“Goodnight, don’t let the bed bugs bite” is a phrase common to all children in the English speaking world. Why? Because bed bug bites are absolutely awful, obviously. These tiny pests will leave red welts and itchy spots on your skin, sometimes lasting for weeks.
Contrary to popular belief, bed bug infestations are not necessarily indicative of a dirty home — they can happen to anyone. Bed bugs thrive in almost any condition, especially where there’s a nearby source of their favorite snack: blood.
Eliminating these terrible bugs isn’t easy because they are as elusive as ghosts, or UFOs. They spend most of their time avoiding the light in impossibly tiny spaces, which can make detection even harder. They’re also resilient. In fact, they can even develop resistance to regular pesticides.
If you’re suffering from an infestation, we’re here to help. We put together this list of the most effective bed bug treatments you can use at the first sign of trouble.
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Our Top 5 List
- Best Eco-friendly Option – MDXConcepts Bed Bug Killer
- Best All-Around – Bed Bug Killer by EcoRaider
- Best Budget Option – Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug, Flea and Tick Killer
- Best For Large Spaces – HARRIS Bed Bug Killer
- Best Spray Foam Option – Raid Bed Bug Foaming Spray
- BONUS: Best For Bed Bug Detection – Raid Bed Bug Detector & Trap
Best Eco-Friendly Option
At $1.49 per oz, the Bed Bug Killer from MDXConcepts is one of the most expensive remedies on the market. However, it makes our list because it is made from all-natural ingredients, making it the safest option for your family and pets. It uses a combination of vinegar, peppermint oil, and spearmint oil, so it doesn’t give off any noxious odors. This stuff is perfect to travel with, giving you worry-free sleep anywhere.
Best All-Around
The Bed Bug Killer by EcoRaider is another safe, non-toxic insecticide. Its proven performance sets it apart from other similar pesticides. This spray is totally inert to humans and pets because the active ingredients directly target insects neuron transmitters. This means any bug that comes into contact with this EcoRaider bug spray will instantly lose mobility.
Although totally harmless to humans, you might want to leave the room when you use this spray because of its unpleasant smell.
Best Budget Option
At only 5¢ per gallon, the Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug, Flea, and Tick Killer is the ultimate bargain. It comes with a handy wand applicator that makes it easy to access all the hard to reach spots that bugs might be hiding in. You can also use it as a spot treatment around mattress seams, bed frames, and baseboards.
Best For Large Spaces
If you’re looking to eradicate bugs over a very large area, the Harris Bed Bug Killer is a great choice. This spray continues to eliminate bed bugs up to 16 weeks after the initial application due to its long residual formula. It’s the perfect option for more challenging bug infestations.
Best Spray Foam Option
RAID is undoubtably the top household name in pest control. This spray foam product has made our list because the foam easily expands into hard-to-reach places, something regular sprays can have trouble with. Raid Bed Bug Foaming Spray is so effective that kills bed bugs on surfaces for more than 4 weeks after initial application. Like other chemical sprays on this list, it has a strong smell — so you should clear the room after your application. If you have a serious infestation on your hands, this is one of the best spray foams on the market.
BONUS: Best For Bed Bug Detection
The key to effective prevention of bug infestations is early detection. This Raid Bed-bug detector not only helps you to detect bugs, but it also traps them — allowing you to prevent a serious infestation before it starts.
Final Thoughts
Bed bugs are one of the most difficult pests to get rid of. When you spot an infestation, it’s important to find the most effective bug spray to nip it in the bud quickly. Before you hire expensive fumigators, try our recommendations and sleep easy.