In this article, we’ve listed some of the best bed bug powder in the market to be added to your array of tools to battle the dreadful bed bugs.
Bed Bug Powders come in several varieties and are considered some of the most effective remedies for bed bug infestations.
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using bed bug powders:
- Long lasting killing effect
- Non-toxic and natural (for DE)
- Safe around humans and pets (for DE)
- Insects cannot grow immunity to it
- Can reach places other methods can’t
- Does not kill instantly
- Can get really messy
- Can clog vacuum when cleaning
1) CimeXa Insecticide Dust
The CimeXa insecticide dust is a non-staining and odorless bed bug powder designed to get rid of bed bugs on contact.
- How it works: It’s fine particles stick onto passing bed bugs through electrostatic attraction, and damages the bug’s cuticle (outer layer of the bug’s exoskeleton). Resulting in rapid dehydration and eventually death.
CimeXa dust kills bed bug adults (even the pyrethroid-resistant ones), nymphs and eggs. It also gets rid of other pests like cockroaches, fleas, ticks, silverfish, lice, ants, firebrats, mites, spiders and drywood termites.
It remains effective for up to 10 years when left undisturbed.
- Kills faster than Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
- Lasting effectiveness
- Works on other bugs
- Doesn’t require to apply a lot
- Puffer not included
2) Harris Bed Bug Diatomaceous Earth Powder (with Powder Duster)
Brand: Harris
The Harris Bed Bug Diatomaceous Earth Powder is EPA Registered (Environmental Protection Agency) for use in homes with humans and pets. It is also listed with the Organic Minerals Research Institute.
It kills bed bugs within 48 hours of initial contact. Each purchase comes with a powder duster for easy application.
When kept dry, it continues to kill bed bugs for weeks after application.
- Long residual effect
- Faster acting kill (compared to typical DE)
- Registered with EPA
- Comes with duster
- Have smell
3) Safer Brand 51703 Diatomaceous Earth Powder
The Safer Brand Diatomaceous Earth is non-staining and contains 100% Diatomaceous Earth (DE). As with other DE, it kills bed bugs by touch or ingestion.
It can be used both indoor and outdoor, and killing happens as fast as 48 hours after contact. On top of bed bugs, it is also effective in killing fleas, cockroaches, silverfish, earwig, centipede and more.
The pests are also not able to develop a resistance to it since there are no chemicals content in DE for the pests to build immunity from.
It also registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, and does not have adverse effects on humans or the environment when applied as directed.
- EPA registered
- Also kills other pests
- Resealable packaging
- Non-staining
- Not for immediate killing (as with all DE)
Tip 2: Use in conjunction with a bed bug spray like Hot Shot for immediate effect.
4) Diatomaceous Earth Powder (Food Grade)
The Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is non-staining and contains 100% Diatomaceous Earth (DE). As with other DE, it kills bed bugs by touch or ingestion.
It can be used both indoor and outdoor, and killing happens for as fast as 48 hours after contact. On top of bed bugs, it is also effective for cockroach, silverfish, flea, earwig, millipede and centipede control.
Pests can’t develop resistances to it since there are no chemicals to build immunity from.
It also registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, and does not have adverse effects on humans or the environment when applied as directed.
- EPA registered
- Also kills other pests
- Resealable packaging
- Non-staining
5) Drione Pest Insecticide Dust (with Puffer Bellow Duster)
Brand: Bayer
The Drione Pest Insecticide Dust is a desiccant dust with a residual of over 6 months. This hardcore product is not for use in food areas and works best in such as cracks and crevices at homes or in commercial buildings.
On top of bed bugs, it also kills cockroaches, spiders, drywood termites, fleas, beetles, lice, scorpions, ticks, wasps, ants, cadelles, centipedes and more.
Every purchase comes with 1 lb of Drione and a handheld puffer duster (duster comes with attached rubber cover for storage for later use).
- Also kills other pests
- Fast and effective formula
- Reusable container
- Long reach tube
- Puffer compression lid might not be very solid
There are two major types of bed bug powders: Diatomaceous earth (DE) and Insecticide dust (Pyganic or Deltamethrin).
- Insecticide Dust: Regardless Pyganic or Deltamethrin, they contain insecticides of low toxicity level to humans and pets. They are considered ‘contact’ powder as they kill faster than Diatomaceous earth (usually within 48 hours after contact).
- Diatomaceous earth: A ‘residual’ powder made from fossilised diatoms. It’s powder particles have sharp edges that cuts open the bug’s exoskeleton and absorbing the lipids on their shells which causes bed bugs to dehydrate and eventually dies (usually takes about 10 days). It remains effective for a long time as long as it remains and stays dry.
Things to note when using Bed Bug Powder
- Always use a dust mask when dealing with powder-based solutions
- Apply evenly and sparingly for best results
- Avoid using around wet areas (as it will lose the effectiveness)
- Be patient, powder is not a quick fix method
Conclusion
Bed bug powders are an effective and when applied properly, can help eradicate a bed bug infestation. The trick is to have patience, be diligent and consistent to reapply as needed.
Use it wisely with other bed bug killing methods and over time, it is very possible to completely eliminate bed bugs at home.
Have you tried powder treatments for your bed bug problems at home? Or still considering if it is the best solution? Give it a try and let us know what’s the outcome!