Bed bugs are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals while they sleep. An infestation of bed bugs can be difficult to get rid of, but there are a variety of treatment methods that can be used to kill and eliminate these pests.
What Kills Bed Bugs Instantly?
There is no single thing that can immediately kill all bed bugs in an infested area. This is because bed bugs can hide in tiny cracks and crevices where treatments may not reach. However, certain products and methods can kill bed bugs quickly on contact.
Some of the most effective instant bed bug killers include:
- Heat treatments – Exposure to temperatures over 120°F can kill all bed bug life stages in minutes.
- Freezing treatments – Extending exposure to temperatures below 0°F will kill bed bugs and eggs.
- Concentrated steam – High pressure steamers heat up to over 200°F to instantly kill bed bugs on contact.
- Vacuuming – Directly sucking up bed bugs with powerful vacuums removes and kills them quickly.
- Desiccant dusts – Dusts like diatomaceous earth can cause bed bugs to dry out and die within days of exposure.
The challenge is reaching all the hiding spots in a room or furniture piece to kill the entire population. Using multiple methods together provides the best chance for immediate and complete bed bug elimination.
Most Effective Bed Bug Sprays and Chemical Treatments
Pesticide sprays and surface treatments can be very useful for controlling bed bugs. Chemical treatments have residual effects that can kill bed bugs on contact for weeks after application.
Here are some of the fastest acting and most reliable chemical solutions for bed bugs:
- Permethrin – This powerful pyrethroid-based spray kills bed bugs on contact and keeps working for 2+ weeks.
- Aprehend – Based on fungal spores, this organic spray stays effective against bed bugs for months.
- CrossFire – A non-repellent aerosol that penetrates hidden harborage areas and keeps killing for up to 4 weeks.
- Phantom – This popular insecticide provides instant knockdown and leave an invisible barrier to kill bed bugs for up to 8 weeks.
- Temprid FX – A fast-acting spray with both immediate and long-lasting residual killing effects on bed bugs.
Combining liquid residual sprays in cracks and crevices with misting applications over open areas provides thorough treatment coverage to eliminate bed bug infestations.
Professional vs. DIY Bed Bug Treatment
Both professional pest control and do-it-yourself application of bed bug products can be effective. Professionals have specialized tools, equipment and experience treating bed bugs. However, DIY bed bug treatment costs a fraction of the price and can work well when applied thoroughly.
Some benefits of hiring a professional exterminator include:
- Trained expertise in detecting all bed bugs hiding spots.
- Access to professional-use pesticides not available to the public.
- Ability to apply heat and freezing treatments.
- Whole building or complex-wide bed bug elimination.
Benefits of DIY bed bug treatment include:
- Much lower cost than professional services.
- Control over when and how often to treat.
- Preventative bed bug treatments.
- No need to prepare for or wait around on treatments.
Overall, professional bed bug extermination offers the highest success rates, while DIY treatment provides a more affordable option for some situations.
Natural and Home Remedies to Kill Bed Bugs
There are also some natural and non-chemical methods that can be attempted to get rid of bed bugs. However, these natural options generally require more repetitive effort and have lower effectiveness than pesticide products.
Some homemade and natural bed bug remedies include:
- Essential oil sprays – Oils like tea tree, lavender, peppermint can kill bed bugs on contact.
- Diatomaceous earth – The sharp dust dehydrates the waxy coating on bed bugs.
- Silica gel – This desiccant dust also damages the protective outer layer of bed bugs.
- Traps – Double-sided tape or pitfall-style traps can capture bed bugs.
- Cold treatment – Extended exposure to below 0°F temperatures kills bed bugs.
- Heat treatment – Using a clothes dryer or other heat methods kills bed bugs with temperatures over 120°F.
The drawback of natural options is they typically take repeated, thorough applications and may miss bed bugs hidden in cracks and crevices. However, they can be used in addition to other treatment methods.
List of Bed Bug Killers
Here is a summary table of some of the top-rated bed bug sprays, dusts, insecticides and treatment products proven effective for getting rid of bed bug infestations:
| Product | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| CrossFire | Aerosol spray | Kills pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs. Provides residual control for up to 4 weeks. |
| Temprid FX | Liquid spray | Fast knockdown and long-lasting residual control up to 8 weeks. |
| Aprehend | Bio-insecticide spray | Made from fungal spores. Keeps killing bed bugs for up to 3 months. |
| Phantom | Aerosol spray | Undetectable residual treatment. Lasts up to 8 weeks. |
| CimeXa | Desiccant dust | Silica-based powder dehydrates bed bugs on contact. Long lasting. |
| EcoRaider | Botanical spray | Plant-based ingredients. Kills bed bugs in all life stages. |
| Bedlam Plus | Aerosol spray | Kills bed bugs fast. Provides up to 2 weeks of residual control. |
| Nuvan Prostrips | Gas fumigant | Effective fumigation treatment for whole structure bed bug elimination. |
Bed Bug Powders, Dusts and Diatomaceous Earth
Powders and dusts can be used to kill bed bugs in walls, cracks and crevices where liquid sprays may not reach. The fine particles adhere to the waxy coating on bed bugs and gradually cause dehydration and death.
Some of the best bed bug dusts include:
- CimeXa – Silica-based dust that quickly kills bed bugs. Provides long-lasting control.
- Diatomaceous Earth – Made from fossilized aquatic organisms. Natural insecticide dust.
- Alpine Dust – Contains Dinotefuran powder for long residual activity and killing action.
- Drione Dust – Pyrethrin-based powder with quick knockdown power and lasting effect.
Apply dusts into wall voids, cracks and crevices, around baseboards, and under furniture. The fine particles will stick to bed bugs traveling through treated areas.
Bed Bug Foggers, Bombs and Fumigation
Foggers, bombs, and fumigants can be used to treat large areas and spaces for bed bug removal. However, they are generally less effective than sprays and dusts unless confining the vapors in sealed spaces under tarps.
Some bed bug fumigation treatment options include:
- Total Release Foggers – Odorless, fine mist treatments for confined spaces like cars and storage boxes.
- Bug Bombs – Aerosol insecticide for treatment of unoccupied rooms.
- Nuvan Prostrips – Professional fumigation strips for whole building bed bug removal.
- Vikane Gas Fumigation – Powerful specialty fumigant only applied by licensed pest control companies.
Fumigation and space sprays are best suited for unoccupied structures and containment areas. Use foggers and spot treatments for vehicles, luggage, furniture and other items.
Bed Bug Traps and Monitors
Traps and monitors can be used to confirm the presence of bed bugs and evaluate treatment progress. While not a standalone treatment, they are useful bed bug detection tools.
Some bed bug traps and monitors include:
- Climbup Interceptors – Traps bed bugs trying to climb on furniture legs.
- BlackOut Bed Bug Detectors – Lures bed bugs into a hiding spot inside to confirm activity.
- SenSci Volcano – Releases CO2 to attract bed bugs into a pitfall trap.
- Cimexa Dusted Interceptors – Talc-lined traps cause bed bugs to dust themselves.
Place traps and monitors near beds, couches, and other high traffic areas. Inspect them regularly to detect the presence of bed bugs.
Whole-House Heat Treatments for Bed Bugs
Heating an entire house or apartment to over 120°F can effectively kill all bed bugs and eggs inside. Professional heat treatments involve heating the space using propane heaters and fans. Handheld electric or propane heaters can also be used to spot treat certain items and rooms.
Some benefits of heat treatments include:
- Kills bed bugs and eggs without using pesticides
- Penetrates deeply into furniture, carpets and belongings
- Used alone or to complement spray or dust treatments
- No need to dispose of furniture or belongings
The drawbacks are the high energy requirements, home preparation needed, and lack of residual effects unless combining with other methods.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs After Treatment
Completely eliminating bed bugs requires killing the entire population, including eggs. After using sprays, dusts, natural remedies or other treatments, you should take steps to prevent future infestations.
Some ways to prevent bed bugs include:
- Inspect and monitor regularly – Use traps and detectors to catch early signs of activity.
- Isolate the bed – Install interceptors under furniture legs to keep bugs away from sleeping areas.
- Seal cracks and crevices – Caulk and fill gaps in walls, floors, furniture to remove harborage sites.
- Clean and declutter – Regularly vacuum, wash bedding, and organize clutter to remove bed bugs.
- Protect mattresses and furniture – Encasements seal out bed bugs and make early detection easier.
- Be aware when traveling – Carefully inspect luggage and belongings after hotel stays.
Continual monitoring and prevention steps will help keep your home bed bug free after treatment and elimination.
Conclusion
Getting rid of bed bugs often takes repeated, thorough use of a combination of methods like sprays, dusts, steamers, traps, and heat treatments. No single pesticide or natural remedy alone will completely eliminate a bed bug problem. Professional treatment by exterminators offers the highest success rate, but DIY options are cheaper for some situations. Being aware of the fastest-acting and long-lasting bed bug killers, while also taking preventative measures, provides the best chance of eliminating bed bugs and keeping them away.