What is used to poison bedbugs? - briefly
Insecticidal products such as pyrethroid sprays (e.g., permethrin, deltamethrin) and neonicotinoid dusts (e.g., imidacloprid) are commonly employed to kill bedbugs, while silica‑based powders like diatomaceous earth act as a desiccant poison.Insecticidal products such as pyrethroid sprays (e.g., permethrin, deltamethrin) and neonicotinoid dusts (e.g., imidacloprid) are commonly employed to kill bedbugs, while silica‑based powders like diatomaceous earth act as a desiccant poison.
What is used to poison bedbugs? - in detail
Chemical control of bed‑bug infestations relies on a limited set of insecticides that act by neurotoxic or desiccating mechanisms.
Pyrethroid‑based sprays (e.g., permethrin, deltamethrin, bifenthrin) target voltage‑gated sodium channels, causing paralysis and death. Formulations include ready‑to‑use aerosols, concentrate‑to‑spray, and residual foggers. Resistance to pyrethroids is common; rotation with a different class reduces selection pressure.
Neonicotinoids (e.g., imidacloprid, thiamethoxam) bind to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, leading to overstimulation of the nervous system. They are supplied as liquids for surface treatment and as dusts for cracks and crevices.
Chlorfenapyr, a pro‑insecticide, disrupts oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. It is applied as a liquid spray for wall voids and baseboards, effective against pyrethroid‑resistant populations.
Desiccant powders, such as diatomaceous earth, silica gel, and synthetic amorphous silica, abrade the insect’s cuticle, causing loss of moisture and death. These powders are spread in voids, under furniture, and in mattress seams; they require prolonged contact (several days) for maximum effect.
Bait formulations combine a feeding attractant with a slow‑acting toxin (e.g., fipronil). Baits are placed in harborages; insects ingest the poison and spread it through grooming and cannibalism.
Professional-grade aerosol foggers (cold‑fog or heat‑fog) disperse fine droplets of pyrethroid or chlorfenapyr throughout a room, reaching hidden areas. Proper sealing of the space and ventilation after treatment are essential for safety.
Safety considerations: wear protective gloves and respirators, evacuate occupants and pets, follow label‑specified exposure times, and dispose of contaminated materials according to local regulations.
Integrated pest management recommends combining chemical treatments with non‑chemical measures: laundering infested fabrics at ≥ 60 °C, encasing mattresses, vacuuming crevices, and reducing clutter to limit refuge sites. This synergy enhances control efficacy and delays resistance development.