How does a bed bug product work on bed bugs? - briefly
The formulation releases a chemical that penetrates the insect’s cuticle, interferes with neural signaling, and kills the pest quickly. Residual activity on treated surfaces continues to affect any subsequent bugs that contact it.
How does a bed bug product work on bed bugs? - in detail
Bed‑bug control products act through one or more of the following mechanisms:
- Neurotoxic chemicals – synthetic pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, or organophosphates bind to nerve‑cell receptors, causing rapid paralysis and death. Formulations may include synergists that inhibit the insect’s detoxification enzymes, increasing potency.
- Desiccant agents – silica gel, diatomaceous earth, or boric acid abrade the protective wax layer of the exoskeleton. Loss of moisture leads to dehydration and mortality within hours to days.
- Growth‑regulating compounds – juvenile hormone analogues disrupt molting cycles, preventing nymphs from reaching reproductive adulthood. Repeated exposure reduces population over several generations.
- Thermal treatments – portable heaters raise ambient temperature to 45‑50 °C for a prescribed period, exceeding the thermal tolerance of all life stages. Heat penetrates cracks and crevices, ensuring contact with hidden insects.
- Physical traps – interceptors or adhesive devices placed under bed legs capture crawling bugs, allowing monitoring of infestation levels and removal of captured individuals.
Effective products combine at least two of these actions to overcome resistance and to reach bugs concealed in fabric, seams, and wall voids. Application guidelines typically require thorough coverage of infested surfaces, repeated treatments according to the product’s residual activity, and integration with sanitation measures such as vacuuming and laundering to eliminate eggs and debris.