Bed Bug Insecticides
Typically, several different types of bed bug insecticides are used to treat an infestation. This is due largely to the fact that bed bug harborages are difficult to locate and the insects are resistant to many of the typical pest control chemicals that are used.
Some products are residual in nature so that as the nymphs (immature bed bugs) mature, they are also affected by the pesticide. Other products kill on contact which is the primary means of treating a mature infestation, provided the harborages can be identified and accessed.
This means that several different types of pesticides may be used along with several different types of application methods. It is important to note that these products should be handled and applied by a trained, certified professional in order to maintain the highest level of effectiveness and safety possible.
Residual Products
Residual pesticides are products that continue to affect the insect population, whether by repelling, killing or by sterilizing (creating a condition that prohibits reproduction) them, for weeks or even months after the application. The labels on the products contained in the table below specifically list bed bugs and provide instructions on treating mattresses, box springs and furniture.
| Product Name | Active Ingredient | Method of Application |
| CB D-ForceTM HPX | deltamethrin | pressurized |
| Cy-Kick CS® | cyfluthrin | liquid & aerosol |
| DeltaDust® | deltamethrin | dust |
| Diatect® | diatomaceous earth | dust |
| D-Force® | deltamethrin | pressurized |
| Drione® | pyrethrins | dust |
| Mother Earth® D | diatomaceous earth | dust |
| NIC® | ground limestone | dust |
| Permacide® | permethrin | liquid application |
| Phantom® | chlorfenapyr | liquid application |
| Suspend® | deltamethrin | liquid application |
| Tri-Die® | silica + pyrethrum dust | dust |
Contact Products
Contact pesticides are designed to kill, injure or sterilize insects on contact. Contact products do not have to be ingested in order to be effective. Most often, the product is sprayed directly onto the insect. These are common pesticides that are used to treat bed bugs. The labels on the products contained in the table below specifically list bed bugs and provide instructions on treating mattresses, box springs and furniture.
| Product Name | Active Ingredient | Method of Application |
| 565 Plus XLO® | pyrethrins + synergist | aerosol |
| Bedlam® | d-phenothrin + synergists | aerosol |
| CB-80 Extra® | pyrethrins + synergists | aerosol |
| Clear Zone® I | pyrethrins + synergist | aerosol |
| ExciteR® | pyrethrins + synergist | liquid or fog |
| Sterifab® | alcohols + d-phenothrin | spray |
Other Treatment Products
The products listed in this table do include directions for the treatment of bed bugs on their label. However, there are certain limitations or unclear directions regarding the application of the insecticides to mattresses and sitting surfaces. Further information and clarification can be obtained from the manufacturer of the product, or alternative methods such as those mentioned above may be used.
| Product Name | Active Ingredient | Method of Application & Limitations |
| Demand® | lambda cyhalothrin | liquid application, can treat beds and furniture but not mattresses or sitting surfaces |
| Dragnet® | permethrin | liquid application: bed bugs listed but no specific instructions; flea instructions permit furniture treatment |
| Gentrol® | hydroprene (IGR) | spot, c&c, bottom side of box springs but not mattress |
| Intruder® HPX | cyfluthrin + synergized pyrethrins | aerosol; cracks & crevices, spot; no mention of beds |
| Talstar One® | bifenthrin | liquid application, c&c |
| Tempo® Ultra WP and SC | cyfluthrin | liquid application; do not apply to furniture or upholstery where prolonged contact by humans will occur. |
| Onslaught® | fenvalerate | liquid application, not mattress or box springs, spot and c&c |
