Best bed bug sprays reviewed: How to identify and kill off pests in your home

Got bed bugs? It’s likely you’ve heard of or experienced horror stories.

In fact, the thought of these tiny, blood-sucking pests invading your personal space is enough to make anyone shudder. Whether you’ve just discovered them lurking in the seams of your mattress or you’re simply trying to prevent an infestation, you need a solution that’s quick, effective and doesn’t leave you dealing with a bigger mess.

To the rescue, the ES Best Shopping team is here to share the top bed bug sprays that actually work. From easy application to fast results, we’ve got everything you need to reclaim your space and get back to a peaceful night’s sleep. Let’s tackle those bugs head-on and keep your home bite-free.

How to check for bedbugs

You can tell if you’ve got an infestation on your hands by the obvious itching and raised bites on your limbs, usually in a zig-zag pattern. Also, check for blood trails on soft furnishings like your bedding and mattress or sofa. Exoskeletons, small black specs and eggs are all signs that you have unwelcome visitors hiding in your furniture. A mysterious sweet, musty smell like marzipan or almonds can also be a sign that you’ve got parasites lurking.

How long do bedbugs live?

They have been around since the time of the dinosaurs (more than 100 million years), so it’s fair to say that bedbugs are exceptionally good at staying alive. The average undisturbed bedbug can live for up to a year. Females will spawn thousands of eggs in their lifetime, meaning that if left unchecked, a small problem can become a large infestation in next to no time.

What is the best way to get rid of bedbugs?

The NHS recommends using heat extremes to blitz bedbugs from bedding and clothing, or slinging the lot into plastic bags and freezing for up to four days. Thoroughly clean the entire home and keep it spotless by vacuuming regularly. Be wary of pre-loved furniture, furnishings and clothing as bugs can turn out to be an unexpected extra in the purchase.

Big infestations may require complex heat treatments from specialists, but if you’ve managed to spot the issue in the early days, a spray solution can help.

How we tested

The ES Best Shopping team focused on factors like ease of application, drying time and, of course, how well they actually killed bed bugs. We tested sprays on a variety of surfaces, including mattresses, bedding and soft furnishings to see how well they penetrated and eliminated pests.

We also paid attention to the scent and aftereffects of each product, as a lingering chemical smell can be a turn-off for many. Finally, we reviewed ingredients to ensure that the sprays were safe for regular use in homes, especially in spaces where children or pets are present.

We’ve rounded up the best formulas below.

Shop now

Zero In Bed Bug Killer Insect Spray

The Bed Bug Killer Spray from Zero In is a top contender in the battle against bed bugs thanks to its clear, water-based formula that is designed for use on mattresses, beds and furniture.

What sets it apart is its powerful ability to kill both bed bugs and dust mites, making it a dual-purpose solution for maintaining a healthier, allergy-free home. The formula contains cypermethrin, a highly effective insecticide that targets and eliminates bed bugs, ensuring long-lasting protection in your sleeping areas.

Buy now £7.00, Amazon

Ready Steady Defend Bed Bug Killer Spray

This non-toxic and scentless formula is ideal for busy households full of pets and children and promises to get to work instantly, killing larvae and hatched bugs to demolish the infestation cycle. It uses inspiration from a compound usually found in chrysanthemums and will continue to protect the targeted area from returning bugs for up to three months.

Buy now £15.99, Amazon

Repell Shield Bed Bug Spray

Prevention is always better than the cure. Make your bed an unattractive place for bedbugs with this spray solution, which contains clove leaf, cedarwood and tea tree essential oils to ward the little bloodsuckers off. The German-made non-toxic and natural spray also works on fleas and mites, giving it extra firepower in your cleaning supplies.

Buy now £12.99, Amazon

Pest Expert Bed Bug Killer Kit

This bundle of high-performance bed bug-murdering products offer an excellent option for killing bugs and breaking their life cycle. The four-strong kit contains enough formula to cleanse one room, so if you need to do the whole house, purchase accordingly.

Buy now £33.95, Amazon

Karlsten Bed Bug Killer Spray

The Karlsten Bed Bug Killer Spray stands out for its lightning-fast action and long-lasting results. The formula kills bed bugs on contact and provides a lasting barrier that helps prevent further infestations.

Its powerful cypermethrin-based solution offers effective pest control, while the HSE-registered formula guarantees quality and safety for use in the home.

Buy now £12.99, Amazon

Pest Shield Bed Bug Killer Spray

This Pest Shield product has an easy-to-use spray application that targets both soft and hard furniture, including mattresses and carpets. The long-lasting protection and ability to reach cracks and crevices makes it a decent option for maintaining an insect-free home.

Its quick action against not just bed bugs but also ants and other pests adds extra value, making it a reliable, all-around pest control product.

Buy now £5.49, Amazon

Nope! CP Bed Bug Killer Spray

The Nope! CP Bed Bug Killer Spray is a top choice for those looking for a powerful, long-lasting solution to a bed bug infestation. With its fast-acting formula, it efficiently kills bed bugs and their eggs, providing immediate relief.

Its non-staining, odourless properties make it a hassle-free option for treating carpets, floors and soft furnishings. Plus, its HSE registration ensures safety for home use, giving peace of mind while tackling pests. With the added benefit of a 5L size for larger infestations, this product offers great value and effective control.

Buy now £13.99, Amazon

Zero In Bed Bug and Dust Mite Killer Bomb

When it’s time for the big guns, call on this bedbug bomb. Good to use in rooms of 40m³ or less, the formula is the nuclear blanket option, seeing to bedding, rugs and carpets all in one go. While the ingredients include pyrethrins, no harmful residues will remain on surfaces, which will come as a relief to parents and pet owners.

Buy now £5.99, John Lewis

Verdict

The Zero In Bed Bug Killer Insect Spray from B&Q is easy to apply, dries clear, and leaves no visible residue, so it won’t interfere with your furniture or bedding. It’s specifically formulated to address infestations in household sleeping zones, providing targeted control where it's most needed. It’s a highly effective way to eradicate bed bugs and prevent them from returning, offering peace of mind for those dealing with persistent pests.