For those living in urban areas, bed bugs are a common problem that can be difficult to exterminate. Its bites can cause allergic reactions – and what’s worse is that this doesn’t get resolved overnight.
It can last for more than a couple of days, sometimes even weeks. While there are various chemicals and treatments for bed bugs, some people already have a flea spray at home, leading to the question: will flea spray kill bed bugs?
Although flea sprays are commonly labeled and marketed for fleas, it contains ingredients that work for different insects and arthropods, such as bed bugs.
So yes, flea spray can kill bed bugs. It becomes more effective when these products are sprayed directly on the bed bugs.
What’s in a Flea Spray That Kills Bugs?
Although particularly formulated for ticks and fleas, flea sprays have been available in the market and have been used as a general insecticide or bug killer.
Aside from adult fleas, these pesticides can also target its eggs, larvae, cockroaches, spiders, mosquitoes, and of course, bed bugs.
One of its active ingredients is pyrethrin, an insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers. The majority of pesticides contain either pyrethrin or its synthetic variant, pyrethroids. These are popular in the insecticide industry due to their low toxicity and effectiveness.
Pyrethrin is a broad-spectrum pesticide that can kill a variety of arthropods, including bed bugs. When sprayed directly on the bug or its eggs, and it works by directly attacking the pest’s nervous system.
Once the pyrethrin is inside the pest’s system, it will start paralyzing the bug and eventually kill it.
Although it’s worth noting that not all flea sprays are created equal. Reading the label and understanding which of these labels can tackle bed bugs should be your top priority.
If this is what you have at home, you can grab a canister to help with your bed bug infestation. However, if you don’t have one in hand just yet, it’s best that you purchase a product that’s directly manufactured and labeled for bed bugs. This way, you can guarantee that what you’re using is a safe and effective solution to the problem.
Using Flea Spray as an Alternative Pest Control Treatment
While flea sprays are effective in killing bed bugs, these should not be used as your only treatment for this particular pest infestation.
As mentioned earlier, since flea sprays are primarily created to kill fleas, and while they can be effective for bed bugs, they may have a different effect on these pests.
The effectiveness of the product may start to diminish as time passes. As for the worst-case scenario, bed bugs may also become resistant to these sprays, especially if used frequently.
Therefore, using flea spray as a sole treatment for bed bugs is not recommended due to the unpredictability of its impact and results. The effect may greatly vary, and the infestation may continue to grow or worsen despite the use of this product.
Can You Use Flea Sprays as an Alternative to Exterminators?
Flea sprays are definitely effective. Many households have been using this to help address a wide range of pest issues, including bed bugs. However, it needs to be stressed that flea sprays should only be used as a supplement and not as an alternative to the expertise of pest control professionals.
These experts can assess the severity of your problem and provide long-term solutions to help you rid your home of bed bugs for good.
Their year-long expertise and experience can be of great value for your pest control needs, and these are not something that you can get out of store-bought products or DIY methods.
Recommended Bed Bug Sprays and Other Pesticides
When purchasing flea sprays or any pesticides from stores, make sure that you read the label thoroughly. Check all the active ingredients, and see if it lists bed bugs as one of the target pests.
If you are in doubt, or if you don’t have any available bug sprays at your home, here is a list of products that can effectively kill bed bugs:
• Ortho Home Defense Bed Bug Killer
• Raid Bed Bug Foaming Spray
• EcoRaider Bed Bug Killer Spray
• Hot Shot Bedbug & Flea Fogger
This is not an exhaustive list, and you can always consult with a licensed pest control professional for more information.
Final Thoughts: How to Deal With Bed Bugs ASAP
Bed bugs are resilient, and their population can quickly get out of hand if left untreated. As mentioned earlier, flea sprays can be used to help address the problem but should not be used as an alternative to professional pest control services.
The best way to get rid of bed bugs is to contact a reliable and trustworthy exterminator. Their years of expertise and experience with these pests can help you safely and effectively eliminate the problem from your home.
To add, you don’t have to worry about the cost since exterminators usually provide an affordable plan that fits your budget.
Regularly inspect areas that are prone to bed bug infestations, such as furniture, mattresses, and other items, and disinfect them regularly with the help of professional pest control services.
This way, you can protect your home from these pesky pests in a more effective and cost-efficient manner.
