All About Bed Bug Spray

By Author: Austin Baines
Total Articles: 84
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Bed bugs have become a major annoyance in recent years. Unfortunately, according to pest control professionals, bed bug infestations are becoming more and more common in households each year. In fact, a recent survey shows that 95 percent of pest control companies have dealt with bed bug infestations in the past year.

If preventative measures were not enough to keep your home safe from bed bugs, there are several measures you can take on your own – including some forms of bed bug spray. However, when choosing bed bug spray one must be very careful due to the fact that some of them are illegal and/or highly toxic.

Bed Bug Spray That Is Illegal

Thanks to modern pesticides like DDT, bed bugs had practically become extinct by the 1970s. However, in 1973 DDT was banned by the "https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/environmental-protection-agency.asp">Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after three decades of use. The press release argued that extensive research had suggested ...
... that the extended use of DDT over a long period of time posed a serious threat to the environment and a potential threat to human health.

Since then, less toxic, and consequently less effective, chemicals have been used in the making of bed bug spray.

Bed Bug Spray in the News

Bed bug spray has made headlines recently thanks to a sequence of deaths that have occurred in Thailand. The deaths of seven tourists, including one American woman from California, are linked to a Thai hotel’s use of bed bug spray. All of the victims developed heart problems while staying in a hotel in Thailand.

Independent studies of the hotel room found traces of the toxin chlorpyrifos. This chemical is common across Asia as a bed bug spray. It is also used to kill cockroaches and other insects. It is usually used in small doses but a mistake in dosages can prove to be incredibly lethal.
This particular chemical is banned in many countries.

Bed Bug Spray for Purchase

Many chemicals used in bed bug spray today are far less potent and toxic than DDT and chlorpyrifos. While they may be less effective than DDT, they still help in the control of bed bugs.

According to Brisbane Bed Bugs Control experts, most bed bug sprays are insecticides that kill bugs shortly after having approach in direct contact with them. These pesticides are generally made with several kids of Pyrethroids, which are a synthetic analogy of Chrysanthemum flowers. The downside of Pyrethroids is that some insects – including some bed bugs – have become resistant to them.

Another kind of active element found in bed bug spray is called Chlorfenapyr, a non-repellant insecticide which remains efficient for a long period of time.

Tips for the Use of Bed Bug Spray

Bed bug spray, like any insecticide, can prove to be harmful and even lethal if not used correctly. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label and only spray infected areas.

Bed bug spray should not be used in areas that come into common contact with people including mattresses, sheets, and upholstery.