You’re waking up with itchy red bites in clusters on your body. Your bedding has dried blood spots and little black spots on it. You realize with horror that bed bugs have moved in. When facing a bed bug infestation, foggers (also known as “bed bug bombs”) are a common DIY solution that many homeowners turn to. But do these products actually work? This comprehensive guide will examine what bed bug bombs are, how effective they really are, and how to use them properly if you choose this treatment method.
Quick Picks: Best Bed Bug Bombs in 2025
Editor’s Choice
Also Great
Budget Pick
What Are Bed Bug Bombs?
Bed bug bombs, also known as foggers or fumigators, are aerosol products that release insecticide into the air of a room. The insecticide then settles onto surfaces, with the intention of killing bed bugs that come into contact with it. These products are popular because they’re relatively inexpensive and seem like an easy solution to a bed bug problem.
How They Work
Foggers release an insecticide mist that fills the air and settles on exposed surfaces in your home.
Target Pests
While marketed for bed bugs, many foggers also target fleas, ticks, and other household insects.
Active Ingredients
Most contain pyrethroids (synthetic versions of pyrethrin) that attack the nervous systems of insects.
Coverage Area
Typically designed to treat rooms of specific sizes, usually around 2,000-2,500 cubic feet.
Most bed bug bombs contain chemicals called pyrethroids, which are synthetic versions of pyrethrin, a natural insecticide extracted from chrysanthemum flowers. You can identify pyrethroids in product ingredients because they typically end in “thrin” – examples include:
- Bifenthrin
- Cypermethrin
- Deltamethrin
- Permethrin
Some newer foggers also contain insect growth regulators (IGRs) like Nylar, which prevent bed bug eggs from developing properly, helping to break the reproductive cycle.
Are Bed Bug Bombs Effective?
The effectiveness of bed bug bombs is a subject of debate among pest control professionals. While manufacturers claim these products can eliminate bed bug infestations, the reality is more complicated.
Research from Ohio State University found that commercial foggers had little to no effect on most bed bug populations.
Bed bug foggers tend to have some significant limitations:
- Limited penetration
Bed bugs are masters at hiding in cracks, crevices, inside mattresses, behind baseboards, and in electrical outlets. The mist from foggers typically can’t reach these hiding spots, meaning many bugs simply avoid contact with the insecticide. - Contact-based killing
Most fogger insecticides only kill bed bugs on direct contact. Since bed bugs are nocturnal and typically hide during the day (when most people deploy foggers), many will not be exposed to the chemicals. - Resistance issues
Many bed bug populations have developed resistance to pyrethroids, the main class of insecticides used in most consumer foggers. This means even if the fog reaches the bugs, it might not kill them. - Scattering effect
Foggers can actually worsen infestations by causing bed bugs to scatter and spread to previously uninfested areas, including neighboring apartments or rooms.
Consumer reviews of bed bug foggers are often mixed. While some report success, many note that they had to use multiple applications or combine foggers with other treatment methods to see results. Negative reviews often stem from users not following instructions precisely or having unrealistic expectations about a fogger’s capabilities.
Bed bug bombs alone are rarely sufficient to completely eliminate an infestation. They work best as part of a comprehensive treatment approach that includes multiple methods.
How to Use Bed Bug Bombs (If You Choose To)
If you decide to use a bed bug bomb despite their limitations, proper application is crucial for both safety and effectiveness. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Preparation Steps Before Bombing
- Remove people, pets, and plants from the treatment area. Cover or remove exposed food, dishes, and cooking utensils.
- Turn off all pilot lights, open flames, and ignition sources. Foggers are flammable and can cause explosions if exposed to ignition sources.
- Unplug electronics including refrigerators, computers, and other appliances.
- Open interior doors and drawers to allow the fog to penetrate as many areas as possible. However, close exterior doors and windows.
- Calculate the appropriate number of foggers for your space. Using too few won’t be effective, while using too many can be dangerous. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for square footage.
- Create a clear exit path so you can leave quickly after activating the foggers.
During the Bombing Process
- Place the fogger canisters on newspaper in the center of rooms, away from furniture and walls. Never place them under furniture.
- Activate the foggers, starting from the room farthest from your exit and working your way out. Point the can away from your face when activating.
- Leave the premises immediately after activating all foggers and keep the area closed for the duration specified on the product label (typically 2-4 hours).
- Stay away for the required time period, which may be longer if you’re treating multiple connected rooms.
After-Treatment Steps
You may believe that you have to discard your mattress and bedding as part of your bed bug eradication effort. That isn’t always necessary. If you haven’t eliminated every single adult bed bug, juvenile, and egg, your new mattress and bedding will become re-infested. Instead, wash your bedding in very hot water and purchase encasements. Encasements are sacks that enclose your mattress and box springs. They are made in several layers designed to seal whatever is enclosed. Any bed bugs inside will eventually starve to death. The outer coverings are smooth and don’t provide hiding places.Potential Risks and Concerns
Bed bug bombs are not without risks. Before using these products, consider the following concerns:
Safety Considerations for Bed Bug Foggers
- Health risks: Foggers can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, or more serious reactions in sensitive individuals
- Fire and explosion hazards: The propellants in foggers are highly flammable
- Residue on surfaces: Can contaminate food preparation areas if not properly cleaned
- Pet safety: Residues can be harmful to pets, especially fish, birds, and small mammals
- Environmental impact: Many fogger chemicals are harmful to beneficial insects and aquatic life
- Property damage: Some foggers may leave stains on fabrics or surfaces
If you’re pregnant, have respiratory conditions, or have children with asthma, you should be particularly cautious about using foggers or may want to consider alternative treatment methods.
Top Bed Bug Bombs Reviewed
Now that we understand how bed bug bombs work and their limitations, let’s review some of the top products on the market.
Hot Shot Bedbug & Flea Fogger
Editor's Choice
How Does It Work
How to Use
- Calculate one fogger for each room or area up to 2,000 cubic feet
- Remove people, pets, and plants before use
- Turn off all flames, pilot lights, and ignition sources
- Place fogger on newspaper in center of room
- Press valve down firmly to lock in open position, then leave area immediately
- Keep space closed for 2 hours, then air out for 30-60 minutes before re-entering
- Specifically formulated for bed bugs
- Kills bed bugs and their eggs
- Includes IGR (Insect Growth Regulator) for long-term protection
- Fights against larvae for up to 8 months after application
- Contains natural pyrethrin
- Strong odor may be problematic for those with respiratory sensitivities
- Limited effectiveness against bugs in deep hiding places
- May require multiple applications for complete control
- Cannot be used in small enclosed spaces under 5'x5'
Hot Shot Bed Bug Fogger is made with a different pesticide than what’s in their spray products. It can kill any bugs that either escaped sprays or were resistant to other treatments. For best results, Hot Shot recommends using their fogger in combination with their bed bug spray products.
Reviews for Hot Shot foggers emphasize the importance of following instructions to the letter. It’s also crucial to understand that the fogger does not kill eggs immediately, so multiple treatments are necessary to kill newly hatched bugs after the eggs develop.
Raid Max Dry Fogger
Also Great
How Does It Work
How to Use
- Shake the can well for at least three minutes before use
- Cover or remove food preparation surfaces
- Turn off all ignition sources and pilot lights
- Place can in center of room on elevated surface
- Press the valve all the way down until it locks
- Leave the area immediately and keep space closed for 2 hours
- Ventilate thoroughly before re-entry
- Covers a larger area (up to 2,560 cubic feet)
- New dry fog formula leaves minimal visible residue
- Can be used in kitchens, living areas, garages, and basements
- Kills insects within 2 hours if effective
- Residual protection for up to 2 weeks
- Not specifically labeled for bed bugs on front packaging
- May leave a fog residue that can be an irritant for some people
- Requires thorough preparation of food surfaces
- Some bed bug populations may show resistance
Raid Max® Concentrated DEEP REACH™ Fogger promises to kill bugs on contact and with residual action. The label doesn’t specifically mention bed bugs, but the fogger contains cypermethrin, which is known to kill bed bugs. For best results, Raid recommends using their fogger in conjunction with their bed bug spray products.
Consumer reviews note that Raid works well when used according to directions. Some users mention that the fogger works fine one year but is less effective in succeeding years—an indication that bed bugs may have developed resistance to the insecticide.
BONIDE Dual-Action Bed Bug Room Fogger
Budget Pick
How Does It Work
How to Use
- Remove all people and pets from treatment area
- Turn off all ignition sources including pilot lights
- Close all windows and doors
- Place fogger on newspaper or chair in center of room
- Point away from face and press valve down firmly until it locks
- Leave area immediately and keep closed for at least 2 hours
- Air out thoroughly before re-entering
- Kills both adult bed bugs and their eggs
- Contains IGR for long-term protection against reinfestation
- Single treatment can be effective for up to 7 months
- Budget-friendly option compared to professional treatment
- Easy to use with simple activation mechanism
- Limited effectiveness in reaching bed bugs in deep hiding places
- May require multiple applications in severe infestations
- Strong odor during and after application
- Not effective against resistant bed bug populations
BONIDE Bed Bug Fogger offers protection for up to 7 months against bed bugs and their eggs with a single treatment. Like the Hot Shot product, it contains an Insect Growth Regulator (Nylar) to prevent bed bug eggs from developing properly.
Alternatives to Bed Bug Bombs
Given the limitations of bed bug bombs, you might want to consider these alternatives that often provide better results:
Contact Sprays
- Direct application to bugs and hiding spots
- Better penetration into cracks and crevices
- Some provide residual protection
- More targeted application than foggers
- Can be used in combination with other methods
Heat Treatments
- Kills all life stages including eggs
- No chemical residue concerns
- Penetrates into hiding places
- No resistance issues
- Effective for severe infestations
Dust Treatments
- Mechanical rather than chemical action
- Long-lasting protection
- Can be applied to cracks and voids
- Lower toxicity than many chemicals
- No resistance issues
For severe infestations, professional pest control services might be the most effective option. Professionals have access to stronger chemicals, specialized equipment, and extensive training in bed bug behavior and control.
When to Consider Professional Help
While DIY options like bed bug bombs may seem appealing due to their lower cost, there are situations where professional help is necessary:
- Large or widespread infestations that have spread to multiple rooms or units
- Failed DIY attempts with foggers, sprays, or other methods
- Recurring infestations that return after seemingly successful treatments
- Health concerns that make chemical exposure particularly risky
- Multi-unit buildings where infestations can easily spread between units
- Lack of time or ability to perform the thorough preparation needed for effective treatment
Professional pest control companies have access to commercial-grade products, equipment for heat treatments, and the expertise to identify all hiding spots. While more expensive initially, professional services often prove more cost-effective in the long run by solving the problem completely the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do flea bombs kill bed bugs?
Yes, many flea foggers can also kill bed bugs as they often contain similar active ingredients. However, products specifically labeled for bed bugs are typically formulated with concentrations and ingredients optimized for bed bug control. For best results, choose a product that explicitly mentions bed bugs on the label.
How long do bed bug bombs last?
Most bed bug bombs release their insecticide within 2-4 hours, which is the active treatment period. After this, the residual effectiveness varies by product. Standard foggers might provide protection for a few days to two weeks, while those containing Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) can prevent egg development for several months. It’s important to remember that just because the effectiveness of a fogger is short, it does not mean you failed. The focus is not on long-term treatment, but instead just getting rid of the pests, coming out periodically until the infestation is gone.
What chemicals are in bed bug bombs?
Most bed bug bombs contain pyrethroids, synthetic versions of pyrethrin derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Common examples include permethrin, cypermethrin, and tetramethrin. Many newer products also include Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) like Nylar or pyriproxyfen, which prevent bed bug eggs from developing properly and disrupt the reproductive cycle.
How many bed bug bombs do I need per room?
Most manufacturers recommend one fogger per room or enclosed area. The exact coverage depends on the product, but typically one fogger covers 2,000-2,500 cubic feet of unobstructed space. For large rooms, you may need multiple foggers, but never use more than the recommended amount as this can create dangerous conditions.
Do bed bug bombs kill eggs?
Many standard foggers are less effective against bed bug eggs than against adult bugs. However, products containing Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) like Nylar can prevent eggs from developing properly. For complete elimination of an infestation, multiple treatments scheduled 2-3 weeks apart are typically necessary to address newly hatched bugs from eggs that survived the initial treatment.
Conclusion
Bed bug bombs can be part of your approach to dealing with these persistent pests, but they’re rarely sufficient on their own. Their effectiveness is limited by their inability to penetrate deep hiding places and growing resistance among bed bug populations.
If you choose to use bed bug foggers:
- Select products specifically labeled for bed bugs
- Follow all safety precautions exactly as directed
- Combine with other treatment methods like contact sprays and encasements
- Plan for multiple treatments to address hatching eggs
- Monitor for signs of continuing activity after treatment
- Be prepared to seek professional help if DIY efforts fail
Remember that bed bugs can live for months without feeding, so persistence is key to successful eradication. While bed bug bombs might seem like an easy solution, the most effective approach typically involves an integrated pest management strategy that combines multiple methods targeted at different aspects of the bed bug life cycle.
For severe or persistent infestations, professional pest control services offer the highest likelihood of complete elimination. The investment in professional treatment often saves money in the long run by preventing repeated DIY attempts and limiting the spread of these resilient pests to other areas of your home.
Whether you choose DIY methods or professional help, addressing a bed bug infestation promptly and thoroughly is essential to reclaiming your home from these disruptive pests and ensuring peaceful, bite-free nights.
