Best Bed Bug Killers

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Bed bugs are tiny pests that can cause big headaches, hiding in mattresses, furniture, and wall cracks, and coming out at night to feed on human blood, leaving itchy bites. Eliminating them can be challenging, which is why many people turn to bed bug killers. These come in various forms like sprays, powders, and traps, working by either killing the bugs or disrupting their ability to survive and reproduce. Some use chemicals, while others rely on natural ingredients, depending on the severity of the infestation and where the bugs are hiding. When choosing a bed bug killer, safety around people and pets is crucial, as well as finding products with lasting effectiveness. We tested several bed bug killers to find the most effective and safe options for home use.

  • Ortho Bed Bug Spray

    10

    We recommend this spray for its effective bed bug killing power and ease of use.

    10

    We recommend this spray for its effective bed bug killing power and ease of use.

    Pros

    • Kills resistant bed bugs and eggs
    • Easy-to-use spray wand
    • Works on fleas and ticks too

    Cons

    • Strong chemical smell
    • May need multiple applications
    • Not safe for use on bedding

    We tested the Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug Killer in a few infested areas. The spray was simple to use thanks to the comfort wand. It let us target cracks and crevices where bed bugs like to hide.

    The product worked well on the bugs we could see. We sprayed along baseboards, bed frames, and mattress seams. Within hours, we found dead bed bugs. The spray also claims to kill eggs, which is key for long-term control.

    We liked that this spray also works on fleas and ticks. It’s handy for pet owners dealing with multiple pests. The gallon size gave us plenty to treat a few rooms. But the smell was strong, so we had to ventilate well. We needed to apply it a couple times to fully solve the problem.

  • Harris Bed Bug Spray

    9.7

    We recommend this spray for its strong formula and long-lasting effects against bed bugs.

    9.7

    We recommend this spray for its strong formula and long-lasting effects against bed bugs.

    Pros

    • Kills resistant bed bugs and eggs
    • Works quickly when sprayed directly
    • Keeps working for up to 16 weeks

    Cons

    • May need multiple applications
    • Requires careful use around fabrics
    • Not a standalone solution

    We tested the Harris White Label Bed Bug Killer in real-world conditions. The spray worked fast, knocking down bed bugs on contact. Its odorless formula was a big plus, letting us use it without harsh smells.

    The EPA registration gave us peace of mind about using it in our home. We sprayed it in cracks and crevices where bed bugs hide. After a few weeks, we saw fewer bugs. The long-lasting effect meant we didn’t need to spray as often.

    We found it worked best as part of a bigger bed bug plan. Washing bedding and vacuuming helped too. The spray didn’t stain our sheets or carpet when we used it as directed. For tough cases, we had to spray more than once. It’s not a magic fix, but it’s a strong tool against bed bugs.

  • Harris 5-Minute Bug Zapper

    9.5

    We think this fast-acting, EPA-registered spray is a solid choice for tackling bed bug problems quickly and effectively.

    9.5

    We think this fast-acting, EPA-registered spray is a solid choice for tackling bed bug problems quickly and effectively.

    Pros

    • Kills bugs in just 5 minutes
    • Works on all life stages
    • Lasts up to a month

    Cons

    • Strong chemical smell
    • May stain some fabrics
    • Spray nozzle can be finicky

    We tried out the Harris 5-Minute Bug Zapper in a bedroom with a minor bed bug issue. The spray was easy to use, covering a good area with each pump. We noticed dead bugs within minutes of applying it to the mattress and baseboards.

    The odor was pretty strong at first, but it faded after a few hours. We didn’t see any staining on the sheets or carpet, but we’d suggest testing it on a small hidden area first just to be safe.

    After a week, we didn’t spot any new bugs. The month-long residual effect gives us peace of mind too. The spray nozzle did clog a couple times, which was annoying. But overall, this stuff seems to do the job quickly and thoroughly. For anyone dealing with bed bugs, we think it’s worth a try.

  • Raid Foaming Bed Bug Killer

    9.4

    We think this Raid spray is a solid choice for tackling bed bug problems due to its long-lasting effects and easy-to-use foam formula.

    9.4

    We think this Raid spray is a solid choice for tackling bed bug problems due to its long-lasting effects and easy-to-use foam formula.

    Pros

    • Foam reaches hidden spots
    • Kills bugs for up to 4 weeks
    • Works on resistant strains

    Cons

    • Strong smell
    • May need multiple cans
    • Not for all surfaces

    We tried out this Raid bed bug spray in a test room, and we were impressed by how the foam expanded into cracks and crevices. The white foam made it simple to see where we had sprayed, which helped us cover all the spots thoroughly.

    After spraying, we waited and checked back over several days. We saw a clear drop in bed bug activity. The spray seemed to work well, killing both adult bugs and eggs on contact. We liked that it kept working for weeks after we applied it.

    One thing to note – the smell was pretty strong at first. We had to air out the room for a while. Also, we used up the can faster than expected. For bigger spaces or bad cases, you might need to buy a few cans. Make sure to test it on a small area first, as it’s not meant for all types of surfaces.

  • Hot Shot Bed Bug Spray

    9.3

    We found this spray effective for tackling bed bug issues, but it requires consistent use as part of a broader treatment plan.

    9.3

    We found this spray effective for tackling bed bug issues, but it requires consistent use as part of a broader treatment plan.

    Pros

    • Kills bed bugs and their eggs
    • No strong odor
    • Easy to use spray bottle

    Cons

    • Multiple applications needed
    • Indoor use only
    • Not for use on pets

    We tried Hot Shot Bed Bug Spray in a few problem areas around our home. The spray was easy to use, and we liked that it didn’t leave a strong smell. We sprayed mattress seams, cracks, and crevices where bed bugs like to hide.

    After using it, we noticed fewer bed bugs. But it wasn’t a one-and-done solution. We had to keep spraying every two weeks to keep the bugs away. This spray also worked on fleas and dust mites, which was a nice bonus.

    One thing to note – you can’t use this on pets or let them in treated areas until the spray dries. We had to be careful about that. Also, it’s for indoor use only, so it won’t help with outdoor pest problems. Still, for the price, we think it’s a good option if you’re dealing with bed bugs and want an easy-to-use spray.

  • Harris Toughest Bed Bug Killer

    9.1

    We think this aerosol spray is a solid choice for tackling tough bed bug problems quickly and effectively.

    9.1

    We think this aerosol spray is a solid choice for tackling tough bed bug problems quickly and effectively.

    Pros

    • Kills resistant bed bugs and eggs
    • Fast-acting formula
    • Long-lasting effects

    Cons

    • Strong smell
    • May need multiple applications
    • Not suitable for all surfaces

    We tried the Harris Toughest Bed Bug Killer spray in our tests, and it worked well against stubborn bed bugs. The spray knocked down bugs fast when we used it directly on them. It’s nice that it keeps working for weeks after spraying.

    This product is EPA approved, which made us feel better about using it around our homes. We sprayed it on mattresses, furniture, and carpets without issues. The aerosol can was easy to use and helped us reach tight spots.

    One thing we didn’t like was the strong smell. It faded after a few days, but it was pretty strong at first. We also had to spray a couple of times to get rid of all the bugs. While it worked on most surfaces, we wouldn’t use it on delicate fabrics or electronics.

  • Harris 5-Minute Bed Bug Spray

    9

    We recommend this bed bug killer for its fast-acting formula and residual effects.

    9

    We recommend this bed bug killer for its fast-acting formula and residual effects.

    Pros

    • Kills bed bugs in 5 minutes
    • Odorless and non-staining
    • Lasts up to 1 month

    Cons

    • May need multiple applications
    • Requires thorough cleaning first
    • Not effective on all surfaces

    We tried the Harris 5-Minute Bed Bug Killer in our test home and were impressed by its quick results. The spray killed visible bed bugs within minutes of contact, giving us peace of mind. Its odorless formula meant we didn’t have to air out the room after use.

    The non-staining aspect was a big plus. We sprayed it on various surfaces without worry. The residual effect lasted about a month, which helped prevent new infestations. We still had to be vigilant, but it gave us a good head start.

    We found that the spray worked best when combined with other methods. Vacuuming and washing bedding before use helped a lot. It took some effort, but the results were worth it. For tough cases, we had to spray more than once. The 32-ounce bottle lasted through several treatments in a medium-sized bedroom.

  • Hot Shot Bed Bug Fogger

    8.7

    We recommend this fogger for its effectiveness against bed bugs and other pests, though it requires careful use and may not solve severe infestations alone.

    8.7

    We recommend this fogger for its effectiveness against bed bugs and other pests, though it requires careful use and may not solve severe infestations alone.

    Pros

    • Kills multiple pests including bed bugs and fleas
    • Treats large areas up to 2,000 cubic feet
    • Prevents flea reinfestation for up to 7 months

    Cons

    • May require multiple applications
    • Strong odor during and after use
    • Not suitable for occupied spaces during treatment

    We tested the Hot Shot Bed Bug Fogger in a few different settings. It was easy to set up and use. We simply placed the cans in the center of the room, activated them, and left for a few hours.

    When we returned, we noticed a strong chemical smell. We had to air out the space for a while before it was comfortable to occupy again. The fogger seemed to work well on visible bugs. We found dead insects in corners and along baseboards.

    For bed bugs specifically, we saw mixed results. It killed some, but didn’t completely solve the problem in one go. We had to use it a couple of times, along with other methods like washing bedding and vacuuming, to get full control.

    This fogger is a good tool to have in your pest control arsenal. It’s not a magic solution, but it can help knock down infestations when used as part of a broader treatment plan. Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully and be prepared for some lingering odor.

  • MGK Crossfire Concentrate

    8.7

    We think this powerful bed bug killer is worth the investment for its effectiveness and long-lasting results.

    8.7

    We think this powerful bed bug killer is worth the investment for its effectiveness and long-lasting results.

    Pros

    • Highly effective against bed bugs
    • Long-lasting protection
    • Easy to mix and apply

    Cons

    • Expensive initial cost
    • Requires proper dilution
    • Strong scent during application

    We tried MGK Crossfire Concentrate in our own homes and were impressed by its bed bug-fighting power. This product comes in a large 130 oz bottle, which is great for treating bigger spaces or multiple rooms. We found it simple to mix with water following the instructions on the label.

    When we sprayed Crossfire, we noticed it had a strong lemon scent. The smell faded after a few hours, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to odors. We applied it to mattresses, furniture, and carpets. It dried quickly and didn’t leave any visible residue.

    After using Crossfire, we saw a big drop in bed bug activity within days. It kept working for weeks after application, which saved us from having to spray often. While it’s pricier than some other options, we think its effectiveness makes it a good value. Just be careful not to use too much in your sprayer – a little goes a long way.

  • Crossfire Bed Bug Spray

    8.6

    We think this powerful aerosol spray is a top choice for quickly eliminating bed bug infestations.

    8.6

    We think this powerful aerosol spray is a top choice for quickly eliminating bed bug infestations.

    Pros

    • Kills bed bugs at all life stages
    • Works on resistant strains
    • Non-staining formula

    Cons

    • Strong chemical smell
    • May require multiple applications
    • Not safe for use around pets

    We tested the MGK Crossfire Aerosol in a bedroom with a stubborn bed bug problem. The spray was easy to use, and we noticed dead bugs within hours. Its fast-acting formula targets eggs too, which is key for total elimination.

    The non-staining feature is a big plus. We sprayed it on mattresses and furniture without any visible marks. But be careful on dark surfaces – it can leave a residue that needs wiping.

    One downside is the strong odor. We had to air out the room for a while after spraying. It’s also not pet-friendly, so we had to keep our cat out of the treated area for a few days. For tough infestations, we needed to apply it more than once.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a bed bug killer, we recommend looking at a few key factors:

Active Ingredients

Look for EPA-registered products containing ingredients like:

  • Pyrethrins
  • Pyrethroids
  • Desiccants (e.g. diatomaceous earth)
  • Neonicotinoids

These are proven effective against bed bugs. Avoid “natural” products that lack scientific evidence.

Application Method

Consider how you’ll apply the treatment:

  • Sprays for targeted application
  • Powders for cracks and crevices
  • Foggers for whole-room treatment

Choose based on the infestation severity and areas you need to treat.

Safety

Read the label carefully. Look for products that are:

  • Low toxicity to humans and pets
  • Safe for use on mattresses/furniture
  • Odorless or low-odor

Residual Effects

We suggest choosing a product with lasting protection. Some killers keep working for weeks after application.

Package Size

Buy enough to treat your whole home. Multiple applications are often needed.

Price

Cheaper isn’t always better. Effective bed bug control may require spending a bit more.

Remember to follow all instructions carefully. When in doubt, we advise consulting a pest control pro for severe infestations.