Spray for Bedbugs & Lice

Insecticide spray for lice and bedbugs can control an outbreak.

Bedbugs and lice are parasitic insects that feed off the blood of humans and other warm-blooded mammals. Several pesticides, some of which come in a spray form, exterminate these parasites.

Function

Most insecticides for bedbugs and lice paralyze and kill the insects, although some prevent growth, destroy eggs or leave them infertile.

Features

The most common sprays for bedbugs and lice act as a nerve agent. Once the spray comes in contact with the insects, it interrupts the signals traveling between the brain and body, hindering the animal's ability to breathe and eventually killing it.

Types

The two most common types of insecticide effective on both bedbugs and lice are pyrethrin and permethrin. These insecticides can be either naturally or synthetically produced.

Considerations

A number of other commercially available insecticides can kill bedbugs, including lambda-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin, both of which come in spray form.

Warning

Most insecticides contain toxic ingredients that pose problems if inhaled or ingested. If treating head lice, use pyrethrin and permethrin in the form of a shampoo, not a spray.

References

• Bedbugger.com: How To Get Rid of Bed Bugs
• Techletter.com: Insecticides Labeled for Bedbug Control
• National Pesticide Information Center
• Bed Bug Battle Plan: Bed Bug Insecticides
• Lice.ca: Anti-Lice Treatments