When Are Bed Bugs Gone?

by Shannon Rohl
(Toledo, Oh, Lucas )

Reader Question: How Can I Tell When Bed Bugs are Gone after Treatment?

I have been using rid spray for the beds, floors, blankets, an pillows. I have been doing this for at least a couple of weeks now. I think I have them contained to the bedroom. Because it is the only place my daughter and I get bitten. There aren't many that I have seen. At night I hardly see them at all. How long does it take for them to be completely gone if the infestation wasn't that bad?

Suggestion from our Editor

Hi Shannon,

The rule of thumb is when you do not see any bed bugs or bites for 2 months, the infestation can be considered gone.

Note that RID spray may or may not be effective. Research has shown that some bed bugs are resistant to the pyrethroid pesticides that have been most commonly used in recent years by pest management professionals. Permethrin, the active ingredient in RID have been among the active ingredients most commonly available in pesticides at retail stores, but that may not be effective.

Instead we suggest products such as Sterifab and Phantom that are tested to kill insecticide resistant bed bugs. You can get them online from Bed Bug Supply.

Best of Luck,

Jeff