BedBug Spray

Bedbug spray comes in both an aerosol and pump spray. There are also several types of ingredients including chemical and natural sprays. Sprays are used directly on bedbugs, bed bug eggs and in cracks and crevices. All of the options listed below are good choices for killing bedbugs, with the biggest decision to go with an insecticide or non-chemical option.

In general, it is a good idea to remove all food, pets and children from areas that are going to be treated. Use bed bug sprays in well ventilated rooms. Be sure objects dry completely before using mattress or box spring covers to avoid mold. Cracking the window a bit could help the drying process.

When treating a room, sprays should be considered to be only one part of the treatment plan.. Other helpful products include a vacuum, hand steamer to kill eggs, a bed bug dust product (DE) (to kill bed bugs that hatch from eggs that were missed) and mattress/box spring covers. See our step by step guide to how to get rid of bed bugs.

Be aware that in some cases, bed bugs might show resistance to the active ingredient in the spray purchased. This doesn't mean you shouldn't use a spray, but also be sure to use some of the other approoaches mentioned along with the spray.

The best advice is to assume that a bed bug is hiding in every crack, crevice and electronic device located in the room being treated. Armed with your vacuum, spray, dust product (for residual killing effect), hand steamer (heat kills bugs and eggs) and some knowledge, and effort, you can treat a bed bug infestation yourself.

There are advantages to hiring a bed bug pest control expert since they already have the knowlege, know where to look and may have access to products that consumer cannot buy or afford. The big difference of course is cost with an exterminator costing $750+ and a home treatment kit costing approximately $160. If you are just buying a bedbug spray, this of course will be substantially less.

Factors to Consider When Buying a BedBug Spray

Sprays will vary based on some of the following factors:

Mattress or Fabric Safe bedbug spray products (all brands listed below state ok for mattress use on the label):

Chemical Pesticides (both types are good choices):

Pyrethroid - Phenothrin

Brands: Bedlam, Sterifab

Pyrrole - Chlorfenapyr

Brands: Phantom

Natural, Organic and Non Pesticide Bed Bug Sprays

Plant Extracts

Brands: Bug Patrol

Benzalkonium chloride

Brands: Benzarid

Bedbug spray products that are not mattress safe:

Demand, Dragnet, Talstar one, Onslaught, Gentrol

Pump or Aerosol
Residual Effectt that Will Kill Bed Bugs after Spraying
Pet and Child Safety (don't allow into room until after sprays dry)
For organic products, whether it is more cost effective as part of a kit

Bedbug Spray Products

Any of these bedbug spray products are good choices for killing bed bugs. If purchasing an aerosol, an extentiont that fits into the sprayer can help get insecticide into tight cracks and crevices.

Bed Bug Sprays: Insecticide/Chemical

Phantom Aerosol Spray (recommended): Many bed bug experts recommend Phantom spray. It is also a good choice if you have other insect problems as noted below.

This bedbug spray cannot be detected by bed bugs, so that when the insects move into sprayed areas, they will be killed. Only a small amount of the product needs to be applied. This spray will also kill other insects such as Ants, Beetles, Spiders, House Crickets and Flies, Spiders and Termites.

Phantom spray should be used in cracks, hiding places and especially the box spring./ Also, be sure to look under the mattress label, a common hiding place for bedbugs.

Precautions: Use in a well ventilated area. Do not smoke when spraying. It is safe to use on mattress seams, folds and edges, the places where a bed bug is likely to hide. Be sure to read the entire label in terms of how to apply.

Bedlam Professional Bed Bug Insecticide : Bedlam BedBug spray is also an aerosol. It is a good choice for treating the mattress and box spring. This product is pet safe (of course don't spray it on your pet and make sure it dries before pet enters the room).

This product is water-based and non-irritating, and so it can used to spot treat bedding and mattreses when controlling bed bugs. In addition, the product will not stain water-safe fabrics and surfaces. Bedlam is labeled for use in homes, apartments, schools, hotels and healthcare facilities.

Bedlam bedbug spray can be applied to carpet, around baseboards, floorboards, bed frames, wall hangings, headboards, furniture, door and window frames, millwork and walls. It is also safe for mattresses, box springs, walls, furniture, bedding, floor and floor coverings, rugs, garments, luggage, closets, drapes and other window appointments.

Belman bedbug spray claims to have a lasting effect in areas sprayed for 2 to 4 weeks. The product is also effective on bedbug eggs.

Sterifab: Sterifab comes in a pump srpay or liquid form and will kill bed bugs on contact. It is a good non-toxic choice for those who are concerned about using a stronger insecticide, particularly for treating the mattress. The product uses alcohol as a base and is regarded by the EPA as being Generally Regarded as Sasfe.

It is wataer based and is safe to use on fabric and bedding surfaces. It can also be used on furniture, carpets, recreational vehicles and most inanimate surfaces. STERI-FAB is a bactericide, sanitizer, fungicide, mildewcide, insecticide, deodorant, germicide, viricide, and disinfectant.

This product will also kill bed bug eggs on direct contact. Customer reviews can be found by clicking the product link above.

Streri-fab has no residual effect after the spray dries. It kills bed bugs on contact only.

Bed Bug Sprays: No Chemicals or Insecticides

Bug Patrol : This spray is a natural pump spray that uses significant concentrations of plant extracts to kill bed bugs. It will kill bed bugs on contact and as a natural product is safe to use. If you are looking for a spray to use on live bed bugs, this is a good choice. The Benzarid product is a better choice for general use such as mattress treatment etc.

Benzarid : This product uses benzalkonium chloride as the active ingredient. It is a safe alternative to permetherins for elimination of bed bugs. It is virtually odorless and kills bed bugs immediately . This product is mattress safe and will work in all areas of the room. Benzarid is available in a kit from the manufacturer which includes the Bug Patrol spray, mattress covers, hand steamer, and Diatomaceous Earth, all products needed for a complete bed bug solution. The kit retails for approximately $160.

Tip: If you are ordering mattress and box spring covers, this company offers them at the lowest price. Just click the Benzarid link above.

Dead Bed Bugs Contact Killing Spray - This pump spray product uses salts and surfactants to kill bed bugs. Like other natural products it is safe to use on mattresses and other surfaces where you live. This product is a good option when purchased as part of a kit offered by the same company which includes other needed products for a complete solution. Products contained in the kit include:

DE (Diatomaceous Earth): is a natural powder that clings to bed bugs, a helpful tool for killing bed bugs that hatch from eggs you might have missed.
PARAVINYL Mattress Covers: are needed after the mattress dries from spray treatment to trap any bed bugs in the mattress you might have missed. Note that is also important that you cover the box spring as more bed bugs may hide here than in the mattress. If you can only afford 1 cover, treat the mattress and cover the box spring. Tip: When treating the box spring be sure to remove or pull back the covering on the bottom to make sure you treat the inside as well as the outside.
Anti-itch Cream : This is a hydrocortisone cream which in the kit is branded ProEcza™ .

Tip: Use coupon code bedbugsfs for free shipping on orders over $50.

Other Products To Consider for Killing BedBugs

ClimbUp Interceptor: This product is a bowl which is placed under each bed leg. When a bed bug climbs up the bowl then slide down into the bowl and are trapped. This is a good way to see if your bed bug problem has gone away, and how many bugs are trying to climb up onto the bed.

Bed Bug Dust (Diatomaceous Earth) : This product is a natural dust which can be spread into cracks, inside the box spring and around electrical outlets. The dust clings to late hatching bed bugs and kills them. Sprays do not have a long lasting efffect after they dry. Dust will make up for this weakness.