Get Rid of Bed Bugs ASAP with the 7 Best Bed Bug Sprays
Updated: Mar. 22, 2024
Send bed bugs packing with the best bed bug spray!
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There’s nothing pleasant about bed bugs. Bed bug infestations have been on the rise in recent years, and according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), that’s likely due to an increase in travel, along with a lack of knowledge about preventing infestations. Plus, bed bugs have developed increased resistance to pesticides, so you may need to be patient and stick with a plan to get rid of them.
While bed bugs don’t pose a serious health risk, they’re still pretty gross. If you find them in your bed, inside your luggage after a trip, or on your clothing or furniture, you’ll want to banish these pests as soon as possible. Luckily, we’ve found the best bed bug sprays to get the job done right.
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Best Overall Bed Bug Spray
Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug, Flea and Tick Killer
When it comes to bed bug sprays, Ortho’s Home Defense Max Spray gets our overall vote. The product comes in various formats to fit your needs, and buyers praise the spray for how well it works. The comfort wand makes it easy to spray in hard-to-reach places, while the aerosol formula covers large areas. The formula not only kills bed bugs, but their eggs as well, and it exterminates the toughest bugs that are resistant to pyrethroid, a chemical often used to kill insects.
Pros
- Available in several formats
- Kills live bugs and their eggs
- Unscented formula
- Also kills fleas and ticks
Cons
- Some buyers had problems with the nozzle getting clogged
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Best Budget Bed Bug Spray
Hot Shot Ready-to-Use Bed Bug Killer Spray
Don’t let Hot Shot’s low price on its bed bug killer spray fool you. This budget pick won’t break the bank, and it’s praised for its ease of use and effectiveness in getting rid of bed bug infestations. The spray kills both bed bugs and their eggs (to help avoid further infestation problems) along with fleas and dust mites. Use it indoors to spot-treat mattresses and bedding. Bonus: The water-based formula doesn’t leave stains!
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Kills live bugs and eggs
- Safe to use indoors
Cons
- Some may not like the smell
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Best Bed Bug Spray for Mattresses
Harris Egg Kill Bed Bug Killer
This egg-killing bed bug spray from Harris is different than other formulas, as it was designed with mattresses in mind. It’s also EPA-approved to use on clothing and luggage where bed bugs may be hiding. It has a different formula than the company’s bed bug spray on this list, but the two can be used together. The water-based formula is odorless and non-staining and leaves no visible residue. Use it to kill bed bugs and their eggs after a trip, helping to prevent an outbreak from taking hold in your home.
Pros
- Recommended to use on mattresses and box springs
- EPA-approved for clothing and luggage
- Can be used in combination with other products
- Affordable
Cons
- Shouldn’t be used more than once a day
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Best Eco-Friendly Bed Bug Spray
Eco Defense Bed Bug Spray
When it comes to natural bug repellents, Eco Defense’s Bed Bug Spray gets our nod for the best eco-friendly bed bug spray. This organic spray (with natural ingredients, I may add) eliminates bed bugs in all stages (eggs, nymphs and adults) on contact, and it won’t stain your bedding. Spray it directly on mattresses, linens, furniture and clothing. And since it’s made from natural ingredients, you won’t have to worry about fumes or dangerous chemicals.
“This product is amazing! It has killed all the bugs I can see when I search using a flashlight and all around the bed and under it, and along the walls in the room. And they were all dead and could be vacuumed up within an hour,” writes verified purchaser, Toniette Holden.
Pros
- Made with organic, natural chemicals
- Pleasant smell
- Kills live bugs, nymphs and eggs
- Non-staining formula
Cons
- Pricey
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Best Odorless Bed Bug Spray
BioAdvanced Bed Bug Killer Spray
Many bed bug treatments leave behind unpleasant odors, but BioAdvanced’s Bed Bug Killer Spray doesn’t! This best bed bug spray kills both live bugs and eggs (along with those resistant to pyrethroid), as well as fleas and ticks. It’s safe to use on mattresses, upholstered furniture and luggage. Buyers also note it works well on various insects, including spiders and roaches. However, it is worth noting that this product shouldn’t be sprayed around pets or children.
“We have used it after coming home from trips to spray our luggage to kill any bug that decided to follow us home. We also have started to spray around our foundation to keep spiders and ants away. It’s easy to apply and no strong odor,” writes verified buyer, Rolly.
Pros
- No unpleasant odor
- Kills several types of pests
- Affordable
- Works continuously for 30 days
Cons
- Not safe for use around children or pets
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Best Bed Bug Spray for Traveling
Bed Bug Spray by Bed Bug Patrol
If you travel a lot, consider putting Bed Bug Patrol’s Bed Bug Spray in your suitcase or carry-on. This non-toxic, 100% natural formula is eco-friendly and comes in a TSA-approved 3.2-ounce container. It kills bed bugs in every cycle of life form, including pesticide-resistant adults. It’s child- and pet-safe, and you won’t have to worry about any toxic fumes. Spray it on mattresses, bedding, upholstery, clothing, carpeting and walls.
Pros
- Convenient travel size
- Non-toxic, natural formula
- Kills bed bugs in all stages of life
- Safe for kids and pets
Cons
- Pricey
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Best Bed Bug Spray for the Whole House
Harris Bed Bug Killer
If you have a whole-house bed bug infestation, you’ll want to check out Harris’ Bed Bug Killer. This formula kills live bugs and eggs and those resistant to pyrethroid. With the easy-to-use wand, you can spray in hard-to-reach areas, including in closets and between the seats in your car. The best part is that it offers residual protection for up to 16 weeks. Note that the formula does contain imidacloprid, which is toxic to people and pets.
Pros
- Comes in a 1 gallon container
- Easy to use
- Won’t stain fabrics
- Protects for up to 16 weeks
Cons
- Toxic to people and pets
What to Consider When Buying Bed Bug Spray
If you’re sure you have bed bugs and are looking for the best option for your needs, consider each spray’s design. Do you need to spot-treat one area of your home, such as a mattress, or will you need an option that works to eliminate bed bugs and their eggs throughout your entire home? Many sprays are specifically designed to be used on mattresses, while others can be used on various items, such as clothing, luggage, upholstery and carpeting. Also, consider how the treatment works—some are meant to be used more than once, while others have longer-lasting effects.
If you have pets or small children, look at the ingredients. While many bed bug sprays have chemicals that are toxic to people and pets, there are some on the market made of natural, non-toxic ingredients. Finally, some bed bug sprays can be used to kill other pesky insects, such as fleas, ticks and dust mites.
How We Found the Best Bed Bug Sprays
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject-matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
How long do bed bugs live after spraying?
When using sprays, most bed bugs will be killed in a few hours or less. It’s not uncommon to see more bed bugs come out after a spray is used, as the bugs are trying to escape the chemicals sprayed on them.
How often should you spray for bed bugs?
In many instances, it may take up to three to four spray treatments to completely eradicate bed bugs from your home. Be sure to follow all instructions on the product’s label for best results.
Originally Published: March 22, 2024
