There are several chemicals that can kill bed bugs and their eggs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved 300 pesticide products, but they all fall into seven categories of chemicals. Each chemical class uses different modes of action to treat bed bug problems. It can be helpful to use pesticides that differ in their mode of action because it can reduce the likelihood that the bugs will develop resistance. Here are the seven chemicals that can be used to remove bed bugs from your home:
- Pyrethrins
- Pyrethroids
- Desiccants
- Biochemicals
- Pyrroles
- Neonicotinoids
- Insect growth regulators
Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are the most common compounds used to control bed bugs and other indoor pests. Pyrethrins are botanical insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethroids are synthetic chemical insecticides that act like pyrethrins. Both compounds are lethal to bed bugs and can flush bed bugs out of their hiding places and kill them. Desiccants, such as diatomaceous earth, work by drying out the bed bugs and their eggs, causing them to die. Biochemicals, such as cold-pressed neem oil, act as a natural form of insecticide and have been shown to be effective against bed bugs at stages of their life cycle. Pyrroles, such as chlorfenapyr, affect the bed bugs at the cellular level, disrupting their system and leading to death. Neonicotinoids are synthetic chemicals that affect the nicotinic receptors that are naturally present in the nervous system, causing nerves to fire continuously until they ultimately fail. Insect growth regulators, such as hydroprene, work by disrupting the bed bugs life cycle, preventing them from reaching maturity and reproducing.
Harris Pyrethroid-Resistant Bed Bug Aerosol Spray is the most effective at killing bed bugs of all types and their eggs. It is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency for use in homes with people and pets. It is great to use in combination with a bed bug fogger, bed bug traps, bed bug interceptors, powder, bombs, and mattress encasement covers to eliminate these bugs from your home.
