Description
Our verdict: A good-value 1-litre cypermethrin spray for treating a bed bug problem yourself. It covers mattresses, bed frames, carpets and cracks, and the large bottle gives you enough for the follow-up spray most infestations need. It works best as one part of a full treatment plan (washing, vacuuming, spraying twice), not as a one-off spray.
Best for: early-to-moderate infestations in one or two rooms | Size: 1 litre, ready to use | Active: cypermethrin 0.1% w/w
What is REPELEM Bed Bug Killer Spray?
REPELEM Bed Bug Killer is a water-based, ready-to-use spray made for treating bed bugs in the home. Its active ingredient is cypermethrin at 0.1% w/w. Cypermethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide that attacks the insect’s nervous system on contact. The manufacturer says the formula also contains a growth regulator to interrupt breeding, and that one treatment keeps working for 6–12 weeks.
REPELEM says it kills bed bugs at every life stage, including nymphs and eggs. It’s low-odour, doesn’t stain, and can be used on hard surfaces, in cracks and crevices, and on soft furnishings such as mattresses and carpets. Its 1-litre size is one of the main reasons people choose it: bed bugs nearly always need a second treatment, and many smaller bottles run out before then.
How to use it properly
Most failed DIY bed bug treatments come down to method, not product. Follow the label first, and use these steps as your plan:
- Strip and wash. Take all bedding, pillowcases and nearby clothes off and wash them at 60°C, then tumble dry on high. Don’t spray bedding directly.
- Vacuum thoroughly. Vacuum mattress seams, the bed frame, the headboard, skirting boards and carpet edges. Empty the vacuum into a sealed bag and put it in an outside bin.
- Shake and spray the hiding places. Give a light, even mist along mattress seams, piping and labels, then the bed frame joints, headboard, the gap behind skirting boards, and carpet edges near the bed. Bed bugs hide in cracks, so aim the spray there rather than across open surfaces.
- Let it dry fully. Keep children and pets out of the room until every treated surface is completely dry, and open a window to ventilate.
- Repeat after about 10–14 days. Eggs that survive the first spray hatch in the following week or two. A second treatment catches the new nymphs before they can breed. This is the step most people skip.
- Monitor. Put bed bug interceptors under the bed legs so you can tell whether any bugs are still active after treatment.
Pros and cons
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Who should pick something else?
- Want a smaller, cheaper bottle for a spot treatment? Try EcoVenger Bed Bug Killer Spray (480ml).
- Treating a whole house or a rental between tenants? The NOPE! CP Bed Bug Killer 5 Litre works out cheaper per room.
- Bugs in several rooms, or still bites after two treatments? At that stage a professional heat or chemical treatment is usually more cost-effective than buying more spray.
For a full comparison of sprays, powders and kits, see our guide: Bed bug treatments that actually work.
Frequently asked questions
How do you use REPELEM bed bug spray?
Wash all bedding at 60°C and vacuum first. Shake the bottle, then lightly spray mattress seams, the bed frame, headboard, skirting boards and carpet edges, and let everything dry before using the room. Repeat after 10–14 days to kill any newly hatched bugs. Always follow the instructions on the label.
Can I spray it directly on my mattress?
Yes. REPELEM says it can be used on mattresses and soft furnishings. Focus on the seams, piping and edges, and let the mattress dry completely before sleeping on it again. Don’t spray sheets, duvets or pillowcases. Wash those hot instead.
Does it kill bed bug eggs?
The manufacturer says it kills all life stages, including eggs. Eggs are the hardest stage to kill with any spray, though, which is why a second treatment after 10–14 days is essential.
Is it safe around pets and children?
Keep children and pets out of treated rooms until everything is dry. Don’t use it on pet bedding or where pets usually lie. Cypermethrin is particularly hazardous to cats and fish, so take extra care if you have either. For alternatives, see our guide to pest control products for homes with pets.
Why am I still getting bites after spraying?
Bite marks can take up to 12–14 days to appear, so new marks don’t always mean the treatment failed. If you’re still getting fresh bites two weeks after the second treatment, re-treat and check the surrounding carpets, curtains and furniture as well.
Related guides
- Bed bug treatments that actually work: sprays, powders and kits compared
- Bed bugs don’t take holidays: how they come home with you
Manufacturer details and safety information
- Brand: REPELEM
- Volume: 1 litre
- Form: Ready-to-use, water-based spray
- Active ingredient: Cypermethrin 0.1% w/w
- Also contains: Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium extract (pyrethrum, CAS 89997-63-7). May produce an allergic reaction.
- Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
- Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
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