If you have a bed bug infestation at home, then you definitely may need a bed bug spray to use at home. These products come in many forms and contain either natural or chemical ingredients.
They are sprayed on the bugs, eggs and their habitat to kill them and prevent them from multiplying. If you are planning to use a spray at home, here are some tips that can help you choose the right product to use.
Chemical Vs. Natural Bed Bug Spray
Most pesticides are not generally toxic when used properly. However, they can cause skin and respiratory irritation when inhaled or sprayed on the skin. They can also be toxic in concentrated amounts. Some people prefer natural sprays or those containing non-toxic chemicals. While they are not as strong as chemical pesticides, they can still be effective.
Chemical Sprays for Bed Bugs
One chemical compound found in most commercial pesticides is Pyrethroids. This compound is synthetically derived from chrysanthemum flowers. It does not kill bugs on site. However, Pyrethroids sprays attack the nervous system of the bugs and paralyze them temporarily, allowing you to easily sweep them up and discard them.
Other pesticides also contain insect growth inhibitors, which interfere with the growth and development of the bugs. When sprayed with this, they will no longer reproduce and mature, causing them to die out eventually. The effects of these inhibitors take time but can work well in conjunction with stronger pesticides such as those containing Pyrethroids.
A major benefit of chemical pesticides is that they work very fast. Most chemical products quickly kill the pests on contact. Spray residues also linger on treated areas, keeping remaining bugs at bay. The downside to these, however, is that they can be harmful to the body. Prolonged exposure, inhalation or ingestion of these products can be toxic. Pyrethroids and similar ingredients like permethrins are also known carcinogens. A bed bug that survives extermination can also grow to develop resistance to the bed bug spray.
Natural Sprays For Bed Bugs
Natural sprays usually contain concentrated plant extracts, usually from clove or peppermint. Some also use enzymes that cut into the cuticle of the bug. They kill bed bugs right on contact and are recommended for general use. Benzalkonium chloride is another natural ingredient and is used as an alternative for Pyrethroids as well.
Most natural or organic sprays can kill light to moderate bed bugs infestation. They are mild on the skin and non-toxic, allowing you to use them anywhere and anytime. You do not have to worry about using the products in your room or on your bed, or even when there are people around the house. They are safe to use in homes with infants, children, and pregnant women.
These compounds also repel bugs from the treated area. The major disadvantage of these products is that they have little bite in comparison to chemical products, so they are only recommended for light and moderate infestations. However, there are also Brisbane Pest Control Services providers that specialize in commercial-quality natural treatments. You can call them to help you in case your natural bed bug spray no longer works. Check out our blog titled silverfish elimination: get rid of them in just 3 hours.
