Does Lysol Kill Bed Bugs Effectively? How it Works, Benefits, Risks, & Facts

Bed bugs are a nuisance for everyone; they leave dark spots everywhere, make your skin itch, and cause damage to your belongings. Professional treatments for these pests can take time and money, which is why many affected homeowners might try a quick fix like Lysol. The question here is: Does Lysol kill bed bugs effectively? 

Technically, Lysol might kill off bed bugs if it’s sprayed directly on the pests. However, it’s not a long-term solution to the issue since the eggs and bugs are usually well-hidden. 

In Canada, more than 25 cities have severe bed bug issues. The biggest cities are most at risk since they have people coming in from all over the world, with Toronto and Vancouver being at the top of the list. 

If you’re in a city with such problems, there’s a lot of cleaning and maintenance needed to prevent bed bugs. With this in mind, Lysol spray might seem like a useful alternative solution. It’s not meant for bed bug infestations, though; read on to find out why!

About Lysol Spray and Why It’s Used for Bed Bugs?

Lysol is a brand name for a range of disinfectant sprays, wipes, and other related products. Lysol spray contains ingredients such as isopropyl alcohol and ethanol, which are both known for their effectiveness in eliminating viruses and bacteria. Since it also has a powerful chemical smell, some people may think it holds insecticide properties as well. 

Couple such thinking with the fact that Lysol is easily available in most stores and is relatively cheaper than your standard bed bug treatments. With this in mind, many people may try to use Lysol spray on their bed bugs and call it a day. The reality, however, is that Lysol may only kill a few bugs if it’s directly sprayed on them. When it comes to removing the infestations completely, Lysol is hardly the most reliable method. 

How can we use Lysol for Bed Bugs?

People who use Lysol for eradicating bed bugs usually go for a DIY method. It involves spraying right on the bed bugs that are visible or in areas where bed bugs might hide, including mattress seams, baseboards, cracks, crevices, etc. 

The idea here is to soak each area as much as possible since contact with the spray might kill off some of the bed bugs. However, the method is still quite ineffective for controlling a bed bug infestation. Bed bugs typically hide deep inside walls, burrow into cracks, and hide their eggs along mattress seams. The spray can’t penetrate to that extent, unlike proper bed bug treatments that use insecticides or high temperatures. 

How Well Does Lysol Work for Eliminating Bed Bugs?

With Lysol’s active ingredients, such as ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, the spray is toxic to bed bugs if it comes into contact with them. You may also use Lysol to sanitize areas where bed bugs might live. The Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride in its formula also helps to do away with bacteria and viruses on several surfaces. 

To make Lysol kill off any bed bugs, however, you’ll have to use quite a lot of the spray at frequent intervals. The effectiveness of this method is limited since it doesn’t kill bed bug eggs and may not harm most of the adult bed bug infestation either. There is no residual effect, which means that the lingerie fumes won’t kill any bugs or prevent them from entering new areas. 

Downsides of Using Lysol for Killing Bed Bugs

At Heat Solution, our experts in bed bug removal don’t recommend the Lysol method. Here’s why:

Low Kill Rate, Many Bugs Survive: 

Lysol will only kill the bugs that come into direct contact with the spray. Many are left alive, with the eggs mostly unharmed as well. 

Health Risks If Inhaled in Large Quantities: 

Extended exposure to the fumes in Lysol sprays may result in dizziness, respiratory issues, and headaches. The health risks are present for both humans and their pets. 

No Long-Term Protection: 

Once the spray is dry, it’s not effective for killing bed bugs. The present infestation can multiply, and new bed bugs might move in if they get the chance.  

Does Not Address Hidden Colonies: 

Bed bugs love to hide in seams, cracks, and any deep, dark areas. Lysol sprays won’t be able to penetrate that far, so bed bug colonies will mostly flourish despite frequent spraying. 

No Impact on Eggs in Hard-to-Reach Places: 

The hidden colonies also include eggs, which are usually left unharmed by Lysol sprays. The eggs can then hatch and continue the infestation. 

Fire Hazard if Combined with Other Chemicals: 

Lysol is made with flammable ingredients that might combine dangerously with heat treatments or other chemical sprays. The result can be a harmful chemical reaction or even a fire. 

Alternative Methods: More Reliable, More Effective!

Instead of using the unreliable Lysol method for killing bed bugs, why not consider some more effective, more natural treatments? Let’s have a look at the best options available:

Heat Treatment: 

Our Heat Solution experts present heat treatment as being among the most effective solutions for bed bugs. It requires professional intervention, but usually needs just one session to kill off a whole infestation. It involves heating an affected space using heaters and fans until the temperature is lethal for bed bugs. This method is eco-friendly, free of chemicals, and does away with bed bugs in all forms (eggs, nymphs, and adults).

Diatomaceous Earth: 

A natural powder that destroys the bed bug exoskeleton and dehydrates them. The powder should be used properly so it’s not harmful to humans or any pets they have in the vicinity. 

Vacuuming and Steaming: 

Vacuuming and Steaming treatments can remove bed bugs from soft furnishings and exposed surfaces. Regularly using them can prevent bed bugs from coming back and remove any strays in some deep areas as well. 

For the most effective bed bug elimination, professional services are necessary. At Heat Solution, we offer extensive inspections completely free of charge before suggesting any treatment. Call us today and book your free bed bug inspection now!

Final Verdict

Lysol sprays might kill some bed bugs upon direct contact, but they aren’t reliable, lasting, or safe. There are health risks associated with its use, while the residue won’t even give us lasting effects. If you’re looking to remove a bed bug infestation completely, professional treatments are the safest and most effective options. 

That bed bug problem will keep growing, but professional heat treatment can eliminate it at the source! Call Heat Solution today to schedule your free inspection and start working towards a bed bug-free space. 

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