The Best Bed Bug Killer
Pest Strategies
More than just a nuisance, a bed bug infestation can pose a serious health risk to you and your family. To help get rid of bed bugs, Pest Strategies researched the best bed bug killer products on Amazon. Discover our top picks below.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YM6QZQV
Ortho Bed Bug Killer
What We Like: A versatile and effective way to eliminate bed bugs after you’ve discovered them, this one-gallon spray uses potent insecticides to kill a variety of insects, including pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs and their eggs. The comfort-grip wand applicator and continuous spray design will help you spray the carpet, baseboards, inside closets, on the side of mattresses, and more to help create a perimeter to protect against future infestation.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011S1GYZO
HARRIS Bed Bug Killer
What We Like: Killing bed bugs and other insects with resistance to conventional insecticides, this bed bug spray uses a standard spray bottle head attached to a gallon-sized jug for a lasting application. This spray is safe to use around children or pets, and it won’t stain linens or clothing if you carefully follow the user instructions.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0077CPANQ
EcoRaider Bed Bug Killer
What We Like: If you frequently clean or disinfect public areas such as classrooms, offices, senior living communities, and hotels, this gentle but effective bed bug killer spray is a good option. Using natural essential oils for ingredients, this spray will eliminate bed bugs and any newly hatched eggs on contact, while preventing other eggs from forming. Safe to spray directly on mattresses, this bed bug spray won’t harm you if you touch surfaces that have been treated.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YM6HZ23
Ortho Bed Bug Trap
What We Like: When you discover the presence of bed bugs at home or when traveling, it’s difficult to relax. To help take care of the issue and save time, this bed bug trap is easy to set and activate, working to kill any existing or new bed bugs and their eggs while you focus on other matters. Lightweight and free of any foul-smelling liquids, the trap design makes it easy to see inside and verify if it’s working.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UVZXL2I
Eco Defense Bed Bug Killer
What We Like: Even if you spray liberally to eliminate all possible bed bugs, you won’t need to worry about any stains or damage to your home or skin with this all-natural bed bug spray. Safe to apply directly on clothing or to your bedding, this bed bug killer is effective against insects and safe to use around your family, including pets.
Buying Guide
Bed bug killers are made with different ingredients and designed for specific applications depending on your bed bug infestation. Here’s what to consider before you make a decision.
- Type: Bed bug killers are available as sprays, powders, and traps. Bed bug sprays are generally water-based or oil-based, and bed bug powders are made with silica. Water-based bed bug sprays won’t stain soft surfaces, making them a popular option for bed bug control. Typically, silica-based bed bug powders are used along baseboards near the source of the infestation.
- Use: The nest site usually refers to the source of the bed bugs. Most bed bug sprays are suitable to apply onto baseboards as well as furniture, mattresses, and draperies. However, note that not all bed bug sprays are safe or recommended to use on your mattress. Depending on the ingredients used, strong insecticides may permanently stain or damage your mattress. Any bed bug killer designed for mattresses or furniture shouldn’t damage these items or irritate your skin, but check any warnings or instructions prior to use.
- Ingredients: Many bed bug killers contain active ingredients that are safe for pets and humans. Some products are made using essential oils such as lavender or geranium that are gentle on your home, but may not be as strong or effective as pyrethroid, a commonly used insecticide.
FAQs
-
Do you have to re-apply or reuse bed bug killers?
Generally, yes. In most cases, a one-time application won’t eradicate all of the bed bugs in your bedroom or living space. Treatment from bed bug sprays can last anywhere from two weeks up to 16 weeks, and silica-based bed bug powders can remain effective for over a year if it stays dry. Depending on the severity of your bed bug infestation, re-apply on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis.
-
Do bed bug killers produce an odor?
Bed bug sprays tend to produce a noticeable smell because they’re sprayed into the air, whereas most powders won’t put off a distinct odor unless you’re very close to where it’s applied. The smell from some bed bug sprays may come off as harsh if it uses strong chemicals and pesticides, but other bed bug killers with natural products may produce a pleasant smell, such as lemon or lavender.
-
How do I prevent bed bugs from coming back?
While there’s no way to guarantee you’ll never encounter bed bugs in your home ever again, most DIY-bed bug killer products will help assure a sound night’s sleep for months or years to come. These products are a quick and accessible way to deal with bed bugs, but for ongoing issues that won’t improve over time, consider hiring a professional.
Pest Strategies provides reviews of select products that are top-selling on Amazon and/or popular in consumer searches. Our team evaluates the products based on industry research, consumer reviews, pricing data, and other objective criteria. Unless otherwise noted, these product reviews are intended to help inform buying decisions for non-professionals. Because pest control products can be dangerous to your family if mishandled, we always recommend consulting with an exterminator, even if just to ask for advice on how to apply pest control products yourself.