Does bed bug spray work?

NBC4 in Columbus, Ohio, tested some over-the-counter bed bug sprays and found that some are effective, but none are good for long-term use. Because the spray must come in direct contact with all bed bugs, those hiding in walls, for instance, survive.

The most effective spray for treating bed bugs in this test was JT Eaton Kills Bed Bugs, which killed 100 percent of the bed bugs it came in contact with. However, because it's impossible to come in contact with all bed bugs in the home, this was only a short-term fix. The only way to get rid of all bed bugs in a home is to hire a professional exterminator.