Imagine waking up to find small, reddish-brown insects crawling on your skin and feeding on your blood. Sounds like a horror movie, right?
Unfortunately, this is the reality for many people who have unwittingly brought bed bugs into their homes.
These pesky parasites are notoriously difficult to eliminate, and people often turn to pest control products for help.
Enter Ortho Home Defense, a popular product that claims to eradicate a variety of household pests, including bed bugs. But does it really work?
Does Ortho Home Defense Work Against Bed Bugs?
Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug & Flea Killer Powder is an effective product that can kill bed bugs on contact in hard-to-reach areas.
The powder can be applied by dusting it into empty dressers and clothes closets, along wallpaper edges, and in areas where wall-to-wall carpeting meets wall edges and baseboards.
The powder works by coming into contact with the bed bugs, killing them and controlling them for up to 8 months.
This product is an excellent solution for those who are dealing with bed bug infestation and want to eradicate the pests from their home.
Using Ortho Home Defense & Other Products to Kill Bed Bugs
You are probably considering Ortho Home Defense for your bed bug problem due to the fact that it is a chemical product that pest professionals agree kills a large number of outdoor and indoor insects.
In Ortho Home Defense, the active ingredient is Bifenthrin, a powerful insecticide and neurotoxin that directly affects an insect’s nervous system to kill it within 24 hours.
As a result, it kills bed bugs that come in contact with it, but there are some downsides you should be aware of before you use it.
It’s important to note that while Ortho Home Defense may be effective at killing bed bugs, it’s not specifically labeled for use against bed bugs.
It’s important to read the label carefully and follow all instructions for use, as misuse can be dangerous and ineffective.
Additionally, while the active ingredient bifenthrin is generally considered safe for humans and pets when used as directed.
It can be harmful if ingested or inhaled in large amounts, so it’s important to take precautions when using any chemical pest control product in your home.
Failure to apply the chemical consistently and repeatedly to all infested areas over an extended period may result in the survival of some bed bugs, and the problem is likely to persist, necessitating further treatment.
How Long Does It Take For Ortho Home Defense To Kill Bed Bugs?
Eliminating bed bugs can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but it is not impossible. It is important to understand that having a bed bug infestation does not reflect on your cleanliness or hygiene.
By taking the right steps and being persistent, you can get rid of bed bugs in your home. Don’t be discouraged if it takes some time, and remember that there are professionals who can help if needed.
With the right knowledge and effort, you can regain control of your home and eliminate bed bugs for good.
Certain amounts of the neurotoxin Bifenthrin can be toxic to animals and humans, and it can persist on surfaces and in soil for some time after being applied.
Bed bugs have the ability to detect the presence of chemicals, and being highly adaptive creatures, they may quickly move away from the treated area.
Therefore, your problem with bed bugs could persist or even worsen despite the application of chemicals.
Can I Spray Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer On Mattress?
No, it is not recommended to spray Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer directly on a mattress. The product label specifically states that it is for use on non-porous surfaces only, such as floors, walls, and furniture.
Mattresses are porous and absorbent, which means that spraying insecticide on them could potentially lead to the product soaking into the mattress and creating a toxic environment for sleeping.
If you are dealing with an insect infestation in your mattress, it is best to take other steps to address the issue.
You could try vacuuming the mattress and then encasing it in a bed bug-proof cover, which will prevent any remaining insects from escaping or new ones from entering.
You could also consider calling a professional pest control service to address the issue more effectively and safely.
Final Words
Bed bug professionals who are committed to providing effective solutions would typically advise homeowners to give serious consideration to heat treatment for bed bugs as the primary option, ahead of any chemical or traditional treatment methods.
Although heat treatment may involve higher upfront costs, it could potentially cost less in the long run and is widely regarded as the most effective and reliable treatment option available, often with guaranteed results.