Never underestimate bed bugs! They may be small, but they still are dangerous pests you have to get rid of. Although bed bugs are not poisonous, they may bring you sleepless nights and numerous tiny but unpleasant bites. You can’t hide from them indoors, they will follow you to your bed.
These pests usually don’t attack during the day, they are waiting ‘till you fall asleep. After that, bed bugs crawl closer and start sucking your blood. Those who have bed bugs for months may occasionally suffer from anemia.
These insects reproduce quickly, and their young nymphs require even more blood. After bed bugs feed on you, your skin starts itching. This is the first sign for you to act immediately.
Being an entomologist, I’ve learned how dangerous these creatures can be. While there are numerous different ways to kill bed bugs, I want to discuss bombs and foggers here. I gathered the top products I checked out myself and advised my clients.
You will find only affordable items here. Besides, I am going to teach you how to use bed bug foggers and bombs. Follow my instructions, and you will get rid of this threat for good.
Top-4 Best Bed Bug Bombs and Foggers
- Bedlam Plus Bed Bug Aerosol – My Top Pick
- Hot Shot 95911 AC1688 Bedbug & Flea Fogger
- PT Alpine Flea & Bed Bug Pressurized Insecticide – 20 oz.
- MGK 1977 Crossfire Insecticide Aerosol
I have made my own list of top products. There are much more than only 4 options on the market, however, these are my favorites. If you have something to add to my description of these bombs and foggers, you can do it in the comments below.
1. Bedlam Plus Bed Bug Aerosol – The Leader Among Aerosol Bombs for Bed Bugs
Specifications:
- Active Ingredients: Imidacloprid 0.05% MGK 264 1% Phenothrin 0.4%
- Item Form: Aerosol
- Item Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 9.5 inches
- Target Species: Bed Bugs, Lice & Dust Mites
Bedlam Plus Bed Bug Aerosol by MGK was created to kill even eggs of these insects. It has a long-lasting effect and stays active for two weeks after it is diffused. It exterminates the eggs, preventing the appearance of new bed bugs. This substance can be sprayed on the carpet, ceramic surfaces, wood furniture, including legs of the bed, and even the mattress.
Produced by MGK, a famous insecticides manufacturer, this one does not leave any stains on the surface. This aerosol is water-based, and after it is sprayed, you don’t see the substance at all.
Warning! You can’t use it close to the food. It is recommended to use this product on the walls, behind the mirrors, clock, and pictures, somewhere far away from pets. This aerosol kills even bed bugs resistant to pyrethroid.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|
|
2. Hot Shot 95911 AC1688 Bedbug & Flea Fogger – Savvy Powerful Fogger for Bed Bugs
This 95911 AC1688 Bedbug & Flea Fogger by Hot Shot was created to kill not only bed bugs and fleas, but also ticks, and lice. This repellent can be used anywhere around the house. You can even spray it close to the places where your pets sleep. The product is powerful enough to stay active and suppress any intentions of bed bugs for 7 months.
This fogger contains nylar, which destroys eggs of bed bugs. You can use it on fabric and wood. There are three cans in the pack. Each of them covers an area of 2 000 cubic feet.
Hot Shot manufacturer is famous for its insecticides that can be applied both indoors and outdoors. I recommend you to apply this fogger several times to make sure you kill all the bed bugs. You can repeat the procedure 2 weeks after the first one.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|
|
3. PT Alpine Flea & Bed Bug Insecticide – the Best Bed Bug Bomb Aerosol
Specifications:
- Age Range: Adult
- Item Form: Aerosol
- Item Weight: 1.2 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 2.7 x 2.6 inches
- Target Species: Bed Bugs
PT Alpine Flea & Bed Bug Insecticide by Alpine Innovations can be applied not only at homes, but also apartments, motels, hotels, veterinary clinics, and various commercial structures. The bottle contains 20 Oz that can be sprayed around the 2 625 square feet territory. The product contains prallethrin and IGR pyriproxyfen which kill not only adult bed bugs but also their eggs.
Alpine Innovations is a company developer and distributor of products for hunting, fishing, and other active types of sports. Their insecticide quickly became a top choice for customers after it was released.
Since the product contains chemicals, developers warn you to keep it away from children. It is also important to store it far from the open fire. It kills all the bed bugs and fleas at home during a month.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|
|
4. MGK 1977 Crossfire Insecticide Aerosol – Top Offer Among Bed Bug Bombs for House
Specifications:
- Active Ingredients: Clothianidin – 0.40% Metofluthrin – 0.01% Piperonyl but oxide – 1.0%
- Item Form: Cream, Spray
- Item Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 10 inches
- Target Species: Bed Bugs & Bed Bug Eggs
The 1977 Crossfire Insecticide Aerosol by MGK is just a10 inches small bottle that contains really powerful ingredients perfect for killing bed bugs. The active components of this insecticide are metofluthrin, clothianidin, and piperonyl butoxide. It kills bed bugs resistant to an old classy pyrethroid chemical.
The product destroys bed bugs from eggs to adults. It is highly recommended to wear protective gloves and a mask on your face to avoid irritation.
The item is safe to apply on mattresses, as it does not leave stains. The active ingredients start working a few minutes after they are applied. I recommend you to keep this insecticide far from children and pets. You can apply this product not only at home but in commercial and institutional facilities as well.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|
|
Detailed Manual on Bed Bugs Foggers and Bombs
Adult bed bugs mating near their eggs.
What to do if you have recently noticed small red itchy dots on your body from bed bugs attacks? You have to act immediately. Some people are wondering “how effective are bed bug bombs?” Are they more effective than foggers? The truth is they are equally effective. Let’s talk more about all the questions that may be bothering you.
What Are Foggers and Bombs?
There is no difference between bombs and foggers when it comes to active ingredients. Basically, it means the same. Both of them are insecticides packed in cans under pressure. They differ by action. When the bomb is released, the insecticide is sprayed in the air.
It spreads almost unnoticed and does not leave any trace. However, the best bed bug fogger provides a thick fog of insecticides when the can is open. As you can see, they are the same things with just a little bit different visual effects.
Do Foggers Kill Bed Bugs?
Typical bed bug aggregation on a mattress
And do bed bug bombs work? Yes, bed bugs are usually killed immediately after the fogger ingredients are activated. The fogger can contain chemicals that are deadly for bed bugs. However, some insects have already built a resistance to the classic compounds of foggers.
This is why I recommend products that do not contain DDT. The foggers can’t be used every day. You have to wait for a few weeks at least. If several bed bugs run away from the fogger, you have to make sure that they will not get too far.
Related Post: Most Effective Bed Bug Heaters: Do They Work?
Foggers vs. Aerosols
While this article contains not only bed bug bombs and bed bug fogger reviews but also aerosols. To be honest with you, bombs are less effective than sprays, but more family-friendly. Aerosols are more effective mainly due to the ability to target specific areas that can be infested.
You can easily find the bed bugs nest and spray it all over, killing them immediately. However, if you don’t have a high level of infestation, you can use bombs and foggers I have already mentioned above. I recommend using foggers together with aerosols and other control methods. You may combine fogger that kills bed bugs with repellents or traps.
Main cons of bed bug foggers:
- Bed bugs can build resistance to specific kinds of chemicals;
- Overuse of the foggers at the same small territory may be dangerous and poisonous;
- You can’t use foggers close to your children or let them play with the cans;
- They are less effective than aerosols.
Guide on How to Use A Fogger Correctly
You may start by deciding which area you want to cover with the fogger. You place the can with the substance in the middle of this territory and activate it. Now you have to leave the room. If it is possible, you can leave the house for several hours.
The timing is different depending on the fogger you’ve chosen, so read the manual on the can. Make sure there is no one at your house at this time.
Related Post: Best Bed Bug Powder Insecticides Reviewed.
FAQ
How Long Do Bed Bug Bombs Last?
The effect of the bomb differs from the company developer, the substances inside, the quality of the materials. On average, bed bug bombs that work really good can be applied once, and stay active for up to 6-7 weeks on the surface.
The most beneficial effect can be seen in fabric and wood. You will have to stay outside the room where you have used the bomb for 2 hours minimum. After that, you can come in. The spread ingredients will be deadly for bed bugs for weeks.
How Long Does It Take for Bed Bug Bombs to Work?
An activated bomb starts killing insects with the insecticide released. Once you open the can, there is no turning back. Make sure you wear protective gloves and a mask while you are using the bed bugs bomb.
While many developers recommend staying away from the place with an active bomb for up to 4 hours or leave the house during the procedure, the insecticide may run out before this time. Yet, it will be soaked into the area.
What Chemical Is in Bed Bug Bombs?
There are not one, but several chemicals in bed bug bombs on average. However, the most popular chemicals that are usually added to the insecticide are pyrethroids. Pyrethroids are synthetically made chemicals that have similar qualities with extract of chrysanthemum flowers.
These chemicals have been used in bed bug bombs since the 1950s. This is why many insects have created resistance to it. The main active component of the bed bug bomb is Cypermethrin. You can also find the Deltamethrin and Tetramethrin in some of the bombs. Read my bed bug bomb reviews list, and check out other active components.
What Is the Best Bed Bug Spray or Bombs?
If I would have to choose right now, I’d pick spray. However, there are different benefits of both of these types of insecticides. I recommend you to find out the level of infestation. If there is a huge amount of pests, you have to use both products at the same time.
But if there aren’t that many bugs, you may pick one of them and it will be enough for you. Make sure that bed bug bombs contain effective ingredients that still may kill pests. It is very possible that you will have to repeat the procedure several times.
Related Post: Most Effective Bed Bug Sprays Reviewed.
Which Insecticide to Choose?
There are different options for you on the list, from aerosols and bombs to foggers. I suggest you check your own preferences and read the pros and cons table for each product. Pay attention to the price, manufacturer, compounds, and the effect. If you have children at home, it is also important to find out whether you can use this product or not.
You may share your personal experience with these items in the comments below. Which one have you already checked out? Was it helpful? I am eager to hear replies from you no matter whether you have positive or negative thoughts.
References:
- Pyriproxyfen (Cross, A.; Bond, C.; Buhl, K.; Stone, D. 2015. Pyriproxyfen General Fact Sheet; National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University Extension Services):
http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/pyriprogen.html - Psychological Effects of Bed Bug Attacks
(Cimex lectularius L.) (Jerome Goddard, PhD,a Richard de Shazo, MDb):
https://agrilifecdn.tamu.edu/citybugstest/files/2018/02/Goddard-and-de-Shazo-2012-Am-J-Med-Psycholog-Effects-of-Bed-bug-attacks-1.pdf - The use of DDT for bedbug control (University of Florida Digital Collections):
https://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00026050/00001 - Should I Use a Fogger? (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency):
https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/should-i-use-fogger - Pyrethroid Insecticides (Illinois Department of Public Health):
http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/pyrethroid.htm
Contents
Why You Should Trust Pest Control Hacks?
We know that pests are nasty neighbors, and it can take months to eliminate them without the right approach. Our experts use their own experience to compile articles and guides that are introductory and informative. Our authors’ opinions are independent and based on the results of practical testing of pest control tools. We do not notify manufacturers of testing of their products and do not receive payment from them for posting their items. Also, our texts are never submitted to company representatives for proofreading before placement. On the site, you will find exclusively objective ratings and reviews.
