Does Bed Bug Spray Expire?
Does Bed Bug Spray Expire?
Bug spray is a lifesaver when it comes to fending off bug bites, especially if you’re sensitive to insect bites. Unfortunately, bug spray can become ineffective if it has passed its expiration date, so it’s important to know how to use it safely. In addition to the expiration date listed on the product’s label, bug sprays may lose their effectiveness if they’ve been in storage for longer than their recommended shelf life.
The shelf life of bug spray depends on the active ingredient in it. Most of these products contain N,N-diethyltoluamide, or DEET. DEET has a long shelf life, so bug sprays with this ingredient don’t have an expiration date. Some products also contain additional compounds to boost their effectiveness.
Bug sprays that contain the insect repellent picaridin may not have an expiration date. However, the spray will not smell like normal when it has expired. You can check for this by squeezing out a small amount of the spray and sniff it. The odor will be different if the bug spray is expired.
Other methods to kill bed bugs include diatomaceous earth. This natural substance is an effective way to kill the pests without harming your pets. This is because diatomaceous earth does not dry out or dehydrate like most other chemicals. In addition, it is a great way to treat the hiding places of bed bugs. You can also use diatomaceous earth in combination with other types of insecticides to kill them even more effectively. However, you should always follow the instructions on the bottle before using this product.