How Does Spraying Fight Bed Bugs?
A bed bug infestation must handled from several different angles. When several extermination methods are combined simultaneously, bed bugs can be eliminated from the home quite effectively.Spraying is one method that kills bed bugs either upon direct contact, or over a period of time, depending on the spray. Most spray only kill bed bugs at direct contact. Since bed bugs always hide at daytime it’s very difficult to spray on them. There are several bed bug sprays to choose from.
Types of Bed Bug Sprays:
Pyrethoids (Killing Visible Bed Bugs)
This bed bug spray results in quick elimination of visible bugs and kills them on contact. Pyrethoids are a synthetic version of the ingredients found in Chrysanthemum flowers, which have a lethal effect on bed bugs.- PROS:
Is instantaneously effective, and helpful for killing visible bed bugs.
- CONS:
Must be applied directly to bugs and is only briefly effective. Residue left on treated surfaces may repel the bugs, resulting in their hastened travel throughout a residency. Chemicals can damage certain finishes on wood furniture.
- Where to Apply:
This spray is a pesticide, and direct skin contact should be avoided. Avoid spraying on linens, bedding, or any other surfaces that will come into direct contact with skin.
Can be applied to the underside and seams of mattresses where bed bugs frequently gather. This can also be applied to edges of wall to wall carpets, the underside of furniture, crown molding, or any other cracks or crevices where bed bugs are detected.
Insect Growth Regulators (Killing Young Bed Bugs)
Insect Growth Regulators, or IGR, stunt the growth and development of young bed bugs (nymphs), killing them slowly over an extended period of time.- PROS:
IGRs work to kill bed bugs in the premature stages. This is helpful for destroying future generations of bedbugs that were not wiped out in the first extermination wave, especially since it kills bed bug eggs and larvae.
- CONS:
This particular spray won’t kill on contact, and will not thoroughly rid the home of adult bed bugs, therefore it is highly suggested that another insecticide be used in conjunction with an IGR.
- Where to Apply:
Since this spray is potentially hazardous to humans, it is not recommended for use on sofas, bedding, clothing, or linens of any kind. IGR is generally applied to floors, carpets, molding, corners of furniture, baseboards, and underneath furniture where bed bugs like to hide.
Chlorfenapyr (Killing Mature Bed Bugs)
This is a direct contact killer similar to Pyrethoid. It was created in response to bed bugs growing resistant to Pyrethoid, and in studies has proven to be more effective.- PROS:
This spray is more effective than other spot on treatments, since bed bugs are less resistant to its formula.
- CONS:
The spray can take up to ten days to fully penetrate the bed bug’s system. This means that a few bed bugs may escape, and will also have the opportunity to mate and produce more eggs before they are exterminated. A second treatment will be needed, or an additional insecticide will need to be administered.
- Where to Apply:
This substance is highly toxic to humans. In most U.S. states, only licensed pest controllers are approved for handling and usage of this chemical. The spray may be applied to floors, baseboards, underneath infested furniture, and under and around edges of carpet and molding.
Extra Cautions for Using Bed Bug Spray:
1. Pesticide Regulations
Check with your state for accurate pesticide regulations. In most cases, a licensed pest controller, or exterminator, is hired to assess a bed bug infestation and work with the landlord or property owner of a residence to implement a plan of action. It is often illegal for certain insecticides to be handled and distributed by anyone other than a licensed professional.2. Bed Bug Spray from Home Use
There are bed bug sprays on the market that you can apply yourself, but always check with your exterminator to make sure you are following all state regulations and not damaging any work that they have already done.Be aware that if your pest controller has already distributed insecticides, any attempt you make to apply your own insecticides could weaken the effectiveness of the chemicals already in place. Working with your exterminator closely is important, especially for this reason.
The information about bed bugs that I have researched, collected is to help the growing numbers of bed bug sufferers.