Don’t let the bed bugs bite! That may be a common saying, but if you have an infestation of these pesky critters, you know that it’s no laughing matter.
Bed bug infestations can be difficult to eliminate and require knowledge of the right chemicals to do so. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the different chemicals used to kill bed bugs effectively and safely.
So don’t worry – you won’t need to break out your flamethrower just yet!
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has registered certain insecticides that are effective in killing bed bugs. These include pyrethrin and permethrin, which can be used as sprays or aerosols.
Pyrethroids such as bifenthrin and deltamethrin are also commonly used to kill these pests. Additionally, desiccants like diatomaceous earth and silica aerogel can be used to dehydrate the bugs and kill them by drying out their exoskeletons.
For tougher infestations, insect growth regulators such as hydroprene may also be used to prevent eggs from hatching or larvae from developing into adults.
Various Chemicals Effective Against Bed Bugs
The revolting thought of having bed bugs inside your home (or business) is enough to make you want to do whatever it takes to get rid of them. Thankfully, in most cases, the right chemical treatment can be used with great success.
Pyrethrins and Permethrins
Pyrethrins are derived from a chrysanthemum flower, making them a natural insecticide. They work by paralyzing the nervous systems of insects when they come into contact with it.
Although pyrethrins knock down bed bugs quickly, they don’t have any long-term residual effects on the pests. So for best results, multiple applications may be needed to eliminate an infestation.
On the other hand, Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid that works similarly to its natural counterpart. Like pyrethrins, it can be used in aerosol sprays or liquid treatments.
It has an extended residual effect, meaning it continues killing insects even after the initial application.
Desiccants
Desiccants are considered to have dehydrating agents, and they are composed of absorbent materials like diatomaceous earth.
When it comes in contact with the exoskeletons of bed bugs, these materials absorb moisture from the outer layers causing them to dry out and die.
It destroys the bug’s waxy, protective coating. This waxy coating is like a shell, and when it’s destroyed, these pests will slowly dehydrate.
Biochemicals
If we’re talking about EPA-registered and acknowledged, biochemical, neem oil is the only one approved on their list. Neem oil is a byproduct of the neem tree, native to India.
You’re probably aware of neem oil for its medicinal properties, and they’re also commonly found in bath products thanks to its insecticidal properties.
For the same reason, neem oil is also commonly used to kill bed bugs. The oil only works when it comes into contact with the insect, so it would need to be applied directly or as part of a topical treatment. It also has a residual effect on the pests, killing them even after its initial application.
Different trials and studies were conducted, and it has shown that neem oil is one powerful insecticide. Not only does it kill adult bed bugs, but it can also kill its nymphs and eggs as well.
Insect Growth Regulators
To explain it simply, insect growth regulators (IGRs) are chemicals that try to mimic the insects’ growth hormones. These chemicals inhibit or change chitin’s production. Chitin is a simple yet powerful compound that insects rely on so their exoskeletons would be developed.
Aside from this, IGRs also inhibit insects from fully growing. This means that even if an egg hatches and the nymphs or larvae remain, they won’t be able to develop into fully-grown adults. Since adult bed bugs are more difficult to kill, IGRs can be used as a preventive measure against infestations.
Neonicotinoids
Tobacco is one of the top products that contain nicotine, but did you know that they can also be founding different insecticides as well?
Neonicotinoids may not be one of the most popular chemicals for controlling bed bugs, but they are proven effective against them.
These synthetic chemicals directly affect the nervous system. It overworks the pest’s nerves until it stops working.
It is proven to be an effective chemical against bed bugs because even if these pests are resistant to other pesticides, it’s more likely that they won’t be able to build resistance to neonicotinoids.
Final Thoughts: Different Chemicals that Kill Bed Bugs
One of the most common problems with bed bugs is that one will never know and notice an infestation until it’s too late. While some others may think that disposing of their furniture is the only way to get rid of them, different chemicals can be used to kill them.
Pyrethrins, permethrin, desiccants, neem oil, IGRs, and neonicotinoids are some of the most popular chemical treatments against bed bugs.
Of course, all these chemicals should be used with caution and administered properly to ensure that they will work effectively and won’t cause any harm. It is best to consult a pest control specialist for appropriate advice and treatment for the infestation.
