Best spray for bugs at home
The 5 Best Bug Sprays for Home Pest Control
Top Picks Summary
- Ortho Home Defense MAX Insect Killer Spray
- Eco Defense Organic Home Pest Control Spray
- Talstar Pro Multi Use Insecticide
- Orange Guard Water Based Indoor/Outdoor Home Pest Control
- Raid House and Garden Bug Killer
Do you like having bugs in your home? We didn't think so. That's why we've found some of the best bug sprays available — to help kill any insects that may be in or around your home, and prevent any new ones from returning anytime soon.
Bugs are more than just a nuisance; they can also be a health and safety hazard, so it’s important that you do something about the problem right away. If you have a particularly bad infestation, you may also want to invest in alternative forms of pest control, such as an indoor plug-in pest repeller or hanging strips.
What is bug repellent for the home?
There is nothing worse than having an insect infestation. But before you call your local exterminator, a quality bug spray may be all that you need to terminate the problem and go to sleep soundly again. An effective bug spray will help kill bugs and insect eggs in and around your home, and prevent any future insects from visiting your property. All you need to do is spray the repellent in and around your home and allow the area to dry before children and pets re-enter.
Top 5 home bug repellents
Ortho Home Defense MAX
From the top-selling Ortho brand, the Home Defense MAX is fast-acting formula and can quickly kill and prevent ants, roaches, spiders, stink bugs, beetles, moths, crickets, earwigs, fleas, silverfish, ticks, spider mites, beet worms, centipedes, millipedes, scorpions, insect eggs, and about 130 other types of insects. Once it has treated your home, the Invisishield barrier technology will create a protective barrier to keep bugs out for up to 12 months.
The Ortho Home Defense MAX Insect Killer Spray couldn’t be easier to use; simply spray it around your home’s doors, windows, perimeters, and wherever else you commonly see bugs. It is completely odor free, non-staining, and quick-drying. With this convenient spray, you can have peace of mind that the insects will not return for up to one year. It is pet-safe once dry, so just make sure to keep pets and children out until the spray has dried. It is backed by outstanding online reviews and Ortho’s satisfaction guarantee.
Eco Defense Home Pest Control Spray
The Eco Defense Home Pest Control Spray is made with safe, all-natural ingredients. It is intended for both indoor and outdoor use and is effective in killing roaches, ants, spiders, fleas, earwigs, stink bugs, mites, scorpions, and silverfish on contact. It is pet and child safe, easy to use, and works quickly. It contains a proprietary blend of all-natural ingredients that will repel pests without harmful fumes, poisons, or chemicals, so you can use it anywhere you need to, as often as you need to.
After shaking well, spray it in and around your home where pests may be hiding to create a powerful barrier that bugs can’t get past. You may detect a slight smell after spraying, but it will fade after a short while. This has overwhelmingly positive reviews online and is highly effective, even compared to traditional chemical sprays. It is formulated by professional exterminators and 100% guaranteed to work, of your money back.
Talstar Pro Multi Use Insecticide
Talstar Pro Multi Use Insecticide controls over 75 different pests, including spiders, roaches, fleas, ticks, termites, stink bugs, mosquitoes, millipedes, pillbugs, chinch bugs, and earwigs. This is the same product that many pest control experts use, so you can get professional results, without the high price tag. In fact, this is actually one of the most trusted and widely-used insecticides by pest control experts. Unfortunately, when you want to use the same stuff the pros use, you usually have to buy in bulk. This is a large container of insecticide concentrate, which can yield 32-96 gallons of bug repellent, so it should last you a long time.
All you need to do is apply this inside, outside, and around the perimeter of your home for up to three months of dependable pest protection. It can be used around food handling areas and is pet-safe once dry, so just make sure to keep pets and children out until the spray has dried. It is odorless, dries clear, is non-staining, and non-irritating to the skin. It won’t break down easily, so you can rely on it for all-day use. If you have tried other products and are losing in the fight against bugs, this insecticide has shown outstanding results even in extreme cases when the insects kept returning.
Orange Guard Home Pest Control
Orange Guard Home Pest Control proves that you don’t need chemicals to effectively treat an insect problem. The water-based formula kills ants, roaches, fleas, silverfish, aphids, spider mites, leaf hoppers, palmettos, and scale insects on contact. It can safely be used around food, humans, and pets. It is intended for indoor and outdoor use and can kill and repel even well-hidden bugs. Once it is applied around the perimeter of your home, it will create a barrier of protection.
Orange peel extract (d-Limonene) is the active ingredient in this spray, which is a common natural solution for insect control. This formula took 14 years to perfect and underwent extensive testing and certification to ensure it could work as well as (or better than) conventional insecticides. The safe, effective insecticide actually outperformed the toxic chemical, Dursban, in independent studies. The orange peels also leave behind a fresh orange scent, which is much better than the chemical smell you will find with most insecticides.
Raid House and Garden Bug Killer
From the bestselling Raid brand, Raid House and Garden Bug Killer is the perfect solution when you need to treat both your home and garden. This powerful, effective spray won’t harm plants, but will kill crawling, flying, and garden insects on contact. It is non-flammable, non-staining, has no lingering odor, and couldn’t be easier to use. The gentle formula is equally effective indoors and outdoors, so you can spray it in your home, around the perimeter, and even throughout your garden. It can be used on house plants and garden plants, but shouldn’t be sprayed on edible crops. You can use it as often as you need it, anywhere you need it.
There are a number of Raid products with high ratings, but this particular spray will work indoors, outdoors, and in your garden, making it an incredible value. It is also one of the highest rated Raid products.
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The 5 Best Bug Sprays For Home
Life
by Rachel Cavanaugh
Amazon/Bustle
It's bad enough to have to deal with insects when you're camping or spending time in the backyard— but inside your house? When that happens, you need the best bug sprays for home to keep those six- and eight-legged creatures at bay. But there are so many to choose from that it can be hard to know which ones actually work and which ones just leave your countertop smelling gross.
To help you out, I've looked at a variety of different insect sprays and read through dozens of Amazon reviews. From that research, I put together a list of the best bug sprays for home on Amazon.
As you read through my picks, first consider what type of pests you have. Is it a general problem of insects and creepy crawlies getting inside your home? (In that case, the multipurpose spray is your best option). If, on the other hand, you have a specific problem — like ants, bedbugs, or spiders — one of the more specialized options will be a better fit.
I've also included an all-natural bug spray for those who want to steer clear of harsh chemicals. Keep in mind, however, that all bug sprays can be toxic to pets — even the natural ones — so if you have furry friends, keep them away from all sprayed-down zones.
With that in mind, check out my list of the best bug sprays below.
1
The Best All-Purpose Bug Spray
Ortho Home Defense Max Insect Killer, 24 Fl. Oz. (2-Pack)
Amazon
What's great about it: If you have an assortment of creepy crawlies in your abode rather than just one specific kind, this multipurpose insect spray is a great choice. Reviewers vouch that it's effective on numerous types of pests including ants, beetles, spiders, centipedes, and cockroaches. It won't stain the surface you spray it on and, in addition to providing on-contact protection, it also creates a bug barrier that will last up to a year.
What fans say: "I buy this every year. Really does keep the ants and bugs out of my house for 12 months once sprayed. I will not use anything else."
2
The Best For Ants And Cockroaches
Raid Ant And Roach Killer, 17.5 Fl. Oz.
Amazon
What's great about it: If you have ants or cockroaches raiding your kitchen, bathroom, or other parts of the house, this instant bug spray is a fantastic way to exterminate them on the spot. It also provides barrier protection for up to four weeks if you want a preventative layer. I've personally used it before and can vouch for its effectiveness. While it's fragrance-free, it does have a heavy chemical smell, which is a drawback, but that's pretty much the case for any non-natural ant spray. It's not specified whether this formula is non-staining, so I recommend doing a spot-test first.
What fans say: "Works well! Each year we get a visit from mini ants. This year we most effectively banished them. Great product, speedy delivery."
3
The Best For Bed Bugs And Lice
Bedlam Plus Bed Bug Aerosol, 17 Fl. Oz.
Amazon
What's great about it: This powerful insect spray works exceptionally well on bedbug, lice, and mite infestations (all of which are notoriously difficult to control). It's formulated especially for these stubborn creatures, and reviewers say it does the job well. The spray won't stain your mattress (providing it's a water-safe fabric), and you can also use it in the cracks and crevices of baseboards and floorboards. The one drawback is that it's an aerosol can, so it's not eco-friendly. However, it is the one that's the most effective, according reviewers.
What fans say: "OMG! Finally something that really works... For the first time in six months, I actually slept with the light off no longer scared that these blood suckers are coming after me. Please use this stuff."
4
The Best For Spiders
Terro Spider Killer Aerosol Spray, 16 Fl. Oz. (2-Pack)
Amazon
What's great about it: Made specially for spiders, this super-effective bug spray works on the common house spider, as well as the dangerous species like the hobo, brown recluse, and black widow. You can use it as an on-contact spray when you spot spiders or lay it down as a toxic barrier to catch them later. Best of all, it can be used outdoors, so it's also great for tackling garden sheds or other outdoor structures (though this one is also an aerosol spray, so it's not eco-friendly). The manufacturer recommends testing this spray in a discreet spot first to confirm that it doesn't cause any staining.
What fans say: "Our garage was littered with spiders, ticks, and egg sacks, my mother took a can of this out, sprayed everything, and watched them all die instantly. A ring formed in the sacks and she said she could see everything in them dying. It killed the ticks right on contact, too. I’m definitely going to be purchasing more of this and using it for when I'm alone and see one in my room or for others to use in problem areas."
5
The Best Natural Spray
Wondercide Natural Indoor Pest Control Home and Patio Spray, 32 Fl. Oz.
Amazon
What's great about it: If you're looking for a nontoxic alternative to dealing with pests, this all-natural bug spray is a great option. With nearly 400 reviews, there are plenty of folks that have attested to its effectiveness, even without the chemicals. The nonstaining formula comes in four different scents — cedar, lemongrass, peppermint, and rosemary. This solution is pricier than some of the other choices, but if you want something natural that actually works, it may be worth the investment.
What fans say: "No other natural pest control works as quickly and with certainty like Wondercide with the added benefit of leaving the room with the great outdoor scent of wood instead of poison."
Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.
The best bed bugs
Bed bugs usually come to the apartment suddenly and without warning.
These small and very unpleasant insects can multiply for years in your mattress, pillow, duvet cover.
How to get rid of them?
What you should pay attention to when choosing
Bedbugs, as a rule, come to the apartment suddenly and without warning. These small and very unpleasant insects can multiply for years on your mattress, pillow, duvet cover. They can penetrate human skin and cause serious external inflammation, which, probably, will not decorate anyone. There are many remedies on the market that fight the obsessions of this infection, but not everyone understands the difference between them, because in appearance they almost do not differ from each other. For a competent choice of the right drug, you should pay attention to some things:
- Assignment of funds. Make sure that the product you choose kills exactly the kind of insects you want to fight.
- Composition. Read carefully what is written on the back of the funds. Some people suffer from intolerance to certain substances.
- Toxicity. Most insect repellents have a strong and unpleasant smell. In the article we will indicate which of the drugs are the least toxic.
- Desired effect duration. nine0016
Overview of bedbug products
Powder
Atlant
A bright representative of the budget group of insecticides. Affected insects do not die immediately, but still manage to infect their "brothers" in contact with them. Destroys a number of insects, in addition to squalls. It can be used in residential and non-residential areas
From bedbugs
It is a blue powder that must be dissolved in water according to the instructions. Designed not only for bedbugs, but also other harmful insects that like to settle in houses and apartments: fleas and cockroaches. It includes the active substance acetamiprid, thanks to which pests are destroyed in just a couple of applications. By the way, it was made in India, and for this warm country, the fight against annoying insects is an urgent problem. Therefore, the tool is very effective and works flawlessly. nine0009
Liquid
Agran
One of the most inexpensive means that equally effectively destroys both adults (getting into their body) and larvae at any stage of development. In addition, it fights well against flies, ants and cockroaches. This is a rather toxic drug, it is very dangerous for humans, so you need to be very careful when spraying.
Cucaracha
The drug is a light yellow emulsion with an unpleasant and pungent odor. It can be used everywhere: in kindergartens, sanatoriums, residential and non-residential premises, in public catering. Cucaracha has no effect on bedbug eggs, but is able to methodically eliminate the hatched larvae within 4 weeks. It should be processed with a spray gun. nine0009
Executioner
This is a domestic universal remedy. A simple and, at the same time, biting name embodies the essence of this drug. It kills insects almost instantly and leaves no chance for their reappearance. They can process skirting boards, the back of furniture and even sockets. Due to the fact that the Executioner does not always kill the oviposition of bedbugs the first time, you need to use it for a maximum of two. After the first application, the bugs may hatch, but will no longer be able to lay new larvae. nine0009
Force-Site
Light yellow concentrate designed to fight fleas, cockroaches, flies and bed bugs. This list is incomplete. Force-Site destroys almost all small pests known in Russia. It has a rather specific pungent smell, but disappears very quickly. Since the medicine is concentrated, it should be diluted in water according to the instructions on the package. The main active ingredient is fenthion. It paralyzes and destroys the nervous system of the parasite. The tool does not immediately deal with parasites, but after a certain time, after direct contact. nine0009
Cyclops
Domestic drug that fights all types of flying and crawling insects, not bypassing bed bugs. One of its most important characteristics is the destruction of pests from the first time. The active ingredients chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin have a devastating effect on the insect body. After some time, the poison affects its nervous system, after which the pest dies. The residual effect of the Cyclops lasts up to 35 days.
nine0010 CypermethrinBased on this substance, a large number of preparations against various insects have been developed. It is not sold in its pure form, but in combination with other components it is part of many drugs. Available in the form of tablets, emulsion and powder. Cypermethrin has a detrimental effect on bedbugs at the slightest contact. The highest activity of the drug is observed on the first day, then for another 30 days there is a residual effect. The substance disrupts the nervous system of adult bugs and larvae, which leads to complete paralysis of the insect. But the drug does not harm already laid eggs, which is why experts recommend carrying out the pest control procedure in two stages with an interval of a month. nine0009
Author: Zirael
Our catalog contains a wide range of means to fight bedbugs
6 proven ways to get bedbugs out at home quickly and permanently
Sonya Emelyanova
collected readers' advice
Author's profile
You live for yourself and absolutely do not expect that such terrible creatures as bedbugs may appear in the apartment. However, this happens to people much more often than we would like. nine0009
We asked readers to tell us which means turned out to be the most effective in the fight against bedbugs, and collected proven methods in a selection. If nothing helps you yet, perhaps you will find salvation here.
Method No. 1
"Hector" or "Polysorb" Evgeniy Kramsakov
dried bedbugs
In the hostel, we managed to get rid of bedbugs in one simple way - "Polysorb" or "Hector".
We lived with bedbugs for quite a long time. They tried to poison with insecticides, flooding everything in a 15-meter room, ironing bed linen, including mattresses. It helped for a rather short period - apparently, it was possible to kill some of the individuals. When the girl and I moved to another room, we took the bedbugs with us. In the new room, they showed much less activity, so we did not start to seriously fight - we simply destroyed them in their daytime habitats once a week, when we changed the linen. nine0009
Once, an article was sent to the dormitory chat about "Peekaboo", where the family fought bedbugs in the room with the help of "Polysorb". There, the story dragged on for two months with weekly bullying and leaving the apartment. I hoped that the room would be pickled faster.
I bought the largest package of Polysorb - for 800 R, I think. Decided more is better than less. There is also a remedy specifically against bedbugs - "Hector". It differs, as I understand it, only in convenient packaging. The tool itself is a powder, more like dust. It absorbs moisture very well, it is used for poisoning, as I understand it. nine0009
In general, I made a spray bottle from a fingertip and a bottle of Cola and treated the mattress, baseboards and everything around the bed - in the new room, the bugs lived only in the mattress. Without wet cleaning. After the first treatment, the bugs disappeared. I repeated it two weeks later just in case. About a third used the funds: due to the fact that drops of water remained in the bottle, it crumpled.
The problem with this method is that Polysorb dries the skin very much, so we smeared our feet with a greasy cream. When processing, you must use a respirator, because you can not inhale "Polysorb". nine0009
Method No. 2
Bleach Viktor Platonov
is one of 12% of the lucky ones
I successfully removed bedbugs in two months, it was difficult, but it is possible. An additional complication: the house in which I live is completely infected, so I had to spend more effort.
They run at a speed of a meter per minute. They move very fast. I even recorded a video to send to the landlady. You can find them by their specific smell, and also by brown spots on bed linen. nine0009
Bleach works well. But only when wet: it kills all individuals, from nymphs to adults, and also damages eggs. They don’t care about vinegar, and sooner or later immunity will appear to any insecticide. Processing an apartment with exterminators will cost 6-9 thousand depending on the number of rooms, and for 2 thousand a person will come and process it with the same one that you buy in the store.
Method No. 3
Means with microgranules Oleg
destroyed a colony of bugs
We lived in a communal apartment, an old house, wooden floors - bed bugs appeared in the sofa. I tried all the smears and sprays from ordinary stores, but nothing helped. Then I found a special store that sells insecticides and bought a product based on microgranules from them. The bottom line is that they stick to the paws of insects and they drag him to the "house", to places of their mass accumulation. As a rule, this place is hidden from the eyes, and you won’t find it so easily. There, the agent begins to act, poisoning the entire colony. nine0009
So, I bought a concentrate, diluted it with water according to the instructions, took a spray bottle and literally filled the entire sofa: in the cracks, from above, from below. I did the same with the skirting boards and sprayed it on the floor. After that, we opened the windows and left for three days to dry out. The tool, by the way, has a slight smell, not at all the same as all sorts of dichlorvos. Three days later they returned - that's it, no bedbugs! Not in a month, not in a year. So do not waste time and look for a professional remedy.
By the way, cockroaches are generally removed in an elementary way: containers with a solution of boric acid were placed throughout the communal kitchen. Two weeks - and all the cockroaches that the kitchen had been infested with for twenty years disappeared. Somehow later, a scout was caught and destroyed, descending the riser. That's it, they didn't come to us anymore. Cockroaches need water, they drink the solution and die. They no longer return to the places of death of relatives. nine0009
Method No. 4
"Executioner" and steam generator Olga E.
saved my grandmother's apartment
Somehow it started to happen in my grandmother's apartment - the nurse brought it from other old people. No exterminators helped.
The Executioner helped. Then, and that was about six years ago, it was not very common, and there were a lot of bottles. I went to the market in Mytishchi for him. I saw that now you can buy at Ozone. We also bought a steam generator and poisoned them with hot steam. nine0009
But the pest control service and the SES were called three times, no less, but after them there were no improvements. And yes, my mother, who lived in an apartment with her grandmother, is a tidy and perfectionist, so it cannot be argued that bedbugs start only in obscene dirty girls.
Method No. 5
Cellophane Airbase Aori
found relief from pain
There is a very simple remedy: cover sofas, beds and armchairs with cellophane. From above you can put bed linen, bedspreads. Bedbugs cannot crawl on cellophane, so they will not have access to blood. They will disappear in about six months. nine0009
We hounded and hovered them as much as possible, but I read a small inconspicuous comment on the Internet and decided to try.