Discovering bed bugs in your home is a moment you won’t soon forget. These tiny, blood-feeding insects can quickly turn your peaceful sleep into an itchy nightmare. Once you realize you’re dealing with an infestation, you need effective solutions—fast. Among the various treatment options, bed bug sprays stand out as accessible, affordable options for DIY pest control. This guide covers everything you need to know about the best bed bug sprays on the market, how to use them effectively, and even how to make your own.
Our Top Bed Bug Spray Picks at a Glance
Editor’s Choice
People’s Choice
Pet-Friendly
Top 9 Best Bed Bug Sprays Reviewed
When buying bed bug sprays, look for products with proven ingredients that target these resilient pests. After extensive research and testing, these products stand out as the most effective bed bug sprays you can buy.
Bed Bug Spray Comparison Chart
| Product | Kill Speed | Residual Protection | Kills Eggs | Pet/Child Safety* | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayer Advanced | Fast (minutes) | 30 days | Yes | Low (avoid direct contact) | $$$ |
| Eco Defense | Fast (minutes) | 7-10 days | Yes | High (natural formula) | $$$ |
| EcoRaider | Medium (minutes to hours) | 14 days | Yes | High (non-toxic) | $$$ |
| Hot Shot | Fast (minutes) | 7-14 days | With egg kill formula | Low (avoid direct contact) | $$ |
| Raid Max | Fast (minutes) | Up to 12 months | Yes | Low (avoid direct contact) | $$ |
| JT Eaton (Red) | Very Fast (immediate) | Minimal | Yes | Low-Medium | $$ |
| JT Eaton (Blue/Yellow) | Slow (24 hours) | 12 weeks | Yes | Medium | $$ |
| Bed Bug Patrol | Medium (minutes to hours) | 7-10 days | Yes | High (natural formula) | $$$ |
| Harris | Medium (hours) | 7-14 days | With egg kill formula | Medium | $$ |
| Homemade Solutions | Variable (hours) | 1-3 days | Limited effectiveness | Medium-High (depends on ingredients) | $ |
* Even products marked “High” for safety should be used with caution and according to label directions. Keep all products away from children and pets during application and drying periods.
Price Range: $ = Under $10, $$ = $10-25, $$$ = $25+
Bayer BioAdvanced Home Pest Killer
Editor's ChoiceHow Does It Work
How to Use
- Shake container well before use
- Test on inconspicuous area if using on fabrics
- Use spray nozzle to target cracks, crevices, and other hiding spots
- Apply an even, continuous layer (no need to saturate surfaces)
- Allow areas to dry completely before reuse
- Water-based formula with no oily residue
- No strong odor
- Kills adult bed bugs and eggs
- 30-day residual protection
- Available in various sizes
- Spray nozzle may cause hand fatigue with extended use
- May need additional products for severe infestations
- For indoor use only
Eco Defense Bed Bug Killer
People's Choice
How Does It Work
How to Use
- Spray directly on infested areas
- Focus on mattresses, bed frames, and furniture where bed bugs hide
- Can be safely used on bedding and fabrics without staining
- Repeat application as needed based on infestation level
- 100% natural and organic ingredients
- No staining on fabrics
- Safe for household environment
- Kills on contact
- Pleasant scent compared to chemical alternatives
- May produce a slightly strong scent for people with asthma
- Might require more frequent application than chemical alternatives
EcoRaider Bed Bug Killer
Pet-Friendly
How Does It Work
How to Use
- Apply directly to mattresses, box springs, and furniture
- Spray into cracks and crevices where bed bugs hide
- Can be used around children's beds and rooms safely
- Allow treated areas to dry completely
- Reapply every two weeks as needed
- Kills bed bugs instantly on contact
- 100% natural formulation
- Non-toxic and eco-friendly
- Effective against resistant bed bugs
- Extended residual protection
- Has a stronger scent, though it's bearable
- May require multiple applications for severe infestations
Hot Shot Bed Bug Killer
Fast-Acting
How Does It Work
How to Use
- Shake container well before use
- Spray wherever bed bugs have been spotted
- Target cracks, crevices, bed frames, headboards, and footboards
- Use enough spray to dampen the area without soaking
- Allow surfaces to dry completely before use
- For severe infestations, combine with Hot Shot Egg Kill and Hot Shot Fogger
- Water-based formula doesn't leave oily residue
- Pre-mixed and ready to use
- Available in several sizes
- Good customer service
- Money-back guarantee
- Spray nozzle may cause hand cramping with prolonged use
- Spot treatment only; may need other products for severe infestations
- Indoor use only
- Not safe around people with respiratory problems
Raid Max Bed Bug Crack & Crevice Extended Protection Spray
Long-Lasting
How Does It Work
How to Use
- Shake container well
- Hold upright with nozzle pointing away from you
- Stand 8-10 inches from area to be sprayed
- Spray each square foot for 5 seconds (13 seconds for eggs)
- Use extender wand for cracks and crevices
- Vacate room after treatment until spray has dried
- Don't use in same area more than once daily
- Trusted brand with proven effectiveness
- Kills insects at all development stages
- 12-month protective barrier against reinfestation
- Precision wand reaches deep hiding spots
- Doesn't stain water-safe fabrics and surfaces
- Not for use on animals or humans
- Requires evacuation of treated areas during application
- Strong formula requires careful handling
- Not suitable for use in gardens or on food crops
JT Eaton Kills Bed Bugs Spray
Triple Formula Options
How Does It Work
How to Use
- Identify bed bug hiding zones first
- For quick kills, apply oil-based Red Label spray
- For longer protection, follow with water-based Blue Label
- Use low-pressure spray for baseboards, loose plaster, bed frames
- For cracks and crevices, adjust to single stream for penetration
- Allow treated areas to dry completely
- Multiple formulation options for different needs
- Red Label offers quick killing with natural pyrethrum
- Water-based formulas provide 12-week residual protection
- Non-staining on household items
- One-year limited warranty
- Water-based formulas take longer to penetrate and kill
- Oil-based formula has limited residual protection
- May require multiple applications
- Different formulas can be confusing for first-time users
Other Effective Bed Bug Sprays
Bed Bug Patrol
A 100% natural spray with a pleasant clover/peppermint scent. Safe to use on furniture and bedding without staining. Kills bed bugs within minutes of contact and continues working after the spray has dried.
- Natural ingredients
- Pleasant peppermint scent
- Safe for use near children and pets
- Non-staining formula
Harris Bed Bug Killer
An odorless, water-based spray made with deltamethrin that kills bed bugs on contact. Works well when used with Harris Diatomaceous Earth Powder for comprehensive bed bug control.
- Odorless formula
- Non-staining
- Safe for use on mattresses
- Works with other Harris products
Ortho Home Defense Max
Made with imidacloprid and other ingredients designed to kill even pyrethroid-resistant bugs. This fast-acting formula provides long-lasting protection and is guaranteed to kill bed bugs quickly.
- Kills resistant bed bugs
- Fast-acting formula
- Long-lasting protection
- Available in several sizes
How to Apply Bed Bug Spray Effectively
Proper application of bed bug spray is crucial for successful elimination. Here are key steps to follow:
Where to Spray for Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are masters of hiding in tiny spaces. Make sure to target these key areas:
Bed Components
- Mattress seams, buttons, tears, and holes
- Box spring, especially corners and under the dust cover
- Bed frame, headboard, and footboard
- Areas where the bed meets the wall
Furniture & Fixtures
- Nightstands and dressers (inside and underneath)
- Upholstered furniture seams and cushions
- Behind pictures and wall décor
- Behind switch plates and around light fixtures
Structural Elements
- Baseboards and moldings
- Carpet edges and tack strips
- Wall cracks and peeling wallpaper
- Door and window frames
Remember that bed bugs can fit into spaces as thin as a credit card. If you’re dealing with an infestation, it’s better to be thorough and treat more areas than to miss potential hiding spots.
DIY Homemade Bed Bug Spray
If you prefer natural solutions or need immediate action while waiting for commercial products, you can make effective bed bug sprays at home using common household items.
| DIY Solution | Ingredients | Effectiveness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lavender Oil Spray | 20 drops lavender oil, 10 drops tea tree oil, 2 cups water, 1 tbsp dish soap | Contact killer with mild repellent properties | Sensitive individuals, mild infestations |
| Tea Tree Oil Spray | 25 drops tea tree oil, 2 cups water, 1 tbsp dish soap | Effective contact killer, stronger than lavender | General use, stronger natural action |
| Rubbing Alcohol Spray | 91% isopropyl alcohol (undiluted) | Strong contact killer, dries quickly | Fast action, non-fabric surfaces |
| Lysol Spray | Commercial Lysol disinfectant spray | Moderate effectiveness, repellent properties | Quick stopgap treatment |
| Ammonia Solution | 1 part ammonia to 1 part water | Moderate to high (toxic to bed bugs) | Non-fabric surfaces, severe infestations |
Essential Oil Bed Bug Sprays
Lavender Oil Spray
Ingredients: 20 drops lavender oil, 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon dish soap
Mixing: Add essential oils and dish soap to water in a spray bottle and shake well.
Effectiveness: Lavender contains linalool and linalyl acetate which can kill bed bugs through contact while also acting as a repellent.
Application: Spray directly on bed bugs and their hiding spots, particularly mattress seams and furniture crevices. Reapply every 3-4 days.
Tea Tree Oil Spray
Ingredients: 25 drops tea tree oil, 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon dish soap
Mixing: Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake thoroughly.
Effectiveness: The terpenes in tea tree oil disrupt bed bugs’ nervous systems and penetrate their exoskeletons.
Application: Focus on applying to cracks, crevices, and bed frames. Refresh every 2-3 days for best results.
Household Chemical Solutions
Rubbing Alcohol Spray
Ingredients: 91% isopropyl alcohol (undiluted) in a spray bottle
Effectiveness: Kills bed bugs on contact by dissolving their outer shells and desiccating their bodies.
Caution: Highly flammable – keep away from heat sources, flames, and electrical outlets. Test on fabrics first as it may cause damage.
Application: Spray directly on visible bed bugs and suspected hiding spots. Ensure proper ventilation during use.
Lysol Spray
Ingredients: Commercial Lysol disinfectant spray
Effectiveness: Contains chemicals that can kill bed bugs upon direct contact.
Application: Spray directly on bed bugs and into cracks and crevices. Let dry completely before contact.
Limitations: Limited residual effect; best as a supplementary treatment.
Ammonia Solution
Ingredients: 1 part household ammonia to 1 part water
Effectiveness: Toxic to bed bugs through both contact and fumigation effect.
Caution: Strong fumes can be harmful – use only in well-ventilated areas and never mix with bleach or other cleaning products.
Application: Best for non-fabric surfaces; spray along baseboards, cracks, and bed frames.
Types of Bed Bug Sprays
Understanding the different types of bed bug sprays can help you choose the right solution for your situation:
| Spray Type | How It Works | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Pyrethroids | Synthetic versions of pyrethrin that attack insect nervous systems | Quick knockdown of visible bed bugs | Some bed bug populations have developed resistance |
| Natural/Organic Sprays | Use plant oils and extracts to kill or repel bed bugs | Homes with children, pets, or chemical sensitivities | May require more frequent application; variable effectiveness |
| Desiccants | Destroy protective waxy coating on bed bugs, causing dehydration | Long-term control; bugs cannot develop resistance | Slower acting; better as powder than spray form |
| Growth Regulators | Disrupt growth and reproduction cycles | Prevention and long-term management | Won’t kill adult bed bugs; slow-acting |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does bed bug spray last?
The effectiveness duration varies by product. Most conventional sprays provide 2-4 weeks of residual activity, though some premium products like Raid Max claim protection for up to 12 months. Natural and DIY sprays typically offer the shortest protection (1-7 days). For optimal results, reapplication is recommended after 2 weeks to target newly hatched bed bugs that may have survived as eggs during the initial treatment.
Can I spray bed bug spray directly on my skin or pets?
No. Bed bug sprays contain pesticides or other chemicals designed to kill insects and should never be applied directly to humans or pets. Even natural formulas can cause skin irritation or other adverse reactions. If you’re concerned about bed bugs biting during sleep, consider using mattress encasements and bed bug interceptors instead.
Is it safe to spray bed bug spray on mattresses?
It depends on the product. Many bed bug sprays are specifically formulated to be safe for mattress use, but always check the label. Water-based formulas are generally safer for mattresses than oil-based ones. JT Eaton’s water-based formulas (Blue and Yellow label) and products like EcoRaider are specifically indicated as safe for mattresses. After application, allow the mattress to dry completely (usually 4-6 hours) before putting sheets back on.
How many treatments are typically needed to eliminate bed bugs?
Most infestations require 2-3 treatments spaced about 2 weeks apart. Bed bug eggs are resistant to many insecticides and take 6-10 days to hatch, so multiple treatments are necessary to break the life cycle. Severe infestations may require additional treatments or professional intervention. Complete elimination typically takes 4-6 weeks from the start of treatment.
Do bed bug sprays work on other pests too?
Yes, many bed bug sprays are effective against multiple pests. Products like Raid Max also kill fleas, ticks, dust mites, and carpet beetles. EcoRaider is effective against various crawling insects. However, for best results with specific pest problems, it’s recommended to use products formulated for those particular pests.
What should I do if bed bug sprays aren’t working?
If sprays aren’t effective after 2-3 proper applications, consider: 1) The bugs may have developed resistance to the particular chemical – try a different class of insecticide; 2) You might be missing hiding spots – conduct a more thorough inspection; 3) The infestation may be too severe for DIY methods – consider professional extermination; 4) Combine sprays with other methods like heat treatment, diatomaceous earth, and mattress encasements for a comprehensive approach.
Can bed bugs become resistant to sprays?
Yes. Bed bugs have developed resistance to many pyrethroid insecticides (the most common class in consumer sprays). To combat resistance, use products with different active ingredients, rotate between chemical classes, and incorporate non-chemical methods like heat treatment, diatomaceous earth, and vacuuming into your control strategy.
How should I prepare a room before spraying for bed bugs?
Before spraying: 1) Remove all bedding and wash in hot water (130°F minimum); 2) Declutter the room to eliminate hiding spots; 3) Vacuum thoroughly, focusing on mattress seams, bed frames, and furniture cracks; 4) Remove or cover food, dishes, and food preparation surfaces; 5) Keep pets and children away from the area; 6) Move furniture away from walls to access baseboards; 7) Turn off air conditioning and fans to prevent dispersing the spray.
Conclusion
Bed bug sprays are effective tools in your fight against these persistent pests, but they work best as part of an integrated approach. For best results:
- Combine spray treatments with thorough cleaning, vacuuming, and laundering of bedding
- Consider using bed bug traps or interceptors to monitor activity
- Use mattress encasements to isolate and eventually starve bed bugs
- Apply sprays consistently according to label directions
- Be patient and persistent – complete elimination takes time
While severe infestations may ultimately require professional extermination, the right bed bug spray applied correctly can help you reclaim your home from these unwanted invaders.
