Bed bugs are relentless pests that can make your life a nightmare. When I first encountered these unwanted guests, I felt overwhelmed, unsure where to turn. Extermination services were out of my budget, and DIY options seemed like a maze of ineffective products and empty promises.
After reading several positive reviews, I decided to give Harris Bed Bug Killer a try. This product is known for its ability to tackle even the most resilient bed bugs, including those resistant to pyrethroid pesticides.
So, I figured if this didn’t work, I was in real trouble. In this article, I’ll walk you through my personal experience with Harris Bed Bug Killer, providing insights into how to use it, its pros and cons, and how it stacks up against other bed bug treatments.
My Experience Using Harris Bed Bug Killer
When I discovered bed bugs in my home, I was in denial at first. The tiny red spots on my legs didn’t itch, and I had never seen bed bugs in real life, so I brushed it off. That changed the day I found one crawling on my couch. I instantly panicked, and thus began my war on bed bugs.
- Step 1: Preparing for Battle
The first thing I did was prepare my home for treatment. I followed some key steps to make sure the treatment would be as effective as possible.
I packed up clutter, clothing, and anything unnecessary into black trash bags and moved them out of the way.
This is important because bed bugs can hide in the smallest cracks and crevices, and I didn’t want anything blocking my ability to reach every nook and cranny.
Next, I stripped my bed, washed all the sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water, and dried them on high heat. Bed bugs and their eggs can’t survive extreme heat, so this was a critical step.
- Step 2: Applying Harris Bed Bug Killer
Once my house was prepared, it was time to apply the Harris Bed Bug Killer. The instructions were straightforward, but I still took my time to ensure I did it right. I started by spraying the edges of my mattress and box spring, being careful not to soak them.
The spray nozzle worked well enough, but I had to be mindful to keep the sprayer upright; otherwise, it would start siphoning out the liquid.
After treating the bed, I moved on to other key areas—baseboards, the perimeter of the room, and any cracks or crevices where bed bugs could be hiding. I even sprayed around my living room furniture and along the edges of my bookcases and entertainment center.
One of the things I appreciated was how fast-acting the product was. Within a day, I noticed a significant reduction in bed bug activity. It felt like magic—like I had finally taken control of the situation.
- Step 3: Follow-Up Treatment
While Harris Bed Bug Killer works fast, a single treatment won’t completely solve your problem. Bed bugs can lay eggs in hidden places, so it’s crucial to follow up with additional treatments.
I waited about a week after the initial application and re-treated the same areas to ensure that any eggs that hatched were dealt with swiftly.
It’s been several months now, and I’m happy to say I haven’t seen a single bed bug. Harris Bed Bug Killer didn’t just help me take control—it allowed me to reclaim my peace of mind.
Pros of Harris Bed Bug Killer
- Kills Resistant Bed Bugs: One of the biggest advantages of Harris Bed Bug Killer is that it can take out even the most resistant bed bugs. Some bugs have developed resistance to traditional pesticides, but Harris is specifically designed to knock them out.
- Fast-Acting: I noticed results within 24 hours. The product begins working as soon as you spray it on the bugs or their hiding places.
- Long-Lasting Residual Effect: Harris Bed Bug Killer continues to kill bed bugs for up to 16 weeks after application. This is crucial because bed bug eggs can hatch after the initial treatment.
- Odorless and Non-Staining: I was worried that my furniture and fabrics would be damaged, but Harris Bed Bug Killer is non-staining and has no unpleasant odor. It dried quickly, and I was able to use my furniture again after letting it dry thoroughly.
Cons of Harris Bed Bug Killer
- The Nozzle Issue: One of the downsides of using Harris Bed Bug Killer is the sprayer. If you don’t turn the nozzle to the “off” position after use, it will start siphoning out the liquid, which can be messy. I learned this the hard way.
- Skin Irritation: This is a chemical product, so it can irritate your skin if you’re not careful. Be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing when applying the spray.
- Splashback: The spray nozzle can create some splashback, especially when you’re working on smaller or tighter areas. I found it helpful to wear eye protection while spraying.
Maintenance Tips For Best Results
- Thorough Application: Make sure you spray all cracks and crevices where bed bugs might be hiding, including the seams of your mattress, box springs, and along baseboards. Don’t skip any areas.
- Use in Conjunction with Other Methods: While Harris Bed Bug Killer is incredibly effective, it works best when used alongside other bed bug control methods. I paired it with diatomaceous earth powder and steam cleaning for maximum impact.
- Reapply as Needed: Bed bugs are notoriously resilient. Even if you don’t see any bugs after your first treatment, reapply the spray after a week to ensure that any eggs that might have hatched are killed.
Comparing Harris Bed Bug Killer To Other Brands
Harris isn’t the only bed bug killer on the market, but after using it, I can say it’s one of the best. Here’s how it compares to some other options I considered:
- EcoLogic Bed Bug Killer
If you’re looking for a natural, plant-based alternative, EcoLogic might catch your eye.
However, in my experience, EcoLogic is not nearly as powerful as Harris.
While it boasts natural ingredients, such as essential oils, I found it less effective against severe infestations.
EcoLogic may work for mild cases or for those concerned about chemical exposure, but it lacks the long-lasting residual effect that Harris provides. If you want a natural product for minor issues, EcoLogic is fine, but for more aggressive infestations, you’ll likely need something stronger like Harris.
- Raid Bed Bug Spray
Raid is a well-known brand in the pest control world, but its bed bug spray didn’t perform as well for me as Harris.
Raid kills bed bugs on contact, which is great, but it doesn’t offer the same long-term protection.
I found that I had to reapply Raid much more frequently, and it also left a stronger chemical odor compared to Harris’s odorless formula.
If you’re looking for something quick and cheap, Raid might be a good temporary solution, but for lasting results, Harris was much more reliable.
- Ortho Home Defense
Ortho offers a range of pest control products, and their bed bug spray is a popular choice.
It’s fairly effective and also has a residual effect like Harris, but I noticed that it didn’t last quite as long.
Ortho tends to need more frequent applications to maintain effectiveness, and it can sometimes leave behind a faint chemical smell.
While Ortho is a solid option, Harris wins out in terms of long-term protection and odorless application, making it a better choice for more extensive infestations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, in my experience, Harris Bed Bug Killer is incredibly effective. It starts working quickly and continues to kill bed bugs for weeks after application. Even bed bugs that have become resistant to other pesticides can be eliminated with Harris.
Harris Bed Bug Killer can cause skin irritation if it comes into direct contact with your skin. Always wear gloves and protective clothing when applying it. Also, keep windows open to ventilate the room while spraying, as prolonged exposure to the chemicals in an unventilated space can cause irritation to your eyes or throat.
Harris Bed Bug Killer has a residual effect that lasts up to 16 weeks. This means that even if bed bugs hatch after your initial treatment, the spray will continue to kill them for up to four months.
While Harris Bed Bug Killer is one of the strongest retail options available, the “strongest” bed bug killer is typically a professional-grade pesticide used by exterminators. However, for an over-the-counter product, Harris is one of the best, especially for killing resistant bed bugs.
Wrapping Up
After months of battling bed bugs, Harris Bed Bug Killer turned out to be my saving grace. Not only did it get rid of the bed bugs quickly, but its long-lasting residual effect gave me peace of mind.
While it does have a few minor drawbacks, like the sprayer design and potential for skin irritation, these are small prices to pay for a product that works as well as Harris does.
If you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation, I highly recommend trying Harris Bed Bug Killer. You can find it at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot. Trust me—it’s worth every penny to get your home and sanity back.