Bed bugs are among the pests that homeowners have to deal with occasionally. They are difficult to find as they hide in areas that are not directly visible to you, including in the cracks and crevices of your house. More modern methods of killing these bugs include a variety of specialized chemicals, mechanical techniques, and fumigation. But, as bed bugs have settled somewhere in your home, it won’t be easy to make them get up and go. To treat serious infestations, you need a combination of different chemicals, cleaning techniques, and some patience. So, what chemicals kill bed bugs? Keep reading to know the answer.
Even if bed bugs have increased resistance to pesticides, chemical treatments must be a part of any elimination strategy. The chemicals to use depend on the infestation itself. There are hundreds of pesticides for bed bugs on the market classified into the following:
Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids
These chemicals are the most commonly used for indoor pest control. They kill the bugs by messing with their nerve function and causing paralysis. But, resistance to these chemicals is quite common among some bed bug populations, so applying them may not be fully effective.
Desiccants
These drying agents dehydrate insects to kill them. They attach to the waxy exoskeleton of bed bugs and absorb the juicy fats and vital moisture within. Because this process is mechanical in nature, bed bugs won’t be able to build a resistance. Also, it is generally safe to use the substance around humans and pets. Examples of desiccant used for killing bed bugs include Cimexa Dust, Borax, and Diatomaceous Earth that come in the form of powders that you can sprinkle around crevices, cracks, and furniture. Although these substances can effectively kill bed bugs, it can take days or weeks to do so.
When using desiccants, it is important to make sure the chemicals are registered by the EPA and are meant for the control and treatment of bed bugs. Desiccants are available in many forms and can be used for some purposes including swimming pools.
Pyrroles
Chlorfenapyr is the only kind of pyrrole that can be used for treating bed bugs. Because it is a pro-insecticide, it must be activated from another chemical to work properly. The resulting chemicals will impact a variety of functions within a bed bug’s body, therefore, causing its death.
Although these chemicals can effectively kill bed bugs, pesticides must be used with extreme caution. Also, they are not recommended for those who are not familiar with chemical pest control treatments.
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