Wondering whether Lysol will as efficiently kill bed bugs as it kills microscopic germs? Well, you have come to the right place. Here, we have explained Lysol’s efficiency in killing bed bugs in detail. 

What Is Lysol?

Lysol is a synthetically made home disinfectant. It is commonly used to destroy microbes such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microscopic organisms that live in every nook and corner of your house.

In addition to houses, public places including workplaces, public washrooms, and restaurants require disinfection, and Lysol works efficiently well in this regard.

What Does Lysol Contain?

Lysol is a chemical disinfectant and is formulated using different chemicals in a specific amount to get the best results possible. Different brands trademark Lysol with different ingredients in varying ratios.

However, the main active ingredients of Lysol are benzalkonium chloride and Ethanol/ SD Alcohol. In addition to these active ingredients, alkyl dimethyl benzyl, ammonium saccharinate, and carbon dioxide are also added to enhance the efficiency of Lysol.

Does Lysol Kill Bed Bugs?

As Lysol products are commonly used as a disinfectant against harmful microbes, many people ask about whether it’s as effective against bed bugs as well. For everyone out there who wants to get rid of bed bugs, Lysol can be a savior. Lysol can kill bed bugs, however, it can only kill bed bugs if it comes in direct contact with the bugs.

Bed bugs do not roam around freely here and there and are not easily visible to naked eyes. These creatures can live at least a week and they can survive on very little food. Therefore, killing bed bugs with Lysol is possible but you cannot expect immediate results.

Nonetheless, it is important to kill bed bugs. Research published by the Entomological Society of America stated that Sterifab, a disinfectant spray has killed nearly 60% of the bed bugs in the first phase of the experiment. This spray contains N-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride which is the active ingredient of Lysol.

So, it can be considered that due to the presence of alcohol and N-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, Lysol can trigger bed bug mortality.

For efficient action, Lysol must be sprayed directly on top of the bed bugs. And this makes killing bed bugs through Lysol difficult.

Precautions When Using Lysol

Though Lysol is reported non-toxic and safe to use for both humans and pets, still it is important to use it with precaution.

  • Lysol is flammable, therefore it must not be used near heaters, stove, burners, open flames, or fireplaces.
  • Avoid inhaling Lysol. The presence of ethanol in Lysol can cause headache, fatigue, cough, or sickness.
  • Always spray Lysol after wearing gloves. And wash your hands, and face thoroughly after spraying Lysol. It can cause irritation or redness when comes in contact with skin.

How To Use Lysol To Kill Bed Bugs

Lysol is available in the form of disinfectant spray. To get the best results possible, direct spray on the bugs is important. For that, keep a flashlight along with Lysol spray on your bedside table.

The middle of the night, between 2 am and 5 am, is the time when bugs usually came out. Set an alarm for this time, check all-around your mattress for any bug activity. In case you saw anything, spray on it right away. Lysol will kill these bugs instantly.

Other Ways Of Killing Bed Bugs

The following are some other better ways of killing bed bugs.

Steam cleaning

Steam cleaning is an efficient and effective way of killing bed bugs at any developmental stage. Steamers apply a high temperature of at least 200°F. This process not only eliminates bed bugs present on the surface but also kill those lying at least ¾ inch in the fabric.

Diatomaceous Earth-DE

Diatomaceous Earth is a finely ground, chalk-like powder that is obtained from the fossilized diatoms. This is a non-toxic method of eliminating bugs and fleas. Foodgrade DE is highly effective in killing bed bugs and it does not cause any harm to humans or pets either.

Bed bug spray

You can find out several proficiently effective bed bug sprays in the market. These are particularly formulated to work against bed bugs.

There you go. Now you know that Lysol can help you get rid of your bed bugs problem. Though Lysol can be effective in killing bed bugs, however, bed bugs must come in contact with the spray.

Bottom Line

While Lysol may kill bed bugs, it’s going to be arduous. You shouldn’t rely on purely on Lysol. Instead, make Lysol part of an integrated solution to destroy bed bugs in your home.