residual sprays last longer than contact sprays, you can rest easy knowing that the chances of eradicating your bed bug problem are ongoing. This is not to say that contact sprays do not serve a purpose – I honestly think they do. If you see bed bugs crawling around your mattress then a direct hit from a contact spray is the most efficient way to get rid of it and highly satisfying too.
Other bed bug killer products you could use
I have covered this in detail in others blog such as How to repel bed bugs and How to get rid of bed bugs with a vacuum, but you when treating these little beasties, it is always best to ensure that you treat the cause as well as the problem.
Therefore, always make sure that you clean your bedding in a high-temperature wash, move furniture away from walls and ensure that it is as difficult as possible for the bed bugs to climb and crawl. Getting rid of clutter and mess also makes hiding and nesting place harder for the bed bugs to find and makes them more visible to you.
Vacuum or steam the carpets regularly, ideally with a professional cleaner, and ensure that your appliance is fully emptied and washed away from the house.
Use a combination of contact and residual sprays to combat the infestation. Make sure that you spray evenly over all surfaces and furnishings (including suitcases and bags) and within all nooks and crannies.
After treatment, you should carry out some preventative methods to ensure that the bed bugs have fully vacated your property. This includes placing interceptors on the legs of your furniture to catch any stragglers trying to climb back on board and encasing your mattress to suffocate any that may have burrowed deep into the lining.
After 7 days of lying in wait, you should notice a big difference. If the biting continues then the process should be repeated. Remember, bed bugs are tough, and it is not unusual for treatment to have to be carried out multiple times to ensure a satisfactory result.
Recommended: CrossFire Bed Bug Pesticide
The rise of the bed bug
America has been plagued with bed bugs for the past 10 years, with some of the largest states featuring in the top 10 most infested cities. Bed bugs are notoriously hard to get rid of and will follow their host everywhere, even on vacation. So, with bed bugs fast becoming the bane of our lives and with Parisians now starting to blame American tourists for their latest summer outbreak, it is imperative that we bite back with fast-acting residual sprays and solutions.
What is a bed bug and what is its life cycle?
From a hospital to a hotel, a mansion, or a mini apartment, bed bugs will reside anywhere they can find warmth and enjoy a good gorge. And the scary thing is, you could be sharing your bed with them right now and not even know it until it's too late.
A bed bug can be as small as a speck of fluff yet can grow to be 5mm in length. A bed bug can lay up to 5 eggs a day and will hide them in the smallest of gaps and crevices. Milky white in color, these eggs look like a grain of salt and are inconspicuous to the eye.
A bed bug egg will take up to 2 weeks to hatch and upon arriving into the world they will seek out a host from which to feed immediately. These youngsters, or nymphs as they are often referred to, are yellow-white in color and ravenous in nature. After a 5-week feasting period, these nymphs start to enter adulthood.
Now the size of an apple seed and balloon-like in appearance, an adult bed bug is easier to spot. Having indulged in a drink at least once a week, their bodies will turn from brown to blood red.
The average lifespan of a bed bug is around 4-6 months, but I have heard of some infestations where the bugs have lasted for up to a year! Depending on the climate, bed bugs can go into hibernation and live happily without feeding for a good few months, so don't be fooled by their sudden disappearance.
Once spotted you need to act immediately with a residual bed bug spray if you ever want to enjoy a good night's sleep again.
Are bed bugs becoming resistant to insecticides?
The main ingredient in bed bug insecticides is deltamethrin. This is a pyrethroid chemical that works by affecting the nervous system of the bed bug and paralyzing it. There has been some research to show that bed bugs are becoming resistant to this standalone chemical and I would always advise using it in combination with other treatments such as liquid insecticides and powders to stop them from spreading.
Conclusion
I don't normally sit on the fence when recommending products, but in the case of these bed bug residual sprays, I would always try a combination of treatments. There is very rarely one product that can be used for every area of the home, for example, some products come with nozzles for those hard-to-reach cracks and crevices whilst others are able to be sprayed near electrical outlets or can use if you have pets. Also, using a variety of sprays will help to avoid any issues with chemical resistance.
If you can stand the smell, however, then I would recommend trying Bedlam Plus, as it is by far the most effective but certainly hard to stomach – especially if you require multiple treatments.
Please remember, that relying strictly on residual sprays alone is generally not a good solution. The most successful methods long-term for a serious infestation would be to either carry out deep cleaning and heat treatments, using specialized vacuum cleaners and steamers, in addition to preventative methods. I appreciate, however, that for many getting rid of bed bugs, even using off-the-shelf solutions, can be incredibly time-consuming and costly.
