Does Raid Kill Bed Bugs?

Is Raid spray effective against bed bugs? Many people would swear on their mother’s grave that it is the most horrifying sight they have ever seen. There are an equal number of people who will swear equally fervently that it accomplishes nothing. Therefore, who is correct?

Indeed, both groups are partially correct.

We are not engaging in semantic gymnastics or attempting to have it both ways here, but the solution to this issue is more nuanced than it appears at first glance.

To clarify, we’ll need to define a few terminology, look at the life cycle of bed bugs, explore why older pesticides no longer work on bed bugs, compare the active components in Raid to those in some other prominent bed insect sprays such as Bedlam Plus, and ultimately provide an answer that makes sense.

Finally, we’ll conclude with some straightforward instructions on how to properly use bed bug sprays.

There is a great deal of information to cover, so let’s begin!

What Does “Kill” Mean?

When advertising executives claim that a pesticide kills a specific type of bug, it’s necessary to read the fine print to determine precisely what they mean.

Television commercials make a strong implication that their product instantly kills bugs when it comes into contact with them, which is simply not true.

Any chemical powerful enough to quickly kill bugs would also be hazardous to humans.

Frequently, they will utilize the phrase “kills bugs on touch,” which suggests that pests die instantly. As registered and experienced pest control technicians, we can explain just what that statement implies in practice.

This means that the pesticide must come into actual touch with the insects before it can begin killing them. Unless you spray every square inch of your house, there are certain to be spots that remain untreated, where bugs will thrive.

You must carefully examine the tiny print on the label to ascertain the manufacturer’s intent and pay special attention to any exceptions or qualifications the manufacturer includes. If they use the terms “may” or “could,” they are employing what we refer to as weasel words, which make it appear as though they are promising something when they are not.

Additionally, manufacturers never disclose that their product is ineffective against insect eggs. This is because the only method to kill an insect egg is to crush it physically, burn it with fire, or dissolve it in acid. Insecticides are completely incapable of penetrating the shell of bed bug eggs.

Many individuals do not understand this, which is why you will find customer reviews complaining about the bugs returning. True. They are hatching at an increasing rate and then depositing additional eggs. You spray and eliminate some insects. Eventually, the eggs hatch. The newly hatched bugs mature and lay eggs.

You spray and eliminate some insects. Rinse and repeat several times more. It’s an endless circle.

Finally, manufacturers manipulate the spray’s lasting effects. How long is it? Perhaps they assert that it will last X number of weeks. Perhaps that is true, but what they will not tell you is that it has become so weak and diluted that it is no longer effective at killing bugs.

It is still present, but is doing nothing. What purpose does that serve?

What is the Bed Bug Life Cycle? 

The bed bug life cycle is rather easy; females begin laying eggs after mating. They positioned them in safe spots such as cracks and nooks. The eggs are little white ovals measuring around 1/16 of an inch in length. Each female lays between 200 and 250 eggs during the course of her lifetime, roughly five every day.

The eggs hatch six to ten days later. The newly hatched bed bugs are referred to as nymphs. They are white or pale gray in color until they consume their first blood meal. They will then revert to their natural reddish-brown hue.

They will be mature and ready to mate about a month after hatching. Then the cycle begins anew.

Best pesticides for Bed Bug Control

Old Pesticides

Pesticides from the past fall into two categories: those that have been outlawed and those that are still available but are less effective against bed bugs.

1. Pesticides that Have Been Banned

Numerous pesticides have been prohibited by the EPA due to environmental concerns. Regrettably, the insecticides they chose to exclude were the most successful at eliminating bed bugs and other pests. Among the pesticides banned were the following:

Diazinon

Chlordane

DDT

While it is true that some pesticides, particularly chlordane, have long-lasting residual effects on insects, they have a negligible effect on the environment. Numerous activists simply did not like the idea of persistent chemicals and were successful in convincing the EPA to prohibit them.

2. Pesticides that are ineffective

When you spray a pesticide, any pesticide, there is always a small proportion of insects who have developed a natural resistance to that pesticide for whatever reason. They are simply born in this manner. When you spray and some of them survive and reproduce, they will pass on their resistance to their progeny.

In biology, this phenomenon is referred to as the founder effect.

Due to the relatively short life span of the majority of insects, pesticide resistance spreads rapidly among their population. As a result, insecticides that were formerly very efficient at killing bed bugs (and others) gradually become ineffective, necessitating costly research to find new active ingredients capable of eliminating the resistant population.

We use the term “expensive” to refer to projects that cost $100 million or more, including clinical trials and EPA licensing. Additionally, it is a lengthy process that can take between five and ten years from start to finish.

Active Ingredients

Pesticides are not to be confused with active ingredients. Taurus SC, Suspend SC, Bedlam Plus, and Raid Max Bed Bug are all examples of pesticides. The active ingredients in a pesticide are the chemicals that actually kill the insects. Numerous insecticides share similar active components. This is particularly true of the final two pesticides on our list.

1. Bedlam Plus

The following active substances are contained in Bedlam Plus (as listed on the label):

3-phenoxybenzyl-3-phenoxybenzyl-3-phenoxybenzyl-3 (1RS, 3RS, 1RS, 3SR)

cyclopropanecarboxylate -2, 2-dimethyl-3-(2-methylprop-1-enyl) (0.40 percent)

Dicarboximide of N-Octyl bicycloheptene (1.00 percent) *** MGK 264 Imidacloprid Synergist (0.05 percent)

The remaining 98.55 percent of the contents is comprised of inert chemicals, carriers, and additions.

2. Raid Max Bed 2. Raid Max Bed

Raid contains the following active ingredients (from the label):

cyclopropanecarboxylate -2, 2-dimethyl-3-(2-methylprop-1-enyl) (0.40 percent)

Dicarboximide of N-Octyl bicycloheptene (1.00 percent) *** MGK 264 Imidacloprid Synergist (0.05 percent )

Again, the remaining 98.55 percent is comprised of inert substances, carriers, and additions.

Given that the active chemicals are equal, one would assume that the two products are identical in terms of effectiveness and residual effects. The reality is just the reverse.

The cause for this is found in the remaining 98.55 percent of ostensibly inactive substances. These substances are “inert” in terms of actual bug killing.

Their true function is in preserving the active ingredients, protecting them from environmental deterioration, assisting them in adhering to the area they were sprayed on, shielding them from UV damage, and assisting in their activation.

The manufacturer’s most tightly kept secret is that 98.55 percent, and it makes all the difference in the world.

We can tell you from firsthand experience that Raid, with all its sleek advertising and eye-catching labeling, does not perform nearly as well as Bedlam Plus. It works to a point, but only to a point.

How to Use Bed Bug Sprays

Regardless of whether you’re using Raid or Bedlam Plus, you must follow the following technique to effectively eliminate bed bugs. The primary difference is that with Bedlam Plus, you must repeat the full procedure every two weeks, while with Raid, you only repeat it once a week.

You must concentrate your efforts on regions where bed bugs hide: Spray the entire house’s baseboards and floorboards. Each bed’s complete bed structure should be sprayed. Spray all mattress and pillow seams, as well as the box springs, box spring seams, and headboards.

Every drawer in the bedrooms should be sprayed both inside and outside.

All door hinges should be sprayed. Spray the blinds and all crevices and gaps in the windows. All electrical sockets should be sprayed. If the room contains rugs or carpets, spray every square inch of them. Spot therapy will not suffice in this case; the treated area must be large.

Normally, one can of pesticide should be sufficient to treat a single room in the house. If you use less, you are either moving too quickly or not thoroughly enough to address your bed insect infestation.

Due to the inability of insecticides to penetrate the eggs, you will need to respray every two weeks with Bedlam Plus or every week with Raid for a minimum of eight weeks.

This will ensure that all eggs have hatched and that all nymphs have been sprayed before they mature and begin producing eggs. Do not be deceived simply because you have not observed any bed bugs. They may go weeks without food.

Ensure that you complete the entire eight-week treatment regimen.

ALSO SEE: How To Get Rid Of Water Bugs 

Does Raid Ant And Roach Kill Bed Bugs?

Raid products are effective against bed bugs, although not as effectively as you’d like. Maintain an upright position for the container and make an attempt to reach areas where you know the bed bugs are hiding. Cover fish aquariums, and then vacuum carpets and draperies to complete your operation.

Does Raid Fogger Kill Bed Bugs?

The majority of foggers are useless at controlling bed bugs. Due to their ability to conceal themselves in gaps and voids that aerosols cannot penetrate, bed bugs are able to escape contact with these insecticides.

Does Raid Max Kill Bed Bugs?

Raid MAX® Bed Bug Extended Protection (Spritz) kills Bed Bugs and their eggs prior to hatching and continues to kill Bed Bugs on laminated wood surfaces for up to 8 weeks.

Does Raid Multi Insect Kill Bed Bugs?

Raid® Multi-Insect Killer is a specifically designed insecticide that is effective against both crawling and flying insects. • Eliminates the aforementioned household insects.

Does Raid Flea Fogger Kill Bed Bugs?

Raid Max Bed Bug & Flea Killer effectively eliminates fleas, bed bugs, and their eggs. Adult fleas and developing eggs are killed by Raid Flea Killer Plus Carpet & Room Spray. Federal law prohibits the use of this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. Shake well before using.

Does Raid Max Fogger Kill Bed Bugs?

Raid MAX® Bed Bug Extended Protection (Spritz) kills Bed Bugs and their eggs prior to hatching and continues to kill Bed Bugs on laminated wood surfaces for up to 8 weeks. Effective against Bed Bugs that are Pyrethroid-resistant. It is safe to use on mattresses, wood furniture, and carpets and will not discolor water-resistant materials.

Does Raid Bug Barrier Kill Bed Bugs?

Raid® Bed Bug Foaming Spray effectively eliminates bed bugs and their eggs prior to hatching. Foam expands into hard-to-reach areas, killing Bed Bugs where they hide, and continues to kill Bed Bugs on surfaces for up to 4 weeks. Effective against Bed Bugs that are Pyrethroid-resistant.

Does Raid Max Bug Barrier Kill Bed Bugs?

Raid MAX® Bed Bug Extended Protection (Spritz) kills Bed Bugs and their eggs prior to hatching and continues to kill Bed Bugs on laminated wood surfaces for up to 8 weeks.

Does Raid House And Garden Kill Bed Bugs?

Raid® Bed Bug Foaming Spray effectively eliminates bed bugs and their eggs prior to hatching. Foam stretches into hard-to-reach areas, killing Bed Bugs where they hide, and continues to kill Bed Bugs on surfaces for up to 4 weeks. Effective against Bed Bugs that are Pyrethroid-resistant.

Does Regular Raid Kill Bed Bugs?

Raid products are effective against bed bugs, although not as effectively as you’d like. Maintain an upright position for the container and make an attempt to reach areas where you know the bed bugs are hiding.

Does Red Raid Kill Bed Bugs?

Raid MAX® Bed Bug Extended Protection (Spritz) kills Bed Bugs and their eggs prior to hatching and continues to kill Bed Bugs on laminated wood surfaces for up to 8 weeks. Effective against Bed Bugs that are Pyrethroid-resistant. It is safe to use on mattresses, wood furniture, and carpets and will not discolor water-resistant materials.

Does Raid Kill Bed Bugs On Contact?

Raid Bed Bug Foaming Spray also kills bed bug nymphs and eggs on contact. Use Raid Bed Bug Foaming Spray as an indoor crack and crevice, spot treatment, or direct spray application in non-food places such as residences, automobiles, apartments, and kennels (as directed).

Why won’t Raid kill bed bugs?

That is because Raid dissipates into the air, and anything that comes into contact with the bed will dry out and become ineffective. Almost every can of Raid is for a different variety of bug with a distinct life cycle.

How Long Does Raid Bed Bug Spray Last?

In residential constructions, Raid Bed Bug Foaming Spray successfully eliminates all stages of bed bugs. Raid Bed Bug Foaming Sprays technology provides residual control for up to four weeks following treatment and is developed to control both pyrethroid resistant and susceptible bed bug strains.

Is Raid Insect Repellent Harmful to Humans?

Almost all Raid bug spray formulations utilize pyrethroids as its principal ingredient. These compounds are normally safe when exposed to humans in a passing manner; nevertheless, if the substance is inhaled or swallowed directly, Raid can be harmful.

Pyrethroids have a direct effect on the central nervous system of the insects they target, as well as the respiratory system. This means that Raid is harmful to insects, but its effects are less pronounced when scaled up to the size of a human being.

Due to the neurotoxins in Raid bug spray’s chemical composition, the product can undoubtedly make a human unwell if swallowed or breathed in directly. Although the product has been associated with nausea, headaches, dizziness, and exhaustion, these symptoms are easily resolved with appropriate medical attention.

When applying any formulation of Raid, it is critical to wear a mask and gloves and to thoroughly wash your hands and any exposed skin.

Is Raid Bed Bug Spray Effective?

When reading any Raid bug spray review, you’ll note that the results are frequently inconsistent. This is especially true with Raid bed bug formulations. The painful reality is that removing bed bugs is very likely the most difficult insect invasion to eradicate.

Raid bed bug formulations have been shown to be highly effective at eliminating bed bugs; however, they may not always eliminate the specific bed bug strain that may be occupying a given person’s home. If the bed bugs are not resistant to pyrethroids, you will discover that Raid Bed Bug spray kills them practically fast.

There are additional challenges associated with bed bugs due to their ability to conceal themselves, which is why a strong residual sprayed in all of their harborage places is always the best option.

Is Raid Ant Killer Effective Against Roaches?

Yes, Raid Ant Killer is effective against cockroaches. The wonderful thing about Raid bug spray is that virtually any of its formulations is effective against a wide variety of insects. Almost all of Raidâ€TMs products target an insectâ€TMs central nervous system, and you may discover that a formulation branded for ants is likely to be just as effective against roaches.

With that said, some formulations are only effective against specific pests, and a formulation that kills ants and roaches may be ineffective against spiders, scorpions, or any other arachnid.

How Long Does Raid Take to Kill Ants? 

Raid Ant and Roach Killer is designed to kill ants immediately upon contact, and the chemical’s residual qualities continue to kill ants for up to two weeks. However, this variant of Raid may not totally resolve the issue.

To completely eradicate an ant colony, the most effective approach is to use Raid ant bait, which allows the ants to scoop up the toxic substance and return to their nest, effectively killing the colony and queen.

While Raid Ant and Roach Killer rapidly eliminate wayward ants, a more protracted procedure that poisons the entire colony can take up to two weeks to completely eliminate the underlying problem.

Is Raid Ant and Roach Spray Effective Against Spiders?

As previously stated, pyrethroids are a lethal neurotoxin that may kill practically any insect, even those belonging to the spider family. Spiders are listed as a nuisance that Raid Ant and Roach Killer is lethal to and will kill on contact.

Spiders are elusive creatures, and the best you can expect for when actively hunting for them is to kill them when they come into contact with our product. The good news is that spiders are often solitary, making infestations difficult to maintain indoors due to a lack of prey.

Is Raid Ant and Roach Spray a Pet-Friendly Product?

Raid Ant and Roach Killer is generally safe for pets, just as it is for humans. Due to the fact that our pets are smaller than us, albeit larger than insects, exposure effects may be more severe.

Pets are fascinating creatures that will generally taste any alien substances introduced into the atmosphere, making it critical to exercise caution when applying this product inside the home.

After application, thoroughly clean all pet bowls and wash all pet bedding, and watch pet activity in the vicinity of any remaining substance.

Is Raid Bug Spray Effective?

Raid products’ efficacy is universally recognized and widely appreciated in the pest control community. Since 1886, the company has provided economical and effective pest control solutions, and the efficacy of pyrethroids in destroying pests is continually demonstrated with each passing year.

While some insects acquire resistance to pyrethroids, the product is sufficiently potent to repel even those insects that survive exposure. It’s critical to realize that infestations are very different from simply having a few stray pests in your home, and Raid is ultimately one of the most effective weapons for quickly eliminating pests.

Conclusion

Dealing with bed bugs can be a nightmare. It’s icky and gross to know they’re in your house, but if you put your mind to it, you can get rid of them. Raid products are effective against bed bugs, although not as effective as you’d like.

Maintain an upright position for the container and make an attempt to reach areas where you know the bed bugs are hiding. Cover fish aquariums, and then vacuum carpets and draperies to complete your operation.

If you’re interested in a more detailed explanation of how to eliminate bed bugs, we have a complete do-it-yourself tutorial that will bring you through the process step by step.