Why Bed Bug Bombs Don’t Work

Why Bed Bug bombs don’t work.  There was a recent study by Ohio State University.  It found that the fumigation bombs that are typically sold at stores to kill bedbugs don’t work.

Do-it-yourself “bombs” or “foggers” are supposed to target the bugs by filling rooms with aerosol insecticide.  These bombs are usually advertised as an easy, cost-effective alternative to pricey pro exterminators.

These products are pretty inexpensive.  Yet if you plan on using them to kill a bed bug infestation.  It is unlikely they are going to be worth the cost.

Why Bed Bug Bombs Don’t Work

In a new study, entomologists at Ohio State University tested out three foggers found in stores.  They were the Hot Shot, Spectracide, and Eliminator brands.

The conclusion was that all three products were virtually useless at fighting bed bug infestations.

The reason was that Bed Bugs found in houses and apartments tend to be resistant to the types of insecticides that are used in these foggers.

Further, the study found that even non-resistant bugs were likely to survive a fogging using these products.  The mist of chemicals just wasn’t able to penetrate the cracks in furniture and walls where the bed bugs usually hideout.

“Based on our findings, bug bombs should not be used for crawling insects such as bed bugs,” said lead researcher Susan C. Jones, Ph.D., an associate professor at the university. “These products shouldn’t even be labeled for bed bugs.”

My Conclusion 

Despite this study I have found that a fogger can be useful as part of a larger plan.   Used along with other products or steps foggers can help to rid you of bed bugs.  But they must be used along with other products.

You also need to be careful when using bed bug foggers.  Be sure to read instructions carefully and follow them.

Even though you might ask why bed bug bombs don’t work, the truth is that they do, but they can’t do the entire job by themselves.

Other Useful Links

Getting Rid of Bed Bugs – Learn more about the steps that you need to take to get rid of bed bugs.

How Diatomaceous Earth Kills Bed Bugs – Here is one of my favorite products.

Why Bed Bug Enclosure is so Effective – If you really want to get rid of bed bugs using bed bug enclosures can be the key.