It’s an interesting question: “Can you spray Raid on your bed to get rid of bed bugs?” We know that not everyone has the time to read a blog all the way to the end, so we’re going to answer this one really quickly and then expound on it later.

1. Spraying a can of Raid on your bed is physically possible.

2. It will not deal with your bed bug problem.

Now that we have that out of the way let’s discuss why you shouldn’t put Raid on your bed in more detail. Remember, it's an insecticide.

Raid Doesn’t Last

Most of us have used an outdoor bug spray on a wasp nest. And when you hit the wasp dead-on with it, it usually flies off in a daze to die somewhere. But if you keep watching the nest, you’ll find that many other wasps will return to the nest to check it out, only to find it abandoned. They’re walking all over the surface to investigate, but what you think would be a danger to them isn’t keeping them away. They might suffer some ill effects, but that’s only if they show up immediately after you’ve sprayed the nest. If they show up after it’s dried, there’s no way for the poison to transfer to them. They’ll fly away to start a nest somewhere else.

Something similar occurs with your typical bed bug spray. If you can find every last bed bug and blast it in the face with Raid, you must be the bed bug whisperer to draw them all to you. The problem is, there’s absolutely no way to find every bed bug. If you see one, there are five more that you’ll never be able to find—those hiding in the bed frame or behind the trim. They only come out at night, and signs of movement usually make them run. You’re never going to get them all in your sights.

Raid Smells Really, Really Bad

Imagine the smell of Raid. It’s something that doesn’t really leave your memory, and the next time you smell it, your brain will probably tell you to get away from it.

Now, think about where bed bugs live: in your bedroom, often on your mattress. Do you really want that Raid smell in your bedroom for the eight hours a night you’re sleeping? The scent of Raid lingers, and the answer to the question, “Can you spray Raid on your bed?” becomes apparent.

Raid Is Dangerous

As discussed in prior blogs, bed bugs were almost eradicated with harsh pesticides at the beginning of the 20th century. But as the war on bed bugs was progressing, many of the chemicals being used were deemed far too dangerous to use around humans.

Today's essential home insecticide chemicals are still dangerous, just less so. They still contain neurotoxins and carcinogens like allethrin, cyfluthrin, piperonal, butoxide, permethrin, tetramethrin, cypermethrin, and imiprothrin. And these aren't chemicals that sound scary—they are included as poisons to kill insects.

Cans of Raid always suggest using them in a well-ventilated area and washing your hands afterward. After all, the label says, "Do not apply this product in a way that will contact any person or pet, either directly or through drift." First of all, this insecticide can cause respiratory trouble that could require medical attention. It's horrible if someone already has a respiratory problem.

You'll also want to keep Raid away from your eyes because the poisons are eye irritants. It's terrible for your skin, and anyone allergic can react if they simply touch something that's recently been sprayed.

What does all this mean? It means that you don't want to spray Raid on your mattress to deal with bed bugs.

Raid Might Not Work

If Raid worked to eliminate bed bug problems in one fell swoop, it might be worth the danger of using it. Bed bugs are annoying, after all. After a while, people grow so tired of them that they’ll try absolutely anything.

Take a look at your average can of Raid. Is it Ant and Roach? Is it Wasp and Hornet? After you’ve identified what it’s for, you have to ask yourself one more question: are any of those insects bed bugs? Nope, they’re not.

While all insects have certain commonalities, they also have distinct physiological differences. Some are more susceptible to one chemical, while others are more susceptible to other chemicals.

A can of Raid isn’t your friend when you’re facing a bug it wasn’t meant for. Considering how well bed bugs have developed resistance to many chemicals, it’s hit and miss whether a basic can of insecticide will work—even if it’s specifically labeled as a bed bug spray.

Use A Dedicated Bed Bug Spray!

When we decided to create a bed bug spray, we searched for all-natural ways to kill them. Our proprietary blend is non-toxic to humans and pets, and it stays around long enough to kill bed bugs that might pass by later. Oh, and it smells pretty nice, too!

We know how detrimental having bed bugs can be to people’s lives since they attack in areas where they should be resting. We’d love to help you get rid of your bed bugs so that you can get a restful night’s sleep. Click here to check out our eco-friendly, natural, plant-based bed bug killer!

Our natural, plant-based Bed Bug Patrol Killer Spray provides an all-natural solution to infestations of bed bugs, as well as fleas, spiders, and other common indoor bugs. Our 100% natural solution is made in the USA. It relies on the power of natural ingredients like citric acid, clove oil, and peppermint oil to naturally deter these bugs from living in your furnishings and upholstery. Just spray our solution on affected surfaces twice per day, and it will get to work on exterminating your bed bugs and preventing their return. To keep you safe from bed bugs on your travels, arm yourself with our Bed Bug Blasting Travel Spray, which comes in a handy, TSA-approved travel-size bottle for your convenience.