Bed bugs are quite a nuisance, and once they infiltrate your home, you may be at your wit’s end wondering how to get rid of them. They produce quickly and spread easily, making them one of the hardest pests to control. If bed bugs have infiltrated your home, you’re probably looking for the best solution to remove them.
Like the average American, you probably turned to google to search for what chemical kills bed bugs and their eggs. A lot of available information could leave you feeling overwhelmed and even confused.
Fortunately, you landed here, and we’ll tell you about the seven chemicals that kill bed bugs and their eggs. These chemicals — approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — will win the fight against bed bugs.
7 Chemicals that Kill Bed Bugs and Their Eggs
The 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.
The possibility that the bugs may develop resistance can be decreased by using insecticides with different modes of action. This article covers each of the more popular chemical classes for treating bed bugs in more depth.
To help answer your question, “what chemical kills bed bugs and their eggs?” here are the seven chemicals you can use to remove this pest from your home.
1. Pyrethrins
Did you know that some insecticides come from flowers? Yup! Pyrethrins are a classification derived from chrysanthemum flowers. It’s a common ingredient to keep bed bugs away from a specific area. However, because of its popularity, some bed bugs have built up a resistance to it and may quickly return to your home.
2. Pyrethroids
This synthetic chemical is similar to pyrethrins and is also used to remove bed bugs. Unfortunately, bed bugs have developed a tolerance to this chemical too. Because of this, pesticide manufacturers combine multiple classes of chemicals to create an effective chemical that removes bed bugs.
3. Desiccants
Exposing bed bugs to desiccants will permanently damage and remove their waxy outer shell. They experience physical and irreversible damage that causes them to dehydrate and slowly die. They can’t build a tolerance because of this physical change.
There are two common desiccants: diatomaceous earth and boric acid. Carefully place these chemicals in cracks and crevices only. Spreading them across surfaces could cause you to inhale the powder, leading to serious health issues.
Unfortunately, these products work slower than traditional insecticides because of the physical changes they cause. That means they must crawl around the treated space to have an effect. Furthermore, it won’t work if there is no physical contact with the powder, making desiccants less favorable when used alone.
4. Biochemicals
Cold-pressed neem oil is the only biochemical pesticide registered to fight against bed bugs. It comes from the Neem tree, found in Southeast Asia and Africa. It contains insecticidal compounds that have been effective against any stage of the bed bug life cycle.
This biochemical loses its strength after a week, meaning it might repel bed bugs but won’t likely kill them. For best results, use it in combination with other effective chemicals.
5. Pyrroles
Chlorfenapyr is the only pesticide registered to kill bed bugs. It affects the bed bugs at the cellular level, disrupting their system and leading to death. This chemical becomes deadly when it enters the insect’s body. The bug can no longer move energy between cells, which causes it to die.
Because it takes some time for the chemical to be effective, using this product in combination with other practical methods will eliminate the infestation.
6. Neonicotinoids
Neonicotinoids, which come from nicotine, stimulate bed bug nicotinic receptors until they break down. Because they target the neurological system of bed bugs, neonicotinoids are a unique type of pest control. Neonicotinoids are an alternative for those bed bugs resistant to pyrethrins and pyrethroids.
7. Insect Growth Regulators
These substances alter insects’ juvenile development hormones. As a result, the growth process is either drastically sped up or completely stopped. Either way, the bug will be weakened and eventually die.
Insect growth regulators can also prevent bed bugs from producing the substance chitin, which forms their outer shells.
Do It Right: Hire a Pro
Pesticides are a helpful tool in combating bed bugs that have made their way into your home. However, they are chemicals that can result in health issues, even when used according to the directions.
You must exercise caution when you use them. If you use pesticides, hire a professional to complete the job. They’ll know which pesticides to use and have proper licensing and safety equipment. With pesticides constantly changing, no single product is recommended for eliminating bed bugs. Talk to a professional about what chemical kills bed bugs and their eggs because they’ll be on top of the industry standards
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