How long does carbofos act on bedbugs? - briefly
Carbofos retains insecticidal activity against bedbugs for roughly two to three weeks after treatment, killing most insects within 24–48 hours. Residual effectiveness may last up to 30 days under favorable environmental conditions.
How long does carbofos act on bedbugs? - in detail
Carbofos, an organophosphate insecticide, exerts neurotoxic effects on bed‑bug nervous systems within hours of contact. Immediate knock‑down typically occurs within 24 hours, with mortality reaching 90 % by the second day after exposure.
The residual activity of the product depends on formulation, application rate, and environmental conditions. Under laboratory conditions on smooth, non‑porous surfaces, a standard dose maintains lethal potency for approximately 10–14 days. Field trials on upholstered furniture and mattresses show effective control for 7–12 days, after which surviving individuals may re‑emerge.
Key factors influencing the duration of efficacy:
- Surface type: Hard, non‑absorbent materials retain the chemical longer than porous fabrics.
- Temperature: Higher ambient temperatures accelerate degradation, shortening residual life.
- Humidity: Moderate humidity (40–60 %) supports stability; very low or high levels increase breakdown.
- Dosage: Recommended label rates provide the longest documented residual effect; under‑dosing reduces the period of activity.
- Resistance: Populations with documented organophosphate resistance exhibit reduced mortality and shorter effective periods.
To maximize control, apply the product at the label‑specified concentration, target all known harborages, and repeat treatment after the residual window expires, typically after two weeks. Monitoring for re‑infestation should begin at day 10 to confirm that residual activity remains sufficient.