Will Garden Sprays Kill Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are tiny insects that feed off human blood. The bugs live inside mattresses, box springs, sheets, comforters, pillows and upholstered surfaces. Insecticides are one way to manage and control the bugs, though garden sprays typically aren't strong enough.

Expert Insight

According to the University of California, the best way to treat a bed bug infestation is with a two-step process, using an insecticide that contains pyrethrin. This should be combined with other methods to control the outbreak, including laundering everything in the room and repeated applications of the insecticide.

Considerations

Spraying garden spray directly on the bed bugs may kill the bugs. This doesn't kill other bed bugs in the surrounding area though, but only the ones that come into direct contact with the spray. If the spray doesn't contain pyrethrin, it may not work at all.

Warning

Using insecticide alone isn't enough to completely rid your home of bed bugs. You must also wash and dry all bedding in the home at a high temperature and clean under baseboards.

References

• The University of Kentucky: Bed Bugs
• University of California: Bed Bugs