The Best Spray For Bed Bugs

When you're searching for a spray for bed bugs, you're likely dealing with an unwelcome infestation.

Bed bugs are notorious for their resilience and rapid reproduction, making them a formidable pest to eliminate.

Understanding the life cycle of bed bugs, their feeding habits, and where they're living in your home can help you tackle the problem more effectively.

In this article we'll explain some of the best sprays you can buy to kill bed bugs, along with some other fast acting options, like using diatomaceous earth or steam, to get rid of bed bugs in your home or apartment.

The life Cycle Of A Bed Bug

Bed bugs pass through several stages in their life cycle, taking a few months for them to mature from an egg to a fully developed bed bug.

The eggs are tiny, about the size of a pinhead, and are usually laid in hidden areas like the corners of your mattress, your bed frame, behind baseboards and other secluded areas throughout your home.

Nymphs, or juvenile bed bugs, go through five stages of growth, requiring a blood meal before each stage.

Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed and can live for up to a year.

Bed bugs feed on human blood, typically at night when you're sleeping.

They are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide that we expel as we sleep, which they detect through their highly sensitive antenna and sense of smell.

They feed or "bite" you for around 5-10 minutes then they retreat back to their hiding place until they're ready for their next meal.

Bed bugs don't necessarily need to feed every night to survive.

Depending on the temperature, bed bugs can stay in a resting stage for around 3-6 months without eating, and in colder climates they can live for 300 days without a meal.

Their bites can cause itchy, red welts, and the knowledge that these pests are sharing your bed can lead to sleepless nights.

However, not everyone will have an itchy reaction to a bed bug bite.

In fact, only roughly 50 percent of people react to bed bug bites, meaning half of us won't show any signs at all that we've been bitten.

On a positive note, bed bugs don't carry or spread diseases, which is why they're not considered a widespread health threat.

The Best Spray For Bed Bugs - Top 3 Choices

One of the most popular solutions is the use of a spray for bed bugs.

These sprays are designed to kill bed bugs on contact and can be applied to the areas where bed bugs are likely to hide and lay their eggs.

However, not all bed bug sprays are created equal so it's important to only use sprays that work and not waste your time and money on lesser quality products.

Ortho Home Defense Bed Bug Killer

Ortho Home Defense bed bug killer is a top-rated product and is our number one recommendation.

Ortho Bed Bug Killer

This fast-acting spray kills bed bugs on contact and also has a residual effect, continuing to kill bed bugs for weeks after an application.

Plus, it's also safe to use around pets and children when used as directed.

What's nice about this spray is that it's simple to apply around baseboards, bedframes and other hard to reach areas.

It also kills pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs, which are bed bugs that have built up an immunity to pesticides. 

The battery operated spray wand is easy to use and supplies a constant stream of spray to the areas you're targeting.

As an added bonus, it works great for fleas and ticks throughout your home.

EcoRaider Bed Bug Killer

Another highly-rated product is the EcoRaider bed bug killer.

This bio-insecticide uses natural and non-toxic ingredients to kill bed bugs at all stages of life.

EcoRaider Bed Bug Killer

It's also safe for humans and pets, and its residual effect lasts for up to two weeks.

EcoRaider kills bed bugs on contact, even those that have built up a tolerance to other traditional pesticides.

Plus, it's safe to use directly on your mattress or box spring, allowing you to target bed bugs right at the source!

If you're looking for the best spray for bed bugs, EcoRaider is definitely a product to consider.

Bedlam Plus Bed Bug Spray

The third recommended product is the Bedlam Plus bed bug spray.

This water-based product is designed to kill bed bugs and their eggs, providing a two-pronged approach to eliminating infestations.

Bedlam Plus Bed Bug Spray

It's also non-staining, making it safe to use on bedding and furniture.

While sprays can be effective, it's important to understand how to use them properly.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.

Typically, you'll want to spray all areas where you've seen bed bugs or signs of their activity, including mattress seams, bed frames, furniture, and baseboards.

Natural Remedies vs Sprays For Bed Bugs

In addition to sprays, there are other methods that can help you get rid of bed bugs.

One such method is the use of diatomaceous earth.

This natural product is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms.

Diatomaceous earth works by piercing the exoskeleton of the bed bug, causing it to dehydrate and die.

Diatomaceous Bed Bug Killer

It's a non-toxic substance that's safe to use around humans and pets.

To apply, simply dust the powder in areas where you suspect bed bug activity.

Diatomaceous earth is amazing at killing bed bugs because once they're covered in it, they will also take it back to their hiding spot and spread it to other bed bugs, killing them as well.

Here's a secret when applying diatomaceous earth......make sure you apply a light dusting and don't apply it in clumps.

If you apply a thick layer, the bed bugs won't walk through it, they will just avoid it.

In this case, less is more.

You want to use a duster ball, or small container like the one listed above, to spray a light coating that the bed bugs can walk through.

Another natural method for killing bed bugs is the use of steam.

High temperatures can kill bed bugs at all stages of life, making a steamer an effective tool against infestations.

Anything 120 degrees Fahrenheit or above will instantly kill a bed bug.

McCulloch Bed Bug Steamer

Simply run the steamer over your mattress, furniture, and any other areas where bed bugs may be hiding.

Steam works great for killing bed bugs because it can penetrate hard to reach mattress corners and other areas bed bugs love to hide.

It's a slightly more expensive method than using spray for bed bugs, but the steamer just needs water to operate and will last for many years, so it's a great investment if you're trying to kill bed bugs on your own without paying a pest control expert.

How To Prevent Bed Bugs

Preventing future infestations is just as important as eliminating the current one.

Regularly vacuuming your home, especially the bedroom, can help remove bed bugs and their eggs.

Washing and drying your bedding and clothing on high heat can also kill these pests.

Travel is a common way for bed bugs to spread.

To prevent bringing them home, inspect your hotel room for signs of bed bugs before settling in.

Keep your luggage off the floor and bed, and consider using a bed bug-proof luggage liner.

Understanding what causes bed bugs can also help in prevention.

Bed bugs are not a sign of a dirty home; they are simply attracted to the carbon dioxide and warmth that humans emit.

However, clutter can provide more hiding places for these pests, so keeping your home tidy can help in prevention.

The Best Spray For Bed Bugs - Overall

Dealing with a bed bug infestation can be challenging, but it's not impossible.

By understanding the life cycle and habits of bed bugs, you can target your treatment efforts more effectively and ensure that you eliminate these pests once and for all.

Whether you choose a top-rated spray for bed bugs like Ortho Home Defense, a natural solution like diatomaceous earth, or a high-heat method like steam, the key is to be thorough and persistent.

So, if you're dealing with a bed bug infestation, don't despair.

There are several effective solutions out there that can help you reclaim your home and your peace of mind!