When it comes to a bed bug infestation, there are many home remedies available. Something that can help make your attempt at dealing with the problem on your own success is the use of bed bug killer powder as it’s easier to apply and clean, too, compared to solutions that come in liquid form.
Also, it is important to choose the powder that safe for your family and pets.
The best bed bug killer powders contain diatomaceous earth (silica), which kills bed bugs by forcing water, fats, and oils out of their bodies. Compared to commercially available insecticides, bed bug powder is cheaper and safer for humans and pets.
Sometimes, the use of bed bug killer powder may not be enough to bring the bed bug infestation to an end. Using it with other home remedies, such as steam cleaning, vacuuming and spraying with certain essential oils, is suggested.
It also matters that the bed bug killer powder is used according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Before we take a look at some of your bed bug killer powder options in the market, let us first discuss why using one is quite common when it comes to ending a bed bug infestation the DIY way.
Diatomaceous Earth is the Active Ingredient
When checking out the list of ingredients on the packaging of most bed bug killer powders, it is likely for you to encounter the same ingredient over and over again. It’s none other than diatomaceous earth.
Fret not if you are looking for a chemical-free way to deal with a bed bug issue because it’s 100% natural.
The root word is “diatoms”. Put simply, diatoms are microscopic aquatic organisms whose skeletons are made of silica, which has potent desiccating properties — it can remove moisture from something.
When diatoms die, their silica-based skeletons end up in the sediments of oceans, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water.
It is when they are harvested and processed a little that they turn into diatomaceous earth.
Professional bed bug exterminators and homeowners who are into DIY stuff agree that diatomaceous earth is effective for killing bed bugs. It is because of a couple of reasons:
- The primary component, which is silica, draws water, fats, and oils out of the bodies of bed bugs. This causes them to become dehydrated and die eventually.
- The grains of diatomaceous earth are sharp and jagged, allowing them to pierce and crack open the skin of bed bugs. Because of this, the dehydration process is sped up.
These are the reasons why the use of diatomaceous earth or bed bug killer powders containing it can help in getting rid of a bed bug infestation without the help of the experts.
Before I review bed bug killer powders that you may choose from, just a quick fact:
Diatomaceous earth, unlike other home remedies such as rubbing alcohol, hot water, and steam, does not kill bed bugs on contact. However, it can certainly kill them.
It’s just that it is likely to happen in about 10 days, according to experts. Some sources say that it may take longer than that.
Even though the effect is not instant, what’s important is that your attempt at getting rid of bed bugs the DIY approach won’t go in vain. The use of diatomaceous earth is best paired with a dash of patience!
Best Bed Bug Killer Powders In 2021
Just because you applied bed bug killer powder where it matters doesn’t necessarily mean that you will surely see the end of the bed bug infestation some time from now.
It’s not enough that you use just about any bed bug killer powder that you can get your hands on — it is important that you go for one that is proven to work, thanks to the use of high-grade diatomaceous earth and sometimes the addition of a few ingredients. So, in short, it is a must that you count on the right product.
Worry not as you can skip the guessing game. That’s because I did the hard work for you!
Here are my top picks of the best bed bug killer powders available on Amazon:
Rockwell CimeXa Insecticide Dust
Rockwell CimeXa Insecticide Dust can yield results for 10 long years, provided that it remains undisturbed where you place it.
So, in other words, you can apply the product where bed bugs hide, and then forget about it and go on with your life.
No, the active ingredient is not diatomaceous earth, but amorphous silica gel.
Based on a laboratory test, amorphous silica gel is effective against bed bugs, including those that are highly resistant to some insecticides, like pyrethroid.
As a matter of fact, scientists that conducted the test said that the ingredient can kill bed bugs that it comes into contact within just 24 to 48 hours.
Numerous studies say that it is a much better idea to exterminate bed bugs using products other than chemicals.
That’s because the majority of the population of bed bugs have developed resistance to insecticides commonly used for exterminating them. Aside from pyrethroid, a lot of today’s bed bugs are also immune to the likes of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and organophosphates.
Do not fret because I guarantee that the product is in powder form despite the word “gel” being there. This means that it is trouble-free to apply and requires no messy cleanup.
And making the application a breeze is that the packaging is designed with an applicator tip. Just point it to where you would like to apply the product and squeeze the plastic container.
There is no need to buy an applicator separately, like a hand duster or puffer designed for use with insecticides that come in powder form.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Can work for many years
- Kills bed bugs quickly
Cons
- May cause eye irritation
- Hazardous to pets
- For application in cracks and crevices only.
Hot Shot Bed Bug Killer Dust
Unlike the product that I talked about above, Hot Shot Bed Bug Killer Dust may be applied not only in cracks and crevices. It can also be applied elsewhere — from the mattress, behind wall hangings, to the carpet.
Because of this, you can have a more comprehensive approach to DIY bed bug elimination.
What’s common about this product and the one I reviewed earlier is that the packaging comes with an applicator tip.
Due to this, you will be able to apply it where it matters the most, such as in tight and hard-to-reach places in your bedroom that bed bugs love to hide in to sleep, mate, and lay their eggs.
The packaging says that Hot Shot Bed Bug Killer Dust contains diatomaceous earth. This means that the popular home remedy for bed bugs is not the only ingredient.
Well, the manufacturer does not intend on hiding this fact. A quick look at the list of ingredients will reveal that it primarily contains up to 85% silicon dioxide.
There is no need to worry that you, your loved ones, and pets could be exposed to a toxic substance. That’s because silicon dioxide is just a fancy term for silica, which is a natural compound. Not only that — it composes over 90% of the earth’s crust.
If you think that using the product alone is enough to put an end to your bed bug infestation, think again.
The use of bed bug killer powder, according to experts and DIY aficionados alike, is best paired with other home remedies for bed bugs. It’s because there is no guarantee that every single bed bug lurking in your room will crawl on the product.
But if you can come up with a way to encourage all of them to come into contact with diatomaceous earth or any other ingredient having the same bed bug-killing property, then it would suffice to use it.
Pros
- Trouble-free application
- Can be applied to many areas
- Doesn’t leave stains
Cons
- Best paired with other methods
- Kills bed bugs after a few days
- Deactivated by moisture
JT Eaton Bed Bugs and Crawling Insects Powder
There are a couple of things that you need to know about this bed bug killer powder.
First, like the product that I just reviewed, JT Eaton Bed Bugs and Crawling Insects Powder’s active ingredient is silicon dioxide, which is obtained from diatomaceous earth, according to the manufacturer itself.
Second, it is primarily being marketed as a janitorial and cleaning supply. It’s exactly because of this why it is available in a 10-pound resealable plastic pail!
Just because you are not running a hotel or theater which may be easily infested with bed bugs doesn’t mean that you should not give this product a try.
Well, it is available in a 4-pound pack, too, which is ideal for homeowners who would like to give DIY bed bug extermination with diatomaceous earth a try.
According to the manufacturer, its product is unlike insecticides to which bed bugs may form resistance.
However, there are pieces of evidence saying that bed bugs that are resistant to certain pesticides may take a longer time to die from exposure to diatomaceous earth than bed bugs without any form of resistance. Experts suspect that it could be due to the slight thickening of their skin.
This does not mean that insecticide-resistant bed bugs in your room will be able to survive bed bug killer powder containing diatomaceous earth. It’s just that it may take a longer time for them to die as their thick skin is slowing down the dehydration process.
For best results, the manufacturer says that you should apply the product where bed bugs hide in and crawl on. That includes the window sill — experts confirm that bed bugs can enter homes through the windows!
Pros
- Suited for commercial and residential use
- Large quantities make it ideal for massive infestations
- Effective against various crawling insects
Cons
- Does not come with an applicator
- Available in large 4- and 10-pound quantities only
- Contains unexplained elemental oxides
Harris Bed Bug Killer
One of the reasons why many homeowners prefer to deal with a bed bug infestation on their own than let the pros spring into action is to save themselves and the ones they love from exposure to harmful chemicals.
Well, the use of Harris Bed Bug Killer will give you peace of mind. That’s because its manufacturer proudly says that its product is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in homes with people and pets.
As if that’s not enough, this bed bug killer powder is also listed with the Organic Minerals Research Institute (OMRI).
Unfortunately, being safe isn’t the only criterion when shopping for a home remedy for bed bugs. It should also be able to kill bed bugs and help put an end to the infestation.
The good news is that the product isn’t short in this department. The main reason for such is that it contains freshwater diatomaceous earth — yes, diatomaceous earth can be either freshwater or saltwater.
When shopping for a bed bug killer powder, it is a great idea to opt for one that contains the freshwater kind of diatomaceous earth.
According to experts, freshwater diatomaceous earth is better at dehydrating and killing bed bugs. That’s because the grains are stronger, thus allowing them to pierce the skin of bed bugs more effectively.
What’s more, it contains higher levels of silica compared to saltwater diatomaceous earth.
It doesn’t mean, however, that saltwater diatomaceous earth doesn’t work. It’s just that its freshwater counterpart is better at exterminating bed bugs.
And did I mention that a purchase of Harris Bed Bug Killer comes with a powder duster that makes the application easier, especially in tight bed bug hiding spaces?
Unfortunately, just like other bed bug killer powders that contain diatomaceous earth, it’s important to protect it from moisture. Otherwise, it will no longer be able to dehydrate bed bugs and ultimately kill them.
Pros
- Registered with the EPA and OMRI
- Safe for humans and pets
- Comes with a handy powder duster applicator
Cons
- The free applicator is buried in the powder
- Inconsistent amounts released by the applicator
- Rendered useless by moisture
Safer Brand Diatomaceous Earth
One of the nicest things about Safer Brand Diatomaceous Earth is that you can easily tell that it is 100% natural. That’s because the list of ingredients contains only one entry: diatomaceous earth.
Because of this, there is no need to evacuate your home after applying the product as it is safe for both humans and pets.
As a matter of fact, just like the bed bug killer powder that I talked about earlier, it is also registered with the EPA.
Despite being nice to you, your family members, your pets, and the environment, the product claims to kill bed bugs and other crawling insects within 48 hours after coming into contact with it.
Unfortunately, it may no longer work as effectively after it absorbs moisture in the air or water in the area.
If you are living where it is rainy or the humidity is high, it is recommended that you reapply the product every few days.
This is to ensure that, when bed bugs come out of hiding, it is very much likely for them to end up crawling on dry diatomaceous earth that’s still capable of absorbing moisture.
When applying Safer Brand Diatomaceous Earth, the manufacturer recommends the use of a dust mask to prevent unnecessary inhalation of the particles. After all, despite being all-natural, this product is not food-grade diatomaceous earth, which can be consumed for health purposes.
Pros
- Registered with the EPA
- Safe for humans, pets, and the environment
- Comes in a resealable bag
Cons
- Does not come with an applicator
- Frequent reapplication is necessary, depending on where you live
- Customer reviews are mixed
Absorbent Industries Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Whether you wish to get rid of a bed bug infestation without the use of chemicals or you want to improve your overall health with the help of all-natural remedies, consider getting your hands on this product.
As the name suggests, it contains food-grade diatomaceous earth, which means that it can be taken by mouth.
Food-grade diatomaceous earth, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is generally recognized as safe.
Many people swear by its ability to help deal with constipation and high cholesterol levels. Those who are beauty-conscious count on it to improve the appearance of their skin, nails, hair, and teeth.
Just because this type of diatomaceous earth offers an assortment of health and beauty benefits doesn’t necessarily mean that it is gentle and no longer effective against bed bugs.
Well, it is still capable of killing those blood-sucking insects. To prove this, the manufacturer has included a free powder duster applicator that makes it trouble-free to apply the product in cracks and crevices.
Pros
- Comes with an applicator
- Good for dealing with bed bugs
- May be used for health and beauty purposes
Cons
- Not suitable where there’s high humidity
- Takes a while for results to show up
- Bed bugs need to come into contact with it to die
Just Before You Shop for Bed Bug Killer Powder
There are many products that you may purchase to help you in your quest to defend your bedroom from bed bugs without having to pay for professional extermination. One of them is bed bug killer powder.
Most bed bug killer powders in the market contain diatomaceous earth, which is an all-natural substance that is proven effective against bed bugs as it dehydrates them, which leads to their death.
Unfortunately, not all bed bug killer powders out there are the same. Other than getting your hands on a brand or formulation with lots of positive feedback, it is also important to apply it correctly by following the manufacturer’s directions.
Bed bug killer powder, such as Harris Bed Bug Killer, is best used with other home remedies for bed bugs for best results.
