What chemicals can i use to kill bed bugs

At that point, you can begin the job of sweeping up hundreds of dead bed bugs — which, since they put you through all this, may prove to be a more cathartic chore than most. Follow our full 6 steps on getting rid of bed bugs for the complete strategy. Wesley has over 10 years of residential and commercial pest control experience dealing with every kind of pest.

He ran his own pest control company for 6 years and now shares his knowledge online. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Search for: Search. Insecticides Despite the fact that bed bugs have increased their resistance to pesticides alongside their increase in numbers , chemical treatments are still an important part of any eradication strategy.

Chemical Classes There are seven distinct classes of chemical pesticide used for bed bug control. Desiccants Desiccants are drying agents; they dehydrate insects to kill them. Cold Pressed Neem Oil Sourced from the seeds of tropical Neem trees in Southeast Asia and Africa, cold pressed neem oil is classified as a biochemical pesticide meaning biologically derived, as opposed to chemically synthesized.

Neonicotinoids Neonicotinoids are the most widely-used class of insecticide in the world. Mechanical Methods As useful as chemical solutions are in dealing with a bed bug infestation, they must be used in conjunction with more manual treatments in order to be effective. Cleanliness Bed bugs can spread anywhere, from the filthiest hovel to the swankiest hotel.

Fumigation Chemical pesticides and mechanical methods like heat are straightforward ways to control bed bug populations, but sometimes a heavier hand is needed to fully eradicate an infestation. How Fumigation Works Professional fumigation is an intensive and likely expensive process that requires significant preparation. Want Help from a Pro? Get a quick, easy, FREE, no obligation quote from a trusted exterminator. This will make it easier for you or a pest control professional to locate the bed bugs and exterminate them.

While they are tiny insects, bed bugs do require some oxygen in order to survive. Trapping bed bugs in vacuum-sealed plastic is a great method to suffocate bed bugs, though it may take some time for them to run out of oxygen once trapped inside.

Bed bugs require animal blood to survive. If they do not have a host to feed off of, they will eventually perish. Usually, this happens within months after their last meal. Isolate bed bugs and deprive them of access to any human or animal, and they will surely die within a few months.

For example, some chemical products kill bed bugs instantly , whereas others last longer, but cause a slower death. Date Published: I'm a seasoned pest control veteran. I focus my time on writing educational content about the industry and helping people learn about indoor insects. When I'm not thinking about bed bugs I am spending time with my daughters or walking the dog. Anyone and everyone who has issues with bedbugs or is dealing with them should read this page. Your closing is spot-on: dealing with bed bugs should be considered case-by-case.

Case Location City or Zip. Describe Your Case:. Information sent is not privileged or confidential. Live Chat. Post published: March 8, Written by Robert Brown Updated: July 9, Here are the 7 best chemicals to kill bed bugs: Pyrethrins Pyrethroids Desiccants Biochemicals Pyrroles Neonicotinoids Insect Growth Regulators Pyrethrins Pyrethrins are insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers.

Pyrethroids Pyrethroids are synthetically-derived chemical insecticides that mimic pyrethrins. Studies show that bed bugs have developed unique ways to protect themselves from these insecticides. Pyrethroid products are not effective bed bug killers unless mixed with other products.

Pyrethroid products are often mixed with other types of insecticides; some of these mixtures can be effective against bed bugs. Look for products containing pyrethroids plus piperonyl butoxide, imidicloprid, acetamiprid, or dinetofuran. There are many types of insecticidal dusts, but only some are effective against bed bugs. Dusts can be dangerous to people and pets if they are inhaled, so they must be applied carefully. Dusts should be applied in cracks and crevices or other protected areas for two reasons.

First, bed bugs tend to hide in these areas, so there is a better chance of the pesticide affecting them there. Second, there is less risk of disturbing the dust so that it drifts into open areas where it could be inhaled. Dusts can be applied to areas like behind headboards, along the bed frame, and under baseboards.

Dusts can also be puffed in behind electrical outlets and switch plates and used in the empty spaces behind walls to catch bed bugs travelling from one room to another.

It only takes a very light layer of dust to work. To be affected, bed bugs must walk through the dust, which then sticks to them. Bed bugs are very small and they will tend to avoid thicker layers of dust. Also, too much dust is more likely to become airborne, which could be dangerous. One of the best ways to apply a thin layer of dust is using a dry paintbrush. However, studies show that foggers or bug bombs are not effective against bed bugs , and they present several dangers.

Items are placed in an airtight container with insecticide strips. These strips work by releasing odorless vapors that build up inside the container over several days and kill bed bugs. Pulling the bed away from the walls and ensuring that bed linen does not touch the floor helps to make the bed an island.

Exposing the bugs for an hour to temperatures higher than these can kill all stages. Heating a room is unlikely to work, because of the high temperatures needed. It may also spread an infestation, because bed bugs will seek the cooler areas in the room, beyond the reach of the heat.

This takes longer for bulkier objects. However, the EPA note that home freezers may not be cold enough to kill bugs, and it can take a long time for this to work. Gas systems designed for instant freezing are ineffective and may spread an infestation, as the high air pressure can blow the bugs away. Turning off the heating and leaving windows and doors open is not an effective strategy.

The temperature is unlikely to be cool enough. Leaving a room empty for more than a year can be effective for killing bed bugs as this deprives them of sustenance. They may, however, migrate to a nearby property and return later. Some chemicals are available for purchase online or from hardware stores. These can be hazardous when used indoors. These include :. It is important to follow the instructions carefully when applying the products, so that they make direct contact with the bed bugs.

They are unlikely to reach the cracks where bugs hide, and they can be harmful to health. There is also a risk of explosion. Some products, including those that contain pyrethroids, have a flushing effect. This could spread the infestation. Catching a bug or taking a photo to share with the professional can help them see what type of bug is causing the problem.

Pest controllers may start with nonchemical methods and then use pesticides if these do not work. Some pesticides can only be applied by licensed professionals. In the U. These are the main chemical classes:. Pyrethrins and pyrethroids : These are the most commonly used pesticides for bed bug treatment. Pyrethrins are derived from chrysanthemum flowers, and pyrethroids are the synthetic equivalent. They act on the nervous system of the bugs. Some bed bug populations have become resistant to these chemicals, especially older-generation products.

Silicates : These include diatomaceous earth dust DED. They are desiccants.