When trying to save money or use alternative methods, some homeowners try to use products like Lysol or bleach that they’d normally use in their kitchens or bathrooms to also kill bed bugs. 

    But does Lysol make an effective bed bug pesticide? Does it work? Let’s find out,



    What Does Kill Bed Bugs?

    Before we get into Lysol as a bed bug killer, let’s first take a look at what people normally use.

    The main eliminators of bed bugs are pesticides, vacuum cleaners, and heat (think steamers). Heat is one of the most effective treatments against these pests because they can’t develop a resistance to it. 

    Applying excessive heat, such as raising a building’s temperature to 130°F or 140°F for at least an hour, creates unlivable conditions for most bed bugs. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 120°F will kill all stages of bed bugs.

    Pesticides are chemicals specifically designed to kill pests. Over the years, scientists have formulated a number of pesticides currently in use to kill bed bugs.

    Ingredients in Pesticides

    The primary ingredients in pesticides that kill bed bugs are pyrethrins, pyrethroids, and desiccants.

    Pyrethrins are insecticides derived from chrysanthemums — the classic holiday flower. Pyrethroids are pyrethrins’ synthetic counterparts. Both chemicals act in a similar way by serving as contact poisons. When bed bugs are exposed, their nervous system start to misfire and fail, causing death.

    Desiccants, which come in powder form, are used on a number of types of insects. They destroy the waxy exoskeleton that protects bed bugs. Without this protective outer layer, bed bugs gradually dehydrate and die.

    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    For more information and our strategies to kill bed bugs, we recommend checking out our in-depth bed bug removal guide that covers treatment preparation, inspection, bed bug removal methods, and prevention tips.


    Does Lysol Kill Bed Bugs?

    Now that we’ve covered what most experts use, let’s explore whether Lysol can actually kill bed bugs.

    Ingredients in Lysol

    Because Lysol is registered as a cleaning product, many of its active ingredients are public knowledge. Some of its prominent components include:

    1. Ethanol
    2. Isopropyl Alcohol
    3. Lactic Acid
    4. Hydrogen Peroxide

    Many of these ingredients are disinfectants and sanitizing agents. While they are effective against bacteria and other germs, they’re not effective at killing insects like bed bugs that have a nervous system very different from that of microbes and a protective exoskeleton. Lysol would be toxic to bed bugs if they ingested it or were smothered in it, but they wouldn’t be enticed to try and eat it and smothering them is impractical because their general habit is to avoid humans and remain out of sight. 

    It all comes down to intended function. Because Lysol is meant to sanitize and clean surfaces, it doesn’t work well as a killing agent on bed bugs. Similarly, pyrethroids don’t work as cleaners because their primary purpose is to eliminate insects. Pesticides and sanitizers simply have different chemical formulations and different ways they act on their intended objects.

    Additionally, even if they could initially kill bed bugs, Lysol products wouldn’t have enough residual effectiveness to keep killing bed bugs after an initial application. Pesticides designed for bed bugs are formulated to have a lasting lethal effect over several weeks to eliminate bed bugs through all life stages.


    Final Thoughts on Lysol for Bed Bugs

    Instead of using Lysol to try and kill bed bugs, I recommend contacting a licensed pest control professional to inspect your home and begin a robust pest removal program. An exterminator can apply pesticides formulated specifically to eliminate bed bugs, target infested areas, and offer advice to prevent future infestations.

    Cleaners like Lysol aren’t chemically formulated to eliminate bed bug problems. While Lysol can disinfect surfaces, the best course of action for bed bug removal is to hire an experienced exterminator. Compared to living with a bed bug infestation, the cost of a pest control company is small potatoes.

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    FAQs About Bed Bugs

    How do you know if you have bed bugs?

    Some signs of a bed bug infestation include small red bite marks, blood stains on sheets, a sweet musty odor, and spotting live bugs. Inspect mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and other furniture for signs such as tiny reddish brown spots. Also look for eggs and molted skins.


    What is the most effective bed bug treatment?

    The most effective bed bug treatments combine chemical pesticides applied by a professional exterminator and heat treatments to kill all bed bugs. Treatment will involve multiple visits over several weeks to ensure any eggs hatch and get eliminated.


    Do bed bugs spread disease?

    There is no evidence that bed bugs transmit communicable diseases. However, their bites can lead to itching, welts, and skin infections if scratched excessively.


    How do you prevent bed bugs?

    Tips to prevent bed bugs include inspecting secondhand furniture before bringing it inside, sealing cracks and crevices, clutter reduction, encasing mattresses, and avoiding picking up bed bugs from others by thoroughly drying clothes on high for at least an hour immediately after returning from traveling.


    How much does it cost to get rid of bed bugs?

    On average, bed bug extermination costs $200 to over $1,500, depending on the size of your home and the extent of the infestation. Severe infestations or large homes may cost more for complete removal.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Jordan Tyler Quinn Farkas

    Jordan Tyler Quinn Farkas

    Expert Writer & Reviewer

    Jordan Tyler Quinn Farkas is a globetrotting content writer hailing from the USA. With a passion for pest control, he brings a unique perspective to his writing from his early years working for one of the largest pest control companies in America. Throughout his early 20s, Jordan gained valuable experience and knowledge in the field, tackling pest infestations head-on and ensuring the well-being of countless homes.

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    Lee Ann Merrill

    Chicago-based Lee Ann Merrill has decades of experience writing and editing across a wide range of technical and scientific subjects. Her love of DIY, gardening, and making led her to the realm of creating and honing quality content for homeowners. When she's not working on her craft, you can find her exploring her city by bike and plotting international adventures.

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