How do bedbug control products work? - briefly
They use insecticidal chemicals that interfere with nerve function or desiccating agents that compromise the cuticle, causing swift death. Certain products also contain growth regulators that halt development, suppressing the infestation over time.
How do bedbug control products work? - in detail
Bedbug management solutions rely on several mechanisms that target the insect’s physiology or environment. Chemical formulations typically contain active ingredients that interfere with the nervous system, disrupt water balance, or inhibit development.
- «pyrethroids» bind to voltage‑gated sodium channels, causing rapid paralysis and death.
- «neonicotinoids» attach to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, leading to continuous nerve firing and exhaustion.
- «desiccants» such as diatomaceous earth abrade the cuticle, accelerating dehydration.
- «insect growth regulators» mimic juvenile hormones, preventing molting and reproduction.
Non‑chemical approaches modify conditions to which bedbugs are vulnerable.
- Heat treatment raises ambient temperature to 50‑55 °C, denaturing proteins and inducing mortality within minutes.
- Cold exposure below –17 °C for several days freezes cellular fluids, resulting in lethal ice formation.
- Carbon dioxide fumigation simulates a host cue, driving insects out of hiding where they become exposed to contact agents.
- Vacuum extraction physically removes adults and nymphs from infested surfaces.
Physical barriers, such as mattress encasements, create an impermeable shield that prevents feeding and limits population growth. Monitoring traps employ attractants like pheromones or heat sources to capture active individuals, providing early detection and confirming treatment efficacy.
Effective control programs combine multiple tactics to address resistance, hideouts, and life‑stage variability. Selection of products should consider the specific mode of action, exposure duration, and compatibility with the treated environment.