Bed bugs are very tough! Most insecticides that are available to the public will not kill bed bugs. Often the bugs just hide until the insecticide dries up and is no longer effective. Sometimes bed bugs move to avoid insecticides and end up in nearby rooms or apartments.
Without special training about how and where to apply chemicals, which depends on the specific circumstances, consumers are not likely to effectively control bed bugs with chemicals.
If you decide you still want to use insecticides yourself, there is a LOT of information you need to know.
IF YOU DECIDE TO USE AN INSECTICIDE
1.Make sure you select an insecticide that is labeled for indoor use. There are very few insecticides that can safely be used indoors, where there is a greater risk of exposure, especially for children and pets. If you use an insecticide that is labeled for garden, outdoor, or agricultural use, you could cause serious health problems for people and pets in your home.
2.Make sure the insecticide specifically says that it is effective against bed bugs. Most insecticides don’t work at all on bed bugs.
3.Follow all directions on the insecticide label carefully.
4.NEVER apply more than the listed amount. If it doesn’t work the first time, applying more will not solve the problem.
5.Don’t use any insecticide on a mattress or bedding unless the product label specifically says it can be applied there.
TYPE OF PESTICIDES
Contact Insecticides
There are many different types of liquids, sprays, and aerosols that claim to kill bed bugs. Most state that they “kill on contact.” This sounds good, but it actually means that you have to spray it directly ON the bed bug for it to work. It will not be effective on bugs that are hiding, and it won’t kill eggs either. For most sprays, once it dries it will no longer work.
If you can see the bed bug well enough to spray it, it would be quicker, cheaper, and safer to just squish the bug or vacuum it up. Contact insecticides are not an effective way to control bed bugs.
Other Sprays
Some sprays leave behind chemical residues that are meant to kill bed bugs after the product has dried. Unfortunately, bed bugs don’t usually die just from walking across a sprayed area. They need to sit on the dried product – sometimes for several days – to absorb enough to kill them. These products can be effective when sprayed into cracks, baseboards, seams, and smaller areas where bed bugs like to spend time.
Pyrethroid Products
Most insecticides that are labeled for indoor use are made from a type of insecticide in the pyrethroid family. However, bed bugs are highly resistant to pyrethroids. 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.
Pyrethroids Include:
Allethrin
Bifenthrin
Cyfluthrin
Cyhalothrin
Cypermethrin
Cyphenothrin
Deltamethrin
Esfenvalerate
Etofenprox
Fenpropathrin
Fenvalerate
Fluvalinate
Imiprothrin
Imiprothrin
Prallethrin
Resmethrin
Sumithrin (d-phenothrin)
Tefluthrin
Tetramethrin
Tralomethrin
Other products ending in “thrin”
Insect Baits
Baits used to control ants and cockroaches kill the insect after they eat the bait. Bed bugs feed only on blood, so they will not consume insect baits. Insect baits will not kill bed bugs.
In conclusion, if you decide you want to use insecticides yourself, follow the above tips. Hope the information can help you to solve the bed bug problems.
Post time: Oct-11-2023