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The 14 Best Bed Bug Killer Sprays Comparison Review [UPDATED 2022] Buyer’s Guide

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. Due to their undercover behavior and habits combined with a lack of public awareness, their infestation spread at a very rapid rate worldwide. The spray is the fastest killer. But which one to choose? We’ll help you to make the right choice. Here you’ll find best bed bug sprays: natural and professional insect killers.

When fighting bed bugs there is no single insecticide capable to eliminate a bed bug infestation if used alone. That’s why we recommend mixing different products.

Best Bed Bug Killer Spray Comparison | StoppestInfo.com

Best Bed Bug Killer | Comparison Table

The most powerful one is a professional insecticide Transport ® GHP, which shows high mortality. It can be used both indoors & for exterior perimeter treatment.

If a ready-to-use solution is more comfortable for you, buy Harris Black Label Toughest that kills pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs and eggs. To reach insects that are hidden deep in cracks, crevices, and carpet seams, the most suitable option is aerosol sprays like BASF PT10239 PT 221L. To treat bedding, use Harris Foaming Aerosol Spray, it is EPA-approved for use on the entire mattress.

The Fastest and Сost-Saving Solution
Harris Bed Bug Killer significantly decreases the population of bed bug within weeks. Harris Toughest kills pyrethroid resistant bed bugs and eggs.

Harris Toughest Bed Bug Killer min: photo

Check the current price

The Strongest Professional Insecticide
TRANSPORT® GHP is the most effective professional solution with high pest mortality. It perfectly works on all types of surfaces, including porous materials and has a residue lasting up to 3 months.

Transport GHP Insecticide min: photo

Check the current price

Spot Treatment
BASF PT10239 PT professional aerosol insecticide spray with long residual efficacy penetrates deep into cracks, killing bed bugs on contact within seconds.

BASF PT10239 PT 221L: photo

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Best for Treating Mattresses
SteriFab and Bedlam contact sprays are low-toxic and be applied to furniture and bedding. Target adult insects.

Bedlam contact spray min: photo

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The Best Foaming Formula
Harris 5-Minute Bed Bug Killer is an effective foaming aerosol spray designed for spot treatment. It is approved by EPA for use on the entire mattress. The insecticide both kills insects on contact and provides a long-lasting 1-month residual.

Harris 5-Minute Bed Bug Killer min: photo

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Natural Solution
Considered by experts to be the effective natural bed bug killer. Based on peppermint and clove oils, Bed Bug Killer Patrol is eco-friendly. It does not stain fabrics and can be applied directly to bedding.

Bed Bug Patrol Bed Bug Killer - 100% Natural min: photo

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Best Bed Bug Killer Sprays:

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 people’s houses.

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The truth is that none of the methods alone would eliminate all the bed bug infestation. You’ll 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, today’s 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, “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, but use such products as liquid insecticides, dusts and aerosol sprays.

Top Bed Bug Killer Sprays: photo
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Top Best Bed Bug Sprays

We have included 14 best killer sprays in our today’s review. There are both artificial chemical and organic products. Each product is great in its own way, so instead of rating them, we’ll give you a more detailed description of each of them so that you could choose one that suits your needs the best.

1. Harris Bed Bug Killer | Сost-saving Solution

Harris Bed Bug Killer & Harris Toughest: photo

Harris with deltamethrin kills 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 .

One of the customers has shared that their kids 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 a few weeks.
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Harris Bed Bug Killer: Check the current price

Harris also has 1 Gallon Toughest Bed Bug Killer for  “pyrethroid resistant” bed bugs and eggs. 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).

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Harris Toughest (for “pyrethroid resistant” bed bugs):  Check the current price

2. Transport GHP Insecticide

Professional Solution Causing High Pest Mortality: photo

TRANSPORT® is based on two powerful active ingredients — Acetamiprid 22.73% and Bifenthrin 27.27%. However, scientists from the University of Nebraska Lincoln warn that the effect of Bifenthrin is very strong so you should not apply the solution to the surfaces that come into direct contact with the skin. Instead, focus on bed bugs’ hiding places — cracks, crevices, and the area around the house.

What’s the take away? Researchers from the  National Library of Medicine have tested the 8 most commonly used insecticides and found out that only Transport GHP is able to provide high efficacy on all types of treated materials — wood, nylon, fabric. The product shows 89.7% mortality regardless of the substrate.

This solution differs from other items on our list in that it is a wettable powder formulation. What you need to do is to take 0.3 ounces of the powder and mix it with a gallon of water. This will be enough to treat a whole house! Given that it is just one-24th of the container’s content, it is an economical solution as one container of the powder will be enough to treat 1,000 square feet.

It would be a wise choice to have Transport GHP at hand as it controls a wide range of pests, including the toughest ones, such as scorpions and ticks. It can eradicate the entire colony within a day, causing a strong knock-down effect.

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TRANSPORT® GHP: Check the current price

3. Professional pesticide | Temprid SC Killer

Temprid SC Bed Bug Killer: photoTemprid 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 an aerosol is more appropriate for smaller areas.

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Temprid, Aerosol:  Check the current price

The manufacturer doesn’t 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 concentrate’s killing effect as it has received a high rating. Temprid’s effect is best if used immediately after being dissolved without leaving it idle for a long time.

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Temprid Sc, concentrate: Check the current price

4. BASF PT 221L Pressurized Insecticide

BASF PT10239 PT 221L: photo

This solution is based on Lambda Cyhalothrin 0. 05%, an active ingredient which is believed by the University of Kentucky to be a useful tool in bed bug control, primarily due to its long-term residual. Researchers have revealed that Phantom aerosol causes high mortality rate (over 70%) among these insects regardless of the type of treated material. Actually, this product turns out to be the best aerosol against bed bugs.

A 17-ounce can contains a ready-to-use liquid insecticide that kills pests on contact. Apply the solution both inside and outside the house in an amount of approximately one can per 500 square feet. However, keep in mind that repeated applications will be most likely needed so you will have to purchase more items to get rid of bed bugs completely.

When treating the infested objects, focus on cracks, crevices, seams and folds. Since this solution is toxic enough, it is not suggested for broadcast surface spraying for mattresses. The product works well against a variety of pests, including bed bugs and cockroaches.

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BASF PT 221L:  Check the current price

5. Low toxicity contact sprays SteriFab™ and Bedlam® for treating bed mattresses

Low toxicity contact sprays SteriFab: photoBedlam insecticide spray: photo

Yet another two products recommended by the entomologists at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. 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 have no effect whatsoever 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 you’d want to cover a larger area, we’d advise going for SteriFab kit, 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 the double-bed ones.

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SteriFab kit: Check the current price

In case you’re looking for a smaller and more portable version and your bed bug infestation is not as big, then consider purchasing low toxicity Bedlam or Bedlum plus aerosol.

Bedlam is a contact spray that works just as SteriFab but it is not efficient against eggs.

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Bedlam: Check the current price

Bedlam Plus is a residual spray, that’s 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.

This insecticide is produced by McLaughlin Gormley King Company, a well-known manufacturer based in Minneapolis, MN, USA. The company specializes in insect control products containing mainly natural pyrethrum and synthetic pyrethroids.

Bedlam New Plus Aerosol Bed Bug Killer Spray: photo

Scientific tests from the National Library of Medicine show that over 40% of bed bugs exposed to Bedlam die. This is not the highest mortality rate though, but you should keep in mind that it is a low-toxic insecticide intended to be applied to bedding.

The solution is based on synergized neonicotinoid and pyrethroid mixture that has been recently developed to control bed bugs.

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Bedlam Plus: Check the current price

6. Harris 5-Minute Bed Bug Killer Foaming Aerosol Spray

Harris 5-Minute Bed Bug Killer Foaming Aerosol Spray: photo

What distinguishes this product from many others is a unique foaming formula. The solution kills bed bugs in hard-to-reach places, such as cracks and crevices. The insecticide is used for spot treatment in rooms, carpet edges, behind the wallpaper, and furniture, in particular bed frames. More importantly, it is approved by EPA for use on the entire mattress. Spray the infested area at a distance of up to 10 inches and allow the solution to dry.

Another good thing about the Harris spray is that it works fast. When applied directly to a bug, it kills the insect within 5 minutes. That said, it provides a 1-month residual. Not only does the spray eliminate adult bed bugs but it also kills eggs and larvae, providing excellent control on all stages of bed bugs. Buyers rate the product highly and about 70% of customers gave it five stars. As one of the satisfied buyers says, the aerosol works really well and gets into all of the crevices in the bed.

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Harris 5-Minute Bed Bug Killer: Check the current price

7. Bed Bug Egg Killer Sprays under $10 | Harris | Ortho

Bed Bug Egg Killer Sprays: photo

For spot treatment use aerosols. 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-treat all of the surfaces weekly until no signs of bed bugs are to be seen.

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Ortho: Check the current price

The manufacturers assure that these bottle’s contents are able to kill not only regular bed bugs, their eggs, fleas, ticks, and lice, but also pyrethroid-resistant species. As National Geographic article claims, certain types of bed bugs have become pyrethroid insecticide-resistant, and humans are to blame as they’ve been exterminating these insects like that for ages. This resulted in DNA mutation and the 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).

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Harris:  Check the current price

The scientists consider two oil-based products (based on the  Rutgers Texas A&M AgriLife Extension study) to be “surprisingly effective against adult species and eggs, … and potentially useful pesticide for controlling bed bug infestations”. They are EcoRaider™ (Geraniol & Cedar extract) and Bed Bug Patrol™.

8. Bed Bug Patrol Bed Bug Killer Spray Treatment

Natural Bed Bug Killer Patrol: photoNatural plant extracts of peppermint and clove oils and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate from сoconut 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 91-92% mortality rate was detected within 10 days after treatment.

It is also reported that it 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,”). {code 492}

Bed Bug Killer Patrol:  Check the current price

9. Eco Defense Bed Bug Killer, Natural Organic Formula Fastest

Bed Bug Killer By Eco Defense: photo

In spite of the fact that the manufacturer claims that it is all natural, we can’t 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 can’t 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, won’t 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 didn’t work at all or simply paralyzed the insects. The lack of odor is also debatable as some customers don’t 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.

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Eco Defense:  Check the current price

10. Bed Bug Killer by EcoRaider 16 oz

Natural Bed Bug Killer (EcoRaider): photo

Bed Bug Killer is made by EcoRaider Environmental Inc. 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”.

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 botanical compounds 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.

And finally, the other characteristics of the product. The lemongrass scent is not for everyone, but it is quite tolerant. Also, Eco Raider does not leave marks on the furniture or floor, so you can use it anywhere without getting spots and stains.

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EcoRaider: 16 oz bottle: Check the current price

Expert Opinion: Michael Potter, Extension Professor, University of Kentucky

Dr. Michael Potter, Entomologist, University of Kentucky

Dr. Michael Potter is an Extension Professor and entomologist at the University of Kentucky. In addition to conducting research, he delivers lectures and provides advice to the pest control industry, health care, and regulatory agencies. Dr. Potters takes part in international pest control events and has several awards. His entomology program at the University of Kentucky is aimed to provide the public with credible information and assistance in pest control, including managing bed bug infestations, which have been increasingly becoming a considerable threat in urban areas.

“Probably the number one myth [about bedbugs] that comes off the top of my head is public health concerns. Because that is having some really serious ramifications from the standpoint of not just funding for research through institutions like NIH and NSF, but societally health departments whose mission is to deal with pest public health importance are based largely on the matter of potentially transmitted diseases, while bed bugs were not known to transmit diseases. Certainly, it is an enormous mental health and emotional health impact, not to mention economic impact. We need to get out heads straight on that because if you talk to anybody who has ever had a bedbug ride, they will tell you it is probably the worst thing that has ever happened to them. We have a speaker from Canada who spoke about a study they recently completed showing great levels of depression anxiety and mental health disorders as a result of bedbug infestations”.

Bed Bug Killer Sprays Comparison Chart

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Expert Opinion: Sarah N. Zukoff, Associate Professor, Kansas State University

Sarah N. Zukoff: photo

Sarah N. Zukoff, Associate Professor, Kansas State University

Sarah N. Zukoff is an Entomologist and Associate Professor at Kansas State University. Her areas of specialization include integrated pest management and insect resistance management of arthropods in soybean, corn, wheat, and cotton. Sarah investigates insecticide resistance of corn pests and the effect of cross-pollination and variable irrigation on these insects.

“Lately, I have been getting quite a few calls with folks who are having more and more run-ins with bed bugs this prompted me to remind people that they are still out there. Bed bugs have been found to naturally been infected with lots of blood-borne pathogens, but they are just not very effective vectors of the disease. So they just do not transmit these blood-borne pathogens. There is really no diseases that have been found to be passed to humans other than the new discovery of Chagas disease… Their primary medical importance is just the inflammation that they cause with their bites. Some people may experience sleeplessness due to itching or just paranoia of knowing you have bed bugs around you. Some people may develop allergic reactions as well”.

What chemical kills bed bugs

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.

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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.

All these products are reviewed in our Top best killer sprays. Read it to learn more.

IGR products

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 don’t 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 don’t recommend   we rely on IGRs too much either (“Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) affect the development and reproduction of insects. Although they can work well, they don’t kill bugs quickly”). Therefore, we can say that you’d better use IGRs that are complementary to other insecticides.

Natural Bed Bug Sprays

Some organic low-toxic solutions can indeed kill bed bugs on contact. As the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension unit specialists state, don’t expect any residual action after they are dry. In addition, it has been proven that pests can avoid treated places. 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.

* Warning. Although many users spray these products right over their sheets, we wouldn’t recommend doing it if the said product contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a synthetic chemical which is also present in all other cleaning products. According to the United 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 you’re still torn between a spray and a fogger, follow the specialists’ advice. According to the National 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.

What scientists unanimously agree on is that homemade bed bug sprays are a far greater threat than commercial ones. Do not use them! Any mixture 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”.

Don’t 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. Let’s see what the entomologists recommend doing and how.

As for us, once again we would like to remind you (along with the University of California professors), that Insecticides 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.

How Bed Bug Sprays Work: The Scientists’ Opinions on Their Effectiveness

A team of researchers from the National Library of Medicine has carried out a study with the aim of evaluating the residual efficacy of bed bug sprays. They tested the most popular products: 4 liquid insecticides (Tandem, Temprid SC, Transport GHP, Demand CS) and 4 aerosols (Alpine, Bedlam, Bedlam Plus, Phantom). The results have shown that the efficacy of the majority of the tested solutions largely depends on the type of treated surface — fabric, wood, or vinyl.

The scientists have found out that Tandem is less effective when applied to porous materials while Transport GHP has demonstrated almost a 90-percent effectiveness rate on all surfaces. The aerosols work better on fabric but have lower efficacy when applied to vinyl and unpainted wood.

So the scientists have concluded that the type of treated surface is a major factor that influences the residual efficacy of insecticides. There is particularly important as bed bugs typically infest furniture items, paper, and walls that have porous surfaces.

What is the most effective bed bug spray?

Transport GHP is apparently the strongest spray on the market. According to the above-mentioned study, only this product shows high residual efficacy when applied to porous surfaces, which is crucial because this is where bedbugs generally hide. The efficacy of this solution does not depend on the type of material treated, something that gives this product a clear advantage over others. Moreover, researchers recommend Transport GHP for professional use in pest control.

Are sprays better and more effective than other methods (vacuuming, bombs (foggers), traps, dusts & powders)?

There’s 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.

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 you’ll try to empty the vacuum canister. Since all of the methods have their limitations, you’ll have to use several for the extermination to be truly effective.

How long does bed bug spray last?

There are two types of bed bug sprays that are available on the market: contact and residual. The time it takes to kill a bug will essentially depend on which type you use in your household.

Contact vs Residual Sprays

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 one it will work slowly but will also last longer. Another thing that you have to consider before buying is what type of chemical formula it has. You need to ensure you’re buying the latest version of the product with the newest chemical compounds because bugs have developed resistance to old formulas and you’ll 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 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.

How long does it take to eliminate all bed bugs?

Contact sprays will kill affected bed bugs immediately, while residual ones 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, and other individual factors.

Why Are Insecticides More Effective Than Natural Products?

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, it’s best to use 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.

How Bed Bug Killing Sprays Work

Type Active Ingredients Killing Action Residual Action
Natural | contact Geranium oil, geraniol, clove oil, sodium lauryl sulfate etc. Are partially effective on contact. N/A
Artificial chemical | contact  Pyrethrins and pyrethroids. Kill on contact, may be ineffective against certain pyrethroid-resistant populations. High level of residual control: kill several days after drying.
Neonicotinoids (imidacloprid, acetamiprid), chlorfenapyr and other chemicals Kill on contact, no insect resistance has been determined. High level of residual control: kill several days after drying.
IGRs Hydroprene. Poison the insects on contact, death will come before sterilization. High level of residual control: kill several days after drying.

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What You Should Know Before Spraying the Room

All sprays work in the same way: they kill the insects once they come in contact with them. The manufacturers promise that this is a matter of minutes or even seconds and the killing effect will last for a few hours following the application.

How long should you use spray

The experience reveals that it’s better to use it few times regardless of the infestation scale instead of counting on the effect of a single use. In addition, the first spray can simply paralyze the insects rather than directly kill them.

Never go for a single measure even if it seems that the bed bugs are gone.  Scientists advise to combine the insecticides with infestation prevention measures, such as removing and cleaning infested beds, mattresses, and other harborage sites, as well as non-chemical tactics such as steam or heat delivery. Make sure you also invest in a mattress cover.

Where to apply bed bug spray

Know the dangerous spots and objects in the room, such as:

  • Luggage you’ve brought from a trip. As we’ve mentioned earlier, bed bugs tend to travel and come back home with you and then spread and breed all over the house
  • Floor and walls, carpets, cracks in the wooden floor, in the corners, door and window frames, behind the paintings or wallpaper, outlets.
  • Furniture and your sleeping place, the drawers in the chest or cabinets, sofa and armchair upholstery, mattresses, pillows, bed sheets and others.

where do bed bugs live: photo

Monitoring devices such as ClimbUp® are useful for confirming the presence of bed bugs when a visual inspection cannot. When installed under bed legs, such traps provide a barrier between floor and your sleeping place what can potentially reduce bites, especially when beds are pulled slightly away walls and encased, as per advice of Michael F. Potter, Extension Entomologist, University of Kentucky.

How to apply bed bug spray on a carpet

You would apply it, just like anywhere else, really: spray it evenly along the edges first, then underneath the carpet. I would suggest spraying across all carpeted area to ensure not a single bug would escape its fate.

How to treat a mattress

First off, inspect the mattress carefully and size up the extent of the infestation. If there are a lot of holes and feces spread across the mattress area, then you’d better be off without this mattress, really, throw the stuff right into the dumpster. If you are not ready to part with your mattress, then inspect the folds and seams of your mattress, the head and footboards, then vacuum your mattress thoroughly.

After that, apply the spray along these seams and stitches, head and footboards that you’ve previously inspected. Leave it to dry and only then continue to use your mattress. I’d recommend using bed bug proof mattress encasements that are placed over the mattress to protect it from damage that seldom comes from bed bugs.

Which one to choose?

Here we’ll review some of the common situations where you’d require the use of a bed bug spray and my recommendations as to which one you’d better buy.

Bed bug spray for bed/mattresses/clothes/fabric/furniture

Always check the label to make sure it can be used on fabric or furniture. I’d advise trying natural sprays first, like Eco Defense Bed Bug Killer or EcoRaider Bed Bug Killer.

All products that we’ve covered for clothes and mattresses can be used safely for any other furniture. Low toxity Steri-Fab Bed Bug Kit is a good value for money in case you need to apply the spray to a larger area and a lot of items in your house.

And if that doesn’t work, go the hard way and purchase something that’s rich in deadly professional chemicals, like Temprid, that should do the trick.

If you want something for a change, then consider good-old Harris, that’s way too good not to recommend. It will deal with any pyrethroid resistant blood sucker, so don’t you worry.

 Bed bug spray for travel/suitcases/luggage

In case you want to be bed bug-free at all times, I’d recommend carrying something lightweight, like Bed Bug Rid Pest, which is conveniently sold in bottles of 2 oz. Thus, it won’t be a burden for you to carry it around. Otherwise, if you want something more reliable and chemical, then good old Harris (16 oz) is your best bet.

 Bed bug spray for body/skin

Well, there is no such thing as a safe bed bug spray for skin in the entire universe. If any of those chemicals are absorbed through the skin, you are in trouble and might need medical attention immediately.

 Bed bug spray for cars

In case your bed bugs have reached your car, then it might be a good idea for hiring a professional and see if what you have are really bed bugs and not any other type of pest.  Because what might be effective against bed bugs can be totally useless for other pests. Anyway, if you’re pretty sure your car is reeking with bed bugs, then all sprays that are good for furniture will also be okay for a car. In case you need specific recommendations, then try classic JT Eaton Bug Killer

 Bed bug spray for house

If your whole house is infested, then go for a huge spray canister or a concentrate, both of which won’t break your family budget. Consider buying Harris Bed Bug Killer 1-gallon canister ,  Tempo Ultra Bottle Concentrate or Tempo Contact Insecticide Bottle.

What to use in hotels

If you happen to check into a hotel room with bed bugs, either leave the hotel immediately or ask the reception to change your room. If you’re a hotel owner, then you’d better hire a professional exterminator or pest control company that would deal with the infestation in a timely fashion since it’s your money and reputation that’s at risk here not only the health of your guests.

 Bed bug spray for pets

Save your pooch by taking him to the vet, please. If that’s not option (although that’s always an option), try the following products: Bed Bug Killer from Bugstrap (all natural formula) or chemical JT Eaton for Dogs.

How to use a bed bug spray: RULES & precautions

They can come in different form factors, like liquid, aerosol, or concentrate. Liquid type usually kills bugs instantly upon contact. Residual aerosols kill bugs over time. And concentrates need to be diluted with water and are used to cover larger areas.

Irrespectively of which one you’re going to choose, always read a product label carefully and follow the instructions outlined by the manufacturer.

Now, let’s look at how to use different form factors.

If you choose to use the liquid contact spray (like Steri-Fab):

  • Shake the bottle well to ensure the chemicals inside are agitated and ready to shoot
  • Squirt the spray evenly by pulling the trigger along the crevices, cracks, jambs, corners of a room that you want to treat, including headboards, floorboards, and the like
  • Continue to spray until all affected areas are treated and evenly coated with the insecticide
  • Leave it to dry before touching any of the areas that you’ve treated
  • Unlike some residual aerosols, contact sprays can be applied to upholstered surfaces, like sofas, and mattresses.

In case you opt for an aerosol (like Bedlum Plus):

  • Shake it up before using
  • Hold the nozzle and evenly apply along the crevices, cracks, and the like
  • Unlike liquid sprays, there are certain restrictions on where you can apply aerosols. Some can be still used on furniture, whereas many others cannot (always check the label to see where you can use it)

If you use concentrate (like Syngenta Insecticide):

  • Read the label carefully to see how the mixture needs to be prepared
  • Take an empty spray bottle and fill it with a portion of a concentrated liquid required by the label and instructions, dilute it with water, and shake the resulting solution thoroughly
  • Once the mixture is set up, pull the trigger intermittently and evenly apply the spray across all crevices and cracks you can find

Precautions:

Check if the pesticide that you intend to use is registered with the EPA. If you purchase something that has not been professionally approved, it can be much more dangerous than the bed bugs themselves. Some of the things that are illegal to use against bed bugs include diatomaceous earth not registered with the EPA; carbon dioxide, propane, and helium bug bombs.

A few of other “DON’Ts”:

  • Do not use outdoor pesticides indoors
  • Do not buy pesticides from street vendors or other unreliable sources
  • Do not apply any of the pesticides on your skin
  • Do not apply pesticides to furniture or bedding UNLESS allowed on a label

Poisoning. There’s also such a thing as insecticide poisoning, and we thought you should be aware of this as well.

This type of poisoning can happen when you inhale too much of an insecticide, accidentally swallow it, or put it on your skin. The common symptoms include difficulty breathing, heart problems, or other allergic reactions. Pyrethrins are not usually dangerous since they are derived from flowers.

Pros & Cons of Bed Bug Spray

Pros
  • When used in accordance with the instructions on the label and in combination with other methods, bed bug sprays can be very effective at eliminating bed bug infestation.
  • They are generally safe (if approved by the EPA and used properly).
Cons
  • Might be ineffective if used alone.
  • Bed bugs can develop resistance to it.
  • Can be dangerous if used excessively or inappropriately.

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21 thoughts on “The 14 Best Bed Bug Killer Sprays Comparison Review [UPDATED 2022] Buyer’s Guide”

    1. If we take a standard size capacity of 16-oz, then, according to my experience, one bottle is more than enough for one room. This includes the treatment of the bed, carpet, furniture, etc., and there’ll still be some left over. The larger the room – the more you need – take two bottles or one with a larger volume.

  1. Once I bought a bed bug spray that had such a peculiar and terrible smell that I couldn’t even finish the bottle. After that, I didn’t dare use such sprays at all, until my husband bought spray by Killer Green, its main advantage is that it’s completely odorless and seems to be effective against ticks.

    1. Wow, I also use it, and it’s the best bug spray for me. Before, I used to try getting rid of ticks with traditional methods, such as boric acid, but it wasn’t worth it because it didn’t kill the bed bugs. Then I bought some natural spray which seemed to have worked but unfortunately, the effect was short-term and the bed bugs came back.

  2. What do you think is more effective: a spray or a bed bug powder? Are there any major differences between these two types of products?

    1. I think it’s not about the killing product type (i.e. dust or bed bugs spray). The result will be the same if the product is of high quality. Go for whatever is more convenient for you. I’m used to sprays so I always buy them.

    1. Each of them has its pros and cons. Chemicals have traditionally been considered a more powerful method, but they are toxic and have restrictions. Besides, as mentioned in this article, some bed bugs may be resistant to pyrethroids. Natural sprays can show worse results and should be used for a longer period of time to achieve a permanent effect, but they are safer and you can spray them anywhere. Therefore, it’s up to you to decide which bed bugs spray to choose…

        1. Yes, many manufacturers of non-toxic sprays allow such use, but don’t overdo it – especially if you have sensitive skin. Many natural bed bug sprays have a chemical component SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), which, according to scientific studies, in some particular cases may cause dermatitis!

  3. When it comes to bed bug killers, I immediately think of sprays. For better effect, apply the killer directly on live bed bugs. They are hard to notice, because they hide in daytime, but if you see them, spray them to death! It is also very good that many sprays have a lasting residual effect.

  4. I’ve been able to instantly find a perfect remedy, I use Harris bed bug killer only and I love it! I don’t see a point in replacing it with something else. It is odorless and can be used at home with kids and pets.

  5. We’ve been battling these nasty blood-suckers for over a year and all of the methods that we’ve tried were in vain. We bought the Harris bed bug killer as a last resort before spending five grand on exterminators. This product’s rating was quite high and we saw signification activity and population reduction within two weeks after use. But they weren’t completely removed, so we continued treating our territory. Surpassingly, we removed all of the bed bugs within a month.

  6. There were quite a few bed bugs on our sofa and they left their waste too. We took the sofa outside overnight and treated it with harris bed bug spray. We put all the pillows in laundry and used the spray to treat the carpet, skirting boards and everything that was touched by the sofa. You could feel the spray’s smell, but it’s not very strong and it ventilates in a couple of hours. The product is tried and tested.

  7. It works greatly. I bought it for my mom who lives in a bloodsucker-infested house in NY. She killed a few creatures already. After spraying the ecoraider bed bug spray, the bugs are gone and never returned. After she tested this spray, I bought some more for her just in case for her to treat the rooms and to remove these ugly insects for sure.

  8. I am a college student and we had a bed bug apocalypse in our dorm. I almost went nuts when an exterminator told me that treating the room will cost $1000-3000. I thought, screw this, and decided to try ecoraider bed bug killer. After a couple of days I started treating my room and bed with this spray. So far I live almost five months without these bloodsuckers’ bites. Don’t believe these exterminator corporations; you can get rid of bed bugs by yourself!

  9. I only use the proven proof bed bug spray by Ecoraider. It is the only product that I could find allowing fully removing them. I am so happy with it that I’m going to buy a few more and use them preventively.

  10. I read the saybyebugs reviews and realized that it’s the perfect option for getting rid of bed bugs. First, their price is neither too high nor too low which makes it perfect. Second, judging by the reviews it is effective and gives almost a 100% result. Obviously, this is the best treatment on the market today.

  11. I found it you are trying to kill ANY kind of insect the only ingredients you need are IMIDAELOPRID sold by bayer you can get it for your animal for flea protection and bed bugs or any other creepy crawly sob that lives….BUY IT AT MOST HARDWARE STORES

  12. My husband and I decided to make an unforgettable vacation, and decided to take tickets for a cruise liner. Everything went according to plan, I took with me a spray from mosquitoes, for sunburn, and bed bug killer, just in case, and I did not lose. From the very first days we felt some bites on our feet, then red spots began to appear. I immediately realized that it was bed bugs. This is an unforgettable vacation for us ……

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