How long do bedbugs die after being treated with Gektor? - briefly
Bedbugs generally succumb within 24–48 hours after contact with Gektor, with most individuals dead by the end of the second day.
How long do bedbugs die after being treated with Gektor? - in detail
Gektor, a commercial insecticide formulated with pyrethroid active ingredients, acts on the nervous system of Cimex lectularius, causing rapid paralysis and death. Mortality typically occurs within 30 minutes to 2 hours after direct contact with a properly applied dose. The exact interval depends on several variables:
- Concentration and coverage: Full‑strength spray applied to all harborages ensures the shortest lethal time. Diluted solutions or missed spots can extend the period to several hours.
- Life stage: Adult insects usually succumb faster than early‑instar nymphs, which may require up to 4 hours for complete knock‑down.
- Environmental conditions: Temperatures above 20 °C accelerate metabolic activity and increase the speed of toxin absorption; cooler environments slow the process.
- Resistance level: Populations with documented pyrethroid resistance may survive beyond the typical window, sometimes requiring 24 hours or more for observable mortality.
After the initial kill, Gektor retains residual activity for 2–4 weeks, suppressing re‑infestation by affecting newly emerging bugs that contact treated surfaces. For optimal results, repeat applications are advised after 7–10 days to target any survivors that were protected by shelter or sub‑lethal exposure during the first treatment.
In summary, a correctly executed Gektor treatment eliminates most adult bed bugs within an hour, while nymphs and resistant strains may require up to several hours, with ongoing residual effects extending control for weeks.