What kills bed bugs, and what doesn't

Contact kill versus lasting effect

Most bed bug sprays sold to householders have limited effect after the spray has dried, so the University of Kentucky advises hitting as many bugs as possible with the spray itself. Read the directions: some of these products should not be used on beds or seating.^[3]

Pesticides only kill bed bugs they reach. EPA notes that the bugs can live in a crack the width of a credit card, and that missed hiding spots, untreated neighboring rooms or apartments, and poor preparation are common reasons a treatment fails.^[7][2]

Many insecticides don't kill the eggs. Eggs take about a week to hatch at room temperature (6 to 10 days, according to NPIC), so a second treatment is often needed after they hatch, or the infestation comes back.^[4][7][3]

In a 2006 Virginia Tech lab study on a susceptible lab strain of bed bugs, pyrethroid products labeled for bed bugs killed half the bugs in 20 to 88 minutes. A field-collected strain on deltamethrin took 14 days and 8 hours to reach the same point, and chlorfenapyr took more than 10 days even on the lab strain, which kept mating and laying eggs while exposed.^[12]

Studies differ on whether bed bugs avoid treated surfaces. In the 2006 study, bugs rested on pyrethroid-treated panels until they died. In a 2009 University of Kentucky study, bed bugs avoided resting on paper treated with deltamethrin but not chlorfenapyr, became more active after touching low doses of deltamethrin, and crossed barriers of either insecticide to reach a blood source. EPA and NPIC both say pyrethroid sprays or overuse can push resistant bugs into new hiding places.^{[12][14][6][4]}

A 2009 field trial in apartments found that even professional programs left bugs behind. A pyrethroid program with a growth regulator cut bed bugs by 95% by the end of the trial and a non-pyrethroid program by 86% after 8 weeks, but neither got rid of them after several applications, and the researchers concluded that a more integrated approach was needed.^[13]

Household sprays

Pyrethrins and pyrethroids (such as bifenthrin, cyhalothrin, deltamethrin and permethrin) are the most common ingredients in bed bug sprays. Pyrethrin gives quick knockdown but little long-term control, and some bed bug populations can no longer be controlled with pyrethroids.^[1][6]

If you use a pesticide, choose one with bed bugs on the label, expect to retreat, and consider switching to a different type if repeated treatments are needed.^[2][6][4]

EPA has registered more than 300 products for bed bugs, most of them for consumer use. They fall into seven chemical classes: pyrethrins, pyrethroids, desiccants, biochemicals (cold-pressed neem oil), pyrroles (chlorfenapyr), neonicotinoids and insect growth regulators. UC IPM says several active ingredients are registered for over-the-counter use, but few have been shown to work.^[6][1]

Don't use more than the label says and avoid daily spot treatments. NPIC says extra pesticide can scatter bed bugs and cause health effects, and daily spot treatments can let the resistant part of the population grow. EPA adds that rates that are too low may not kill bugs and may speed up resistance.^[4][7]

If you have hired a pest control company or your landlord is handling it, talk to them before you spray anything yourself.^[4]

What resistance studies found

• In 2007, University of Kentucky researchers found extremely high resistance to two pyrethroids, deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin, in bed bugs collected from homes in Kentucky and Ohio, and tests of populations from across the United States showed pyrethroid resistance was already widespread.^[10]
• A 2010 genetic survey of 110 U.S. bed bug populations found knockdown-resistance (kdr) mutations, which make the insect's nerve target less sensitive to pyrethroids, in 88% of them.^[11]
• A 2017 review lists the ways bed bugs resist insecticides: a thicker or remodeled cuticle that slows how much gets in, higher levels of enzymes that break the chemical down, and kdr mutations. The authors say resistance is believed to be a large part of why bed bugs have come back worldwide over the past two decades.^[17]
• Combination sprays that pair a pyrethroid with a neonicotinoid are the next step, and sources disagree on how well they hold up. EPA says neonicotinoids act differently, so bed bugs resistant to other pesticides will remain susceptible. A 2014 study found that ten field populations varied in how well two combination products killed them, and that selecting three populations with one product at the label rate made their offspring less susceptible to both. A 2016 study found high resistance to four neonicotinoids (acetamiprid, imidacloprid, dinotefuran and thiamethoxam) in bed bugs from homes in Cincinnati and Michigan. UC IPM notes that some studies suggest pyrethroid mixtures keep driving resistance and that chlorfenapyr and hydroprene may take many days to kill.^{[6][15][16][1]}
• Bed bugs can't become resistant to desiccants, because those work by wearing away the waxy coat so the bug dries out. EPA also suggests switching to an entirely different chemical class, or choosing different types for back-to-back treatments, when resistance is suspected. Resistance can only be confirmed in lab tests, and it is just one of many reasons a treatment fails.^[6][7][2]

Things that don't work or are dangerous

• Rubbing alcohol, kerosene or gasoline: fire and health hazards.^[2][3]
• Bleach or a cigarette lighter: the University of Kentucky says they should not be used against bed bugs, because they don't work and can cause fires and other dangerous outcomes.^[3]
• Turning up the thermostat or using a space heater or fireplace: doesn't work and is dangerous.^[2][3]
• Bug bombs as the only method: ineffective against bed bugs, and improper use can cause a fire or explosion.^[1][2][5][9]
• Pool- or food-grade diatomaceous earth: EPA says not to use it, because it can harm you when inhaled; use only DE registered as a pesticide.^[2]
• Botanical oils: studies suggest they have little or no residual action.^[1]
• In a 2014 Rutgers lab test of nine essential-oil products and two detergent products, only two killed more than 90% of nymphs when sprayed on them directly or when the bugs were confined on a treated surface. Both did worse than two conventional insecticides when the bugs could choose where to rest, and most of the products did little to eggs.^[18]
• Insect baits like those used for ants and cockroaches: they don't work, because bed bugs feed only on blood.^[3]
• Repellent at bedtime: the University of Kentucky says it is not an effective way to keep bed bugs off.^[3]

Why bug bombs fail against bed bugs

In a 2012 Ohio State study, field-collected bed bugs showed little, if any, effect after two hours of direct exposure to the mist from three over-the-counter foggers. Even a lab strain with no resistance survived if a thin layer of cloth covered it. The authors concluded foggers should not be recommended for bed bugs, because many populations resist pyrethroids and the mist barely gets into hiding places.^[9]

NPIC explains why: a fogger's mist falls onto exposed surfaces and doesn't reach voids, cracks and crevices. Some foggers also contain repellents that drive pests deeper into hiding. Too many foggers can catch fire or explode, so if you use one anyway, use only the number the label gives for the space, turn off pilot lights and unplug appliances.^[5][2]

Overspraying makes people sick

Overusing bed bug sprays makes people sick. CDC counted 111 illnesses linked to insecticides used against bed bugs in seven states from 2003 to 2010. Most (81%) were mild, but one person died. Pyrethroids, pyrethrins or both were involved in 89% of cases.^[8]

The most common causes were applying too much insecticide, not washing or changing treated bedding, and not telling others about an application. Some people used products labeled for outdoor use only indoors, or products not labeled for bed bugs or for use on a person.^[8]

Pesticides generally aren't applied to mattresses or bedding because of the risk to people. Pest control companies usually treat the seams, folds and crevices of beds and furniture but not the sleep surface or seating area, and they don't spray bedding or clothing, which should be hot washed or dried instead.^[1][3]

If someone is exposed and feels ill, move to fresh air and call a doctor or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.^[5]

What works

• Dryer: put bedding, clothes, shoes and other items in a dryer on medium to high heat for 10 to 20 minutes, after washing if needed (laundering at 120°F or more).^[3][2][1]
• Encasements: bed bug encasements on the mattress and box spring trap bugs inside until they starve and make it easier to spot bugs on the outside.^[1][3]
• Steam: steamers can kill all life stages on contact; the steam must reach at least 130°F at the surface without a forceful airflow that scatters bugs, and it penetrates fabric only so far.^[2][1][3]
• Desiccant dusts such as silica gel and diatomaceous earth dry bugs out, so bed bugs can't develop resistance to them; use only EPA-registered products.^[2][1][6]
• Sources differ on diatomaceous earth. EPA lists it as a desiccant bed bugs can't resist, though desiccants may take several months to work. The University of Kentucky says diatomaceous earth is messy and will seldom help much, while silica gel dust can be very effective if a barely visible amount is brushed into seams, tufts, folds and crevices. Wear eye protection and disposable gloves when you apply it.^[2][6][3]
• Freezing: only at 0°F, sealed in a bag for three days; many home freezers aren't cold enough, so check with a thermometer.^[2]
• Professional heat: whole rooms heated to at least 140°F for two hours or 130°F for three hours kill most bugs and eggs.^[1]
• Spot-killing: bugs you find can be removed with a vacuum, a wad of duct tape or an over-the-counter insecticide approved for that use.^[3]

When to call a professional

Professionals have access to more intensive methods, including whole-house heat, and to a wide range of registered products; a few bed bug products are registered for use only by trained professionals. Insecticides must be combined with cleaning, nonchemical tactics and follow-up monitoring to make sure treatment worked.^[2][1][6]

Vacuuming floors seldom reaches where bed bugs hide, though steamers and vacuums can help as part of a program.^[3]

Follow-ups are usually needed. Check for bugs every few days after a treatment; if you see more, either some were missed or eggs have hatched, and another treatment may be needed.^[3][2]

Common questions

Does bleach kill bed bugs?

No. The University of Kentucky lists bleach with alcohol, lighters and bug bombs as things that should not be used against bed bugs, because they are ineffective and can lead to fires and other dangerous outcomes. Hot laundering and drying, encasements, steam and registered products are the recommended tools.^[3][2][1]

Will a bug bomb get rid of bed bugs?

No. Over-the-counter total-release foggers have been shown to be ineffective against bed bugs and can be harmful.^[1][9][5]

Does bed bug spray kill the eggs?

Often not. NPIC says many insecticides don't kill bed bug eggs, so a second treatment is often needed after they hatch, and EPA lists skipping that follow-up as a common reason treatments fail.^[4][7]

Why did the bugs come back after I sprayed?

Usually because some were missed. EPA's list of reasons includes bugs hiding where the spray didn't reach, untreated nearby rooms, eggs that hatched after the spray, not waiting long enough for slow products to work, and resistance. Many bed bug populations are resistant to common sprays.^[7][4]

Is it safe to spray my mattress?

Only if the product's label allows it. Some householder sprays should not be used on beds or seating, and professionals generally treat seams and crevices rather than the sleep surface. Wash or dry bedding instead of spraying it; in CDC's review, not washing or changing treated bedding was one of the most common causes of illness.^[3][1][8]

Sources

1. University of California Statewide IPM Program, “Pest Notes: Bed Bugs, Publication 7454 (May 2013).” ipm.ucanr.edu/legacy_assets/PDF/PESTNOTES/pnbedbugs.pdf (accessed 2026-11-10)
2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Do-it-yourself Bed Bug Control.” www.epa.gov/bedbugs/do-it-yourself-bed-bug-control (accessed 2026-11-10)
3. University of Kentucky Entomology, “ENTFACT-636: Bed Bugs (revised March 2026).” entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef636 (accessed 2026-11-10)
4. National Pesticide Information Center (Oregon State University and U.S. EPA), “Bed Bugs.” npic.orst.edu/pest/bedbug.html (accessed 2026-11-10)
5. National Pesticide Information Center, “Total Release Foggers.” www.npic.orst.edu/ingred/ptype/fogger.html (accessed 2026-11-10)
6. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Pesticides to Control Bed Bugs.” www.epa.gov/bedbugs/pesticides-control-bed-bugs (accessed 2026-11-10)
7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “When Treatments Don't Work.” www.epa.gov/bedbugs/when-treatments-dont-work (accessed 2026-11-10)
8. CDC, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, “Acute Illnesses Associated With Insecticides Used to Control Bed Bugs, Seven States, 2003-2010. MMWR 2011;60(37), September 23, 2011.” www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6037a1.htm (accessed 2026-11-10)
9. Journal of Economic Entomology, via PubMed, “Jones and Bryant (2012), Ineffectiveness of over-the-counter total-release foggers against the bed bug, J. Econ. Entomol. 105(3):957-963.” pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22812136/ (accessed 2026-11-10)
10. Journal of Medical Entomology, via PubMed, “Romero, Potter, Potter and Haynes (2007), Insecticide resistance in the bed bug: a factor in the pest's sudden resurgence?, J. Med. Entomol. 44(2):175-178.” pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17427684/ (accessed 2026-11-10)
11. Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, via PubMed, “Zhu F et al. (2010), Widespread distribution of knockdown resistance mutations in the bed bug, Cimex lectularius, populations in the United States. Arch Insect Biochem Physiol 73(4):245-257.” pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20301216/ (accessed 2026-11-10)
12. Journal of Economic Entomology (Virginia Tech), via PubMed, “Moore DJ, Miller DM (2006), Laboratory evaluations of insecticide product efficacy for control of Cimex lectularius. J Econ Entomol 99(6):2080-2086.” pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17195676/ (accessed 2026-11-10)
13. Pest Management Science (Virginia Tech), via PubMed, “Moore DJ, Miller DM (2009), Field evaluations of insecticide treatment regimens for control of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius. Pest Manag Sci 65(3):332-338.” pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19097027/ (accessed 2026-11-10)
14. Journal of Medical Entomology (University of Kentucky), via PubMed, “Romero A, Potter MF, Haynes KF (2009), Behavioral responses of the bed bug to insecticide residues. J Med Entomol 46(1):51-57.” pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19198517/ (accessed 2026-11-10)
15. Scientific Reports (University of Kentucky), via PubMed, “Gordon JR, Goodman MH, Potter MF, Haynes KF (2014), Population variation in and selection for resistance to pyrethroid-neonicotinoid insecticides in the bed bug. Sci Rep 4:3836.” pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24452337/ (accessed 2026-11-10)
16. Journal of Medical Entomology, via PubMed, “Romero A, Anderson TD (2016), High levels of resistance in the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, to neonicotinoid insecticides. J Med Entomol 53(3):727-731.” pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26823499/ (accessed 2026-11-10)
17. Parasites & Vectors, via PubMed, “Dang K, Doggett SL, Veera Singham G, Lee CY (2017), Insecticide resistance and resistance mechanisms in bed bugs, Cimex spp. Parasit Vectors 10:318.” pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28662724/ (accessed 2026-11-10)
18. Journal of Economic Entomology (Rutgers University), “Singh N, Wang C, Cooper R. Potential of Essential Oil-Based Pesticides and Detergents for Bed Bug Control. J Econ Entomol. 2014;107(6):2163-2170.” doi.org/10.1603/EC14328 (accessed 2026-11-10)