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If you travel a lot, consider putting Bed Bug Patrol’s Bed Bug Spray in your suitcase or carry-on. This non-toxic, 100% natural formula is eco-friendly and comes in a TSA-approved 3.2-ounce container. It kills bed bugs in every cycle of life form, including pesticide-resistant adults. It’s child- and pet-safe, and you won’t have to worry about any toxic fumes. Spray it on mattresses, bedding, upholstery, clothing, carpeting and walls.

Pros

• Convenient travel size
• Non-toxic, natural formula
• Kills bed bugs in all stages of life
• Safe for kids and pets

Cons

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If you have a whole-house bed bug infestation, you’ll want to check out Harris’ Bed Bug Killer. This formula kills live bugs and eggs and those resistant to pyrethroid. With the easy-to-use wand, you can spray in hard-to-reach areas, including in closets and between the seats in your car. The best part is that it offers residual protection for up to 16 weeks. Note that the formula does contain imidacloprid, which is toxic to people and pets.

Pros

• Comes in a 1 gallon container
• Easy to use
• Won’t stain fabrics
• Protects for up to 16 weeks
  

Cons

• Toxic to people and pets

What to Consider When Buying Bed Bug Spray

If you’re sure you have bed bugs and are looking for the best option for your needs, consider each spray’s design. Do you need to spot-treat one area of your home, such as a mattress, or will you need an option that works to eliminate bed bugs and their eggs throughout your entire home? Many sprays are specifically designed to be used on mattresses, while others can be used on various items, such as clothing, luggage, upholstery and carpeting. Also, consider how the treatment works—some are meant to be used more than once, while others have longer-lasting effects.

If you have pets or small children, look at the ingredients. While many bed bug sprays have chemicals that are toxic to people and pets, there are some on the market made of natural, non-toxic ingredients. Finally, some bed bug sprays can be used to kill other pesky insects, such as fleas, ticks and dust mites.

How We Found the Best Bed Bug Sprays

As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject-matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.

FAQ

How long do bed bugs live after spraying?

When using sprays, most bed bugs will be killed in a few hours or less. It’s not uncommon to see more bed bugs come out after a spray is used, as the bugs are trying to escape the chemicals sprayed on them.

How often should you spray for bed bugs?

In many instances, it may take up to three to four spray treatments to completely eradicate bed bugs from your home. Be sure to follow all instructions on the product’s label for best results.