What Is a bed bug repellent?
A bed bug repellent discourages and prevents bed bugs from moving to a protected area such as the skin, luggage or furniture.
best bed bug repellents chart
| NAME | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Off | Products with >25% DEET sprays and lotions can be applied to skin and is proven to provide a high level of repellency against bed bugs | Get Lowest Price |
| 2. JT Eaton Luggage Spray | Used on luggage before traveling to prevent unwanted bed bugs from hitching a ride home | Get Lowest Price |
| 3. Bedlam | Does not repel, but kills insecticide resistant bed bugs and will not stain water resistant fabrics and surfaces (test first). Not for skin. | Get Lowest Price |
Bed Bug Repellent with 25% DEETdo bed bug repellents work?
There are very few chemical compounds that keep bed bugs from entering an area. Research published in the Journal of Economic Entomology (December 2013) in an article title "Repellency of Selected Chemicals Against the Bed Bug" lists DEET (see chart below for best products) and natural compounds under development by Bedoukian Research )isolongifolanone, 3-methyl-5-hexyl-2-cyclohexenone, propyl dihydrojasmonate and Y-methyl tridecalactone show "strong repellency against bed bugs."
Research has shown that sprays that contain at least 25% DEET can repel bed bugs. Follow the manufacturers directions for DEET sprays in terms of skin safety or if they will stain fabric or furniture.
Repellent sprays are best used in areas where you suspect or know that bed bugs are present.
Bed bug repellents vs. sprays
Bed bug repellents keep bed bugs away from a specific area for a limited period of time. They do not kill bed bugs. For example, if you spray a bed, the bed bugs will avoid the bed, but seek to hide in areas near that bed that have not been treated.
A better approach for an infestation is to purchase a bed bug kit that contains 2 types of sprays:
- Contact or Knock Down Spray: kills when sprayed on the bed bug or bed bug eggs
- Residual Spray: when sprayed creates an invisible field that kills bed bugs when the insect crosses through the treated area
best Bed Bug REpellent for skin
Effective bed bug repellents for skin contains at least 25% DEET. It is the main ingredient found in name brand products such as OFF (95% DEET) and Bug Barrier Insect Repellent (100% DEET). Research has shown that products with high concentrations of DEET (97%) show 83% per cent repellency after 8 hours and 93% repellency after 3 hours.
When looking for what repels bed bugs on skin, the answer are products that contain DEET at >25%.
Bed Bug Repellent Spraydoes DEET Kill Bed Bugs?
DEET does not kill bed bugs.
Does DEET Repel Bed Bugs?
DEET is an effective and research proven bed bug repellent at concentrations >25%. Use according to manufacturers instructions.
Does Sound repel Bed Beds?
According to research by R.W. Hofstetter and K.M. Yturralde shows that the four ultrasonic bed bug repellent devices do not work. They do not attract or repel bed bugs. (Journal of Economic Entolology 105: 2107-2114, 2012)
best natural repellent for bed bugs
- Eucalyptus Oil Spray kills bed bugs, so Lemon Eucalyptus Mosquito Repellent might be effective in repelling bed bugs (Schaefer 2000)
- Isolongifolenone has a strong repellent action (Want 2013).
- Diatomaceous Earth (Bed Bug Dust) is somewhat repellent when spread in a thin layer on surfaces
Diatomaceous Earth is a natural product that has some repellent properties. It also kills bed bugs when the dust attaches to insects.natural products that do Not repel bed bugs
The following products do not repel bed bugs:
- lavender
- thyme
- tea tree oil
- sweet rice
- boric acid
Readers of the Bed Bugs Handbook have reported that Avon Skin So Soft keeps bed bugs from biting. We have not been able to find any research to support (or deny) that the product works in this way.
do insecticides repel bed bugs?
Insecticides that are common ingredients in bed bug insecticides do not repel bed bugs. Chemicals tested include pyrethroids and Chlorfenapyr. (Moore, D. J., and D. M. Miller. 2006. Laboratory evaluations of insecticide product efficacy for control of Cimex lectularius. Journal of Economic Entomology 99: 2080–2086)
How to prevent bed bugs in luggage
Bed Bug Liner Keeps Insects Out- Protect luggage with a specially formulated travel size bed bug spray to prevent bed bugs from hitching a ride home.
- Prevent bringing home insects with a sealed luggage liner
- Keep laundry in a bed bug proof fabric laundry bag
- Kill bed bugs in luggage upon returning home with with a portable Packtite Heater
Bed Bug Proof Fabric Laundry Bag. When Traveling Keep Dirty Clothes Sealed In The Bag For Bed Bug Protection.How To Protect Luggage Before Traveling
Bedbug Video: How to Apply BedBug Repellent for LuggageFeatured: JTEaton Luggage and Mattress Spray
brochures
This free brochure provides additional information on bedbug sprays.
Bed Bug Heater Will Heat Luggage or Other Items To Point Where Bed Bugs Are KilledQuestions and answers
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Skin So Soft 
I have found nightly dousing with Avon's Skin so Soft helps keep bed bugs from biting. WE are insanely trying to keep some controls on the bugs using …
Comment on Killing Bed Bugs Not rated yet
I have discovered a bedbug problem recently. Bought a HOT SHOT bedbug killer. I find some bedbugs, spray right directly on them and they just keep walking. …
