Do bed bugs come out more after spraying?

Author: Vernice Stanton  |  Last update: Friday, January 30, 2026

It's normal to see more bed bugs, and there are clear reasons why this can happen. The pest control treatment makes them more active. Bed bugs can smell pesticides and other dangers to them that have been sprayed near their 'home'. Now they are panicked and are out and about trying to find a new place to live.

How long do bed bugs last after spraying?

How Long Do Bed Bugs Survive After Extermination? If your home is treated with insecticides/chemicals, any bugs caught by the spray will die in a few hours or less. Insecticides are incredibly effective and remain active for several days after use.

Are bed bugs more active after treatment?

If you've recently had your home or business treated for pests, don't be alarmed if you are seeing more pests. It's a normal part of the process; give the products time to do their job. If you are still seeing bugs 10 days after your treatment, contact your pest control company.

Is it normal to see more bugs after spraying?

Give It Time

It's entirely normal to see an increase in pest activity immediately after the treatment, but this should gradually decrease as the treatment takes full effect. In the meantime, resist the urge to use DIY pest control solutions.

Is it normal to get more bites after bed bug treatment?

Don't get too discouraged. It's normal to get a few bites after your first treatment and even second one. The spray doesn't instantly kill them. But if they walked over the residual pesticide left from the spray as they traveled up your mattress to feed, they got it on them and within a day or so, they'll be dead.

What To Do After Exterminator Sprays For Bed Bugs

Can I sleep in my room after spraying for bed bugs?

It is perfectly fine to resume sleeping on your bed after a bed bug treatment. However, note that you may have to wait for around four to five hours after the treatment to return to the house. Also, ensure to use bed casings before getting on the bed.

How long does it take to be sure bed bugs are gone?

Keep checking for at least a year after you're done to make sure all the bed bugs are gone.

Will you find dead bed bugs after treatment?

You might find dead bed bugs in and around the treated areas. This is a positive sign that the treatment is working. Treatment Residue: If chemical treatments were used, you may notice some residue in the treated areas. It's important not to clean these immediately, as they are part of the treatment process.

Why do bugs come out more after treatment?

When you disrupt their habitat with treatment, pests often try to escape to new areas. This movement can lead them to your home, making it seem like there's an increase in activity. The treatment can disrupt their hiding spots, causing pests to emerge and become temporarily more visible.

How do you know if bed bug treatment worked?

Generally, when the itchy bites stop and you don't see further signs of bed bugs, you can be comfortable that your treatments worked, but if you're still experiencing bites or seeing bed bugs, you're probably still battling an infestation.

What not to do after bed bug treatment?

You must not:
  1. enter your home for at least two hours afterwards because the insecticide spray can be harmful to people and pets.
  2. vacuum the carpets for at least 15 days to allow the spray time to work.

What is the success rate of getting rid of bed bugs?

Bed bug heat treatments are a highly effective way to eliminate bedbug infestations, boasting success rates of over 95% when properly conducted. Preparation, professional equipment, and monitoring are key factors that influence the success of the treatment.

Is it possible to 100% get rid of bed bugs?

Thus, you need a professional exterminator. They have the tools and methods to fully kill bed bugs at all life stages. They also keep them from coming back. Bed bugs have also become resistant to many of the pesticides they encounter in their travels.

How do I know if I don't have bed bugs anymore?

How do we know when the bed bugs are completely gone? ⇒ In case that you react to the bites, 3 weeks with no bites after the initial 2 weeks period waiting time after the treatment is a very good indication that the bed bugs are completely exterminated.

Why do I still have bed bugs after 3 treatments?

There can be many reasons for failure of a pesticide treatment to completely control the bed bugs, including: Not finding all the bed bugs. Inadequately preparing area (failure to remove clutter, seal cracks and crevices, etc.).

Why are bed bugs increasing?

Many of today's bedbug populations are mostly unbothered by commonly used insecticides. Climate change is also likely to be a contributing factor, as most insects breed better in warmer temperatures; so if there are more hotter months in the year, then there's more chance of insects breeding in greater numbers.

What to expect after spraying for bugs?

PEST CONTROL TREATMENT AND AN INCREASE IN ACTIVITY

It is very common in the first two weeks after a treatment, to see a large increase in pest activity ie. ants and cockroaches. Don't pick up that phone just yet! It's normal.

What do bed bug eggs look like?

Bed bug eggs are also tiny, about the size of the head of a pin. The eggs are a pearl- white color and have obvious eyespots if they are older than 5 days. Bed bugs can look somewhat different depending on their feeding status.

Does one dead bed bug mean an infestation?

You don't necessarily have a problem if you've spotted one bed bug or even found dead bed bugs in your home. It's possible that you picked it up from somewhere else, and you should remain calm.

How do you 100% know you have bed bugs?

How do I know if I have bed bugs?
  • A sweet, musty odor.
  • Reddish or rust-colored stains on bed sheets, sleepwear or nearby objects. This is what bed bugs excrete after eating, essential bed bug poop.
  • Bed bug exoskeletons (the skeleton they shed after molting).
  • Live bed bugs in the folds of bedsheets and mattresses.

How many treatments does it take to get rid of bed bugs?

It is unlikely that one treatment will effectively rid the premises of bed bugs. It may take three or more treatments depending on the severity. The number of treatments may vary in each situation. Depending on the chemical, weekly or bi-weekly treatments may be needed.

Do I have to wash all my clothes if I have bed bugs?

It's a good idea to complete an entire wash-and-dry cycle twice to ensure your clothing is bed bug-free. Wash every piece of clothing that was in an infested area, even if you don't see the bugs on them.

Previous article
What is it safe to clean a freezer with?
Next article
How much does a thermostat cost to fix?