Send bed bugs packing with the best bed bug spray!
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Get Rid of Bed Bugs ASAP with the 7 Best Bed Bug Sprays
Updated Aug. 06, 2024
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 complete the job.
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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 for 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, pay attention to 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—they are still effective. Still, you might need to use them a specific way or more times than you expect to work properly. Finally, some bed bug sprays can be used to kill other pesky insects, such as fleas, ticks and dust mites; this can be a handy bonus if your pest problem goes beyond just bed bugs.
It’s also important to remember the type of spray it is. For instance, some bed bug sprays are called “contact spray,” meaning they only work if they directly contact the bed bugs. If you’re using this kind of spray, it has to actually touch the bugs when you spray it to work. This makes it relatively safer to use places where you might rest your head, like your mattress, but it does mean getting a little more up-close and personal with those pests to get the job done right.
How We Found the Best Bed Bug Sprays
To start, we researched bed bug sprays to get a better idea of the larger space, paying special attention to the trustworthy brands on the market. Then, we narrowed down a selection of available sprays based on their ingredients, available sizes, uses (indoor vs. outdoor, etc.), price, and more. Finally, we pared that list to a more focused collection of the best options based on expert testimony and user reviews. The resulting list is a collection of what we truly believe are the best bed bug sprays currently available for purchase.
Why You Should Trust Us
Rachel Brougham spent years working in newsrooms for television and newspapers and has won several awards for her writing. She has also spent over seven years contributing to Family Handyman, specializing in shopping and home content, including pest control (like bed bug sprays). She is also an avid gardener and recently embarked on a full home remodel. She has used her professional and personal experience to inform her expertise on home content, which you can see here.
FAQ
How long do bed bugs live after spraying?
When using sprays, most bed bugs will be killed in a few hours or less. However, it’s not uncommon to see more bed bugs emerge after a spray is used, as the bugs try to escape the chemicals sprayed on them. If you’re unsure about your results, you can consult the instructions on the product label.
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. And remember: just because you keep seeing bed bugs after spraying, it doesn’t mean the spray isn’t working; it just may take a bit longer/more sprays to get the job done.
What do you spray on a mattress for bed bugs?
There are a lot of bug sprays and pesticides on the market, but one of the things to be the most careful with regarding bed bug sprays is that bed bugs, in particular, live in a place you spend a lot of time (and have a lot of physical contact with). As such, you want to be extra careful to avoid chemicals that might be harmful to you and your loved ones. Luckily, bed bug-specific sprays are often rated for low toxicity—and it’ll say it right there on the labels.
Originally Published: March 22, 2024
