Need pest help? Save $50 on your first recurring service today with code GET50

Are there over-the-counter treatments for bed bugs?

Question: What over-the-counter treatment I can buy to prevent and get rid of bugs?

Answer: Preventing bed bugs is mostly a matter of inspection (as opposed to buying treatment products). While there are products on the market that are sold to prevent bed bugs when traveling, there is not much data on their effectiveness.

When you go from one place to another, check your luggage. Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers. They can crawl into a suitcase in one city and infest a home or apartment in another city. They are easily transported in backpacks, gym bags and briefcases. Some preventive measures could include the following:

  • Inspect the room where you will be staying before bringing your luggage in. Look for signs of bed bug activity such as ink spots on the mattress, bed skirts, etc.

  • Live out of your suitcase; don’t put your clothing in the drawers.

  • Bag your dirty clothing in plastic bags that can be sealed and leave the bags undisturbed until you return home to properly launder the clothes.

  • Do not bring pillows, blankets or other linens from your home.

  • After you return home, inspect your luggage for any signs of activity.

Proper bed bug control can be achieved only through a comprehensive treatment. This treatment consists of various phases, from a very detailed inspection to follow-up inspections and treatments. It is best to seek a professional to assist you in this. Call Orkin if you suspect any issues with this pesky and difficult-to-treat insect.

Ask Orkin

Get More Answers from Orkin

How do I get rid of tiny red bugs in my bathroom?

Q

I looked online, and it sounds like they are chiggers. If this is what they are, is there something that can be done?

How do I get roaches out of my car?

Q

How do I get roaches out of my car?

How do I kill house lizards?

Q

How do I kill house lizards?

Should I buy a house with beam damage from insects?

Q

Could it be ants instead of termites causing the damage?

Long, brown, hard shell bug that jumps

Carpenter Ant Infestation in the House

Q

Large carpenter ant infestations can cause structural damage to your home. Make sure your home is protected from carpenter ants with Orkin.

Spraying for bed bugs did not work

Q

If the neighboring unit has bed bugs, am I looking at being sprayed every three months?

What Do Bed Bugs and Eggs Look Like on Clothes?

Q

What do I do with the clothes?

Do you use super heating to kill bed bugs?

Q

Do you use super heating to kill bed bugs?

Are round holes in tree from termites?

Q

There are perfectly round holes that look like they have been drilled into the base of the tree. I am told that the moisture is just the water seeping out of the tree! Is it termites?

Connect with Us

Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.

877-819-5061

Find a Branch

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Get a Personalized Quote

We will help you find the right treatment plan for your home.

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlPrevent and Protect

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

© 2024 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementCareers

Your Branch  

Call Now