5 Best Bed Bug and Pest Control Products for your Home

How to Spray for Bed Bugs

1. Spray liquid insecticides or aerosols.
2. Spray around and under the bed and along the baseboards near the bed (depending on size of room, it might be worth doing the boards around the whole space)
3. After removing the drawers from the furniture, the inside of the cabinetry should be sprayed, and the bottom and sides of the drawers.
4. Do not treat the inside of the drawers. If needed, the clothes in the drawers should be removed and laundered.
5. Use Bed Bug Spray around the inside of closets, door frames, and doors.
6. Spray molding at the top and bottom of the room.
7. Apply bed bug spray around windows.
8. Spray seams of drawers, both top and bottom.
9. Spray dressers from below. Spray where dressers touch the floor.
10. Spray where the bed touches the floor, and spray chairs and underneath chairs.
11. Spray all baseboards, loose plaster, behind bed frames and headboards, beneath beds and furniture, and bedsprings and bed frames to get rid of bed bugs in other hiding places.

Note: Do not apply to furniture surfaces or mattresses where people will be laying or sitting unless using a product labeled for that type of bedbug treatment. Infested bedding should not be treated but should be removed, placed in sealed plastic bags, and taken for laundering and drying at a high temperature.

Using Bed Bug Spray Like a Pro: a Battle Plan

So, you’ve found yourself facing the dreaded bed bug invasion. You have our empathy. These tiny terrors might be small, but they pack a mighty punch when it comes to disrupting your peace of mind and your sleeping habits. Though, fear not, brave homeowner! With the right strategy, your new trusty bed bug spray can become your best ally against bug of all kinds. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this battlefield:

Step 1: Know Your Enemy

Before you even think about wielding spray, you need to understand your adversary. Bed bugs are nocturnal pests that love to hide in cracks and crevices near where you sleep. They’re the ninjas of the insect world, so your approach needs to be both strategic and thorough.

Step 2: Choose Your Weapon Wisely

Not all bed bug sprays are created equal. Make sure you pick a product that’s specifically designed to kill bed bugs. Look for key ingredients like pyrethroids or neonicotinoids, as these are effective against these resilient critters. Also, consider whether you want a spray that offers residual protection, meaning it continues to kill bed bugs long after you’ve sprayed. This is the best type to go with, in our opinion.

Check out DIY Pest Control, PremoGuard, and Green Bean Buddy!

Step 3: Prep the Battlefield

Preparation is key to a successful campaign. Start by de-cluttering the area you plan to treat. Bed bugs love to hide, so the fewer places they have to conceal themselves, the better. Remove any items that could be damaged by the spray, and make sure to wash and dry all bedding, curtains, and clothing on the highest heat setting. Heat is one of bed bugs' greatest enemies.

Step 4: Attack Strategically

Now comes the fun part. Here’s how to apply your bed bug spray effectively:

1. Shake It Up - Most bed bug sprays require a good shake before use. This ensures that the active ingredients are well-mixed and ready to do their job.
2. Target High-Risk Areas - Focus on spraying areas where bed bugs are most likely to hide. This includes:
   • Mattress seams and folds
   • Box springs
   • Bed frames and headboards
   • Cracks and crevices in walls and floors
   • Baseboards and moldings
   • Upholstered furniture
3. Apply Evenly - Hold the spray can about 8-10 inches away from the surface you’re treating. Apply a light, even coating. Don’t drench the area—more spray doesn’t mean more effectiveness. You want to avoid making surfaces wet, as this can cause damage.
4. Don’t Forget the Details - Pay special attention to small spaces where bed bugs can hide, like electrical outlets and behind picture frames. If the spray comes with a nozzle attachment, use it to get into those hard-to-reach spots.

Step 5: Timing is Everything

When it comes to bed bug eradication, patience is key. Here’s a suggested timeline:

1. Initial Treatment - Your first spray session is the most crucial. This is your big offensive move, so be thorough.
2. Follow-Up Treatments - Bed bugs are notoriously resilient, and eggs can hatch after your initial treatment. Plan to reapply the spray every 7-10 days for at least 2-3 weeks. This ensures you’re catching any newly hatched bugs before they can start a new generation.
3. Long-Term Maintenance - Even after you think you’ve won the war, it’s wise to remain vigilant. Monthly treatments for the next few months can help ensure that any stragglers are eliminated.

Step 6: Safety First

Using bed bug spray isn’t just about effectiveness—it’s also about safety. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Ventilate the Area - Make sure the room you’re treating is well-ventilated. Open windows and use fans to keep the air moving.
2. Protect Yourself - Wear gloves and, if necessary, a mask to avoid direct contact with the spray. Some sprays can be irritating to the skin or respiratory system.
3. Keep Pets and Children Away - Ensure that pets and children are out of the room while you’re spraying and for a few hours afterward. Bed bug sprays can be harmful if ingested or inhaled by curious little ones.

It might be smart to invest in an air purifier if you don't have one already! They make a significant difference and can obviously be used well after your bed bug campaign is over.

Step 7: Monitor the Situation

After each treatment, monitor the area for signs of bed bugs:

• Bite Marks: New bites on your skin are a telltale sign that some bed bugs may have survived.
• Sightings: Check for live bugs, especially during the night.
• Fecal Spots: Look for tiny black or brown spots on your bedding or furniture.

Step 8: Know When to Call Reinforcements

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, bed bugs can be particularly stubborn. If you’re still seeing signs of them after several treatments, it might be time to call in professional exterminators. They have access to stronger treatments and can use heat or steam treatments that aren’t available to the general public.

Step 9: Prevent Future Infestations

Once you’ve eradicated the bed bugs, you’ll want to keep them from coming back. Here’s how:

1. Regular Inspections - Make it a habit to regularly inspect your bedding and furniture for signs.
2. Cleanliness is Key - Keep your home clean and clutter-free. Regular vacuuming, especially in high-risk areas, can help prevent bed bugs from settling in.
3. Be Cautious When Traveling - Bed bugs love to hitchhike. When traveling, inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs, and keep your luggage off the floor. When you return home, immediately wash and dry your clothes on high heat.
4. Protective Covers - Consider using bed bug-proof mattress and box spring encasements. These covers trap any existing bed bugs inside and prevent new ones from getting in.

Step 10: Keep Calm and Carry On

Dealing with bed bugs can be stressful, but remember—you’re not alone in this fight. Millions of people have successfully eradicated these pests from their homes, and with perseverance and the right approach, you will too. Stay positive, follow these steps, and soon enough, your home will be a bed bug-free zone!