Daily Archives: July 9, 2018

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. However due to their undercover behavior and habits combined with a lack of public awareness, their infestation spread at a very rapid rate world-wide. Spray is the fastest killer. But which one to choose? We'll help you to make the right choice. Here you'll find 10 best bed bug sprays: natural and professional insect killers.

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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 peoples houses.

Without residual pesticide application the they can travel freely and safely. They just move from the luggage right into your bed, and thus a new infestation begins. Luckily, todays 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, There are relatively few insecticide products registered for indoor use. Those that are registered are primarily from one chemical class, the pyrethroids. 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 also using such products as liquid insecticides, insecticidal dusts and of course aerosol insecticide sprays.

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

Dont 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. Lets see what the entomologists recommend doing and how.

Some conditionally organic low-toxic sprays can indeed kill bed bugs on contact. As the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension unit specialists state, dont expect any residual action after such sprays are dry. In addition, it has been proven that these pests can avoid any places treated with organic sprays. 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.

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. Nevertheless, pyrethroid-based sprays are most common today.

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. These products are reviewed below, in our list of Top-10 best killer sprays.

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 dont 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 dont recommend rely on IGRs too much either (Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) affect the development and reproduction of insects. Although they can work well, they dont kill bugs quickly). Therefore, we can say that youd better use IGRs that are complementary to other insecticides.

It is professional products that 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, its best to spray 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.

Type

Active Ingredients

Killing Action

Residual Action

Natural contact sprays

Geranium oil, geraniol, clove oil, sodium lauryl sulfate etc

Are partially effective on contact.

N/A

Artificial chemical contact sprays

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.

What You Should Know Before Spraying the Room

1. 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. However, experience reveals that its better to use the spray a 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.

2. Know the dangerous spots and objects in the room to be sprayed, such as:

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

4. Monitoring devices such as ClimbUp for ~$13 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 ofMichael F. Potter, Extension Entomologist, University of Kentucky.

We have included 10 best killer sprays according to Amazon.com sales rating in our todays review. There are both artificial chemical and organic products. Each product is great in its own way, so instead of rating them, well give you a more detailed description of each of them so that you could choose one that suits your needs the best.

This ~$17.95 spray has already managed to become one of the best selling products. In spite of the fact that the manufacturer claims that it is all natural, we cant consider it to be fully organic as it contains, for example, such synthetic chemical as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). It contains such active components as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, 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 cant 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, wont 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 didnt work at all or simply paralyzed the insects. The lack of odor is also debatable as some customers dont 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.

Price: ~$17.95 Check the current price

This 16 oz bottle is #1 Best Seller in Pest Control Sprayers on Amazon.com. Among the active ingredients of ~$19.95 EcoRaider Spray are geraniol (1%), cedar extract (1%) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (2%). 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". In addition, EcoRaider is highly appreciated by experts from the Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, calling it a potentially useful pesticide for controlling bed bug infestations. The EcoRaider is available as a travel size spray for ~$6.99 and a 1 gallon jug for ~$89.95.

In summary, it destroys any kind of bed bugs, even those resistant to insecticides, bedbugs in the larval stage and the adult stage. What do users say about the effectiveness of the product? Many of them agree that the sprays, including this one, 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. You can also read more than 2000 other reviews on Amazon.com and find out more helpful tips.

Bed Bug Killer by EcoRaider

The Entomological Society of America Journal Publication named it the only natural product that kills bed bugs with 100% efficacy.

And finally, the other characteristics of the product. Cedar scent is not for everyone, but it is quite tolerant: "The smell of this spray is intense, it smells like concentrated cedar, like a cedar chest, but once it dissipates, the smell is not too bad". Also, Eco Raider does not leave marks on the furniture or floor, so you can use it anywhere without getting spots and stains.

Price: 16 oz bottle: ~$19.95 Check the current price

Price: 2 oz travel size bottle: ~$6.99 Check the current price

Price: 1 gallon jug: ~$89.95 Check the current price

Temprid 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 ~$17.56ready-to-use spray and a ~$76.30 concentrated suspension that has to be dissolved in water. Concentrate is better-suited for a large-scale invasion while a spray is more appropriate for smaller areas.

The manufacturer doesnt 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 concentrates killing effect as it has received a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. They have additionally learned from the manufacturer that Temprids effect is best if used immediately after being dissolved without leaving it idle for a long time. As for the spray, it should be used during a small-scale invasion. Judging by the customers reviews, 2-3 applications are enough to get rid of bed bugs completely.

Price: Temprid Ready Spray: ~$17.56Check the current price

Price: Temprid Sc Concentrated Insecticide: ~$76.30 Check the current price

Harris with deltamethrinkills bed bugs and lice on contact; the customers therefore call it instant death and often use it simultaneously withHarris Bed Bug Diatomaceous Earth Powder for ~$6.99.

One of the customers has shared that it were their kids who 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 few weeks. It costs~$19.49.Harris also has1 Gallon Toughest Bed Bug Killerfor "pyrethroid resistant" bed bugs and eggs for~$54.79.

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). You canread all customer reviewsas a proof.

Price: Harris Bed Bug Killer ~$19.49Check the current price

Price: Harris Toughest (for "pyrethroid resistant" bed bugs): ~$54.79Check the current price

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

The manufacturers assure that these bottles contents are able to kill not only regular bed bugs, their eggs, fleas, ticks and lice, but also pyrethroid-resistant species. When we looked into this issue in more detail, we found a National Geographic article claiming that certain types of bed bugs have become pyrethroid insecticide-resistant, and humans are to blame as theyve been exterminating these insects like that for ages. This resulted in DNA mutation and 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)

Price Ortho: ~$20.19 Check the current price

Price Harris:~$9.67Check the current price

Natural plant extracts of peppermint and clove oils and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate from oconut 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 although it takes longer time to kill on contact than chemical sprays, 91-92% mortality rate was detected within 10 days after treatment.

It is also reported that this~$18.48spray 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,) It is up to you to make the right choice, soread all customer reviews on Amazon.comto learn more.

Price: ~$18.48Check the current price

Eco Defense

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate,Geranium Oil

~$17.95

EcoRaider (16 oz)

Geraniol,Cedar extract,Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

~$19.95

EcoRaider Travel/Personal Size (2 oz)

~$6.99

EcoRaider (1 Gallon Jug)

~$89.95

Temprid Ready Spray

Beta-cyfluthrin,

Imidacloprid

~$17.56

Temprid Sc Insecticide

Beta-cyfluthrin,

Imidacloprid

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Top-10 Bed Bug Sprays: Fast Blood-Sucking Insect Killers