What products can be used to fight bedbugs? - briefly
Effective treatments include EPA‑registered insecticide sprays, heat‑treatment devices, mattress and box‑spring encasements, diatomaceous earth, and professional fumigation services.
What products can be used to fight bedbugs? - in detail
Effective bed‑bug eradication relies on a combination of chemical and non‑chemical agents.
Chemical insecticides approved for residential use include synthetic pyrethroids such as permethrin and bifenthrin, which target the nervous system of the insects. Neonicotinoid compounds, for example imidacloprid, act on nicotinic receptors and provide an alternate mode of action. Desiccant powders, primarily diatomaceous earth and silica gel, abrade the insect cuticle, leading to dehydration. For hidden infestations, aerosol foggers and residual sprays containing pyrethrins or chlorfenapyr can penetrate cracks and crevices. All products must bear the EPA registration label and be applied according to manufacturer instructions to ensure efficacy and safety.
Non‑chemical methods complement chemical treatments. Heat therapy raises ambient temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 90 minutes, a threshold that kills all life stages. Commercial steam generators deliver temperatures above 100 °C directly to mattresses, furniture seams, and carpet edges. Cryogenic approaches use portable freezers to maintain temperatures below –18 °C (0 °F) for several days, disrupting the life cycle. Vacuuming with a HEPA‑filtered unit removes visible insects and eggs; debris should be sealed and discarded promptly.
Physical barriers prevent re‑infestation. Mattress and box‑spring encasements constructed from tightly woven fabric trap any remaining bugs and block new entry. Intercepting devices—sticky traps coated with pheromones or carbon dioxide—monitor activity and capture wandering insects, providing data on population levels.
When selecting products, prioritize those with documented residual activity lasting at least four weeks, and verify compatibility with household materials to avoid damage. Combine at least two distinct mechanisms—chemical, thermal, or mechanical—to reduce the likelihood of resistance development. Proper personal protective equipment, ventilation, and adherence to label warnings are essential throughout the treatment process.