Insect killers are a great way to keep your home and yard bug-free. They’re available in many forms, including sprays, powders, granules and liquid concentrates. These products can be diluted as directed by the manufacturer and used to treat areas of your house that are infested with insects, like under appliances and around trash cans.
When buying insect killers, make sure to read the label carefully and follow instructions for use. For example, you should never use these products in or around children’s play areas. If you do, they may be able to inhale the fumes and suffer adverse effects, including rashes, dizziness, nausea, headaches, shortness of breath and vomiting. If this happens, call 911 immediately and get a prescription for a medical treatment to counteract the effects of the chemical insecticide.
Natural repellents can also be effective against pests. These products are made with essential oils (like cedar, peppermint and neem oil) that smell good but don’t contain chemicals. They’re a great option for people with allergies or sensitivities to conventional chemicals and can help keep your home and yard pest-free.
Insect zappers are another effective method of keeping your home and yard bug-free. These devices work by attracting mosquitoes and other flying insects to the light source, which then zaps them. They come in a variety of modes and can be set up to attract bugs from a certain distance.
These zappers can be kept freestanding in a kitchen or other open-plan area, and they’re easy to clean, as they simply slide out and into the trash can. They’re available in different modes, so you can choose which works best for your space and needs.
Sprays are an effective indoor treatment, as they can kill roaches, flies, ants and other common pests. They’re especially helpful for killing aphids, mites and other insects that aren’t visible. They can also be applied to areas that are difficult to reach, such as under baseboards and in crevices.
Insect control is also a great option for those who are environmentally conscious and want to avoid using pesticides on their properties. These products are made from a variety of naturally-occurring ingredients, including soaps, detergents and essential oils that can be sprayed on your property to deter pests.
The most commonly used product is DEET. It works by preventing insects from locating blood meals, which they’re attracted to through their sense of smell, sight and heat. It’s important to note, though, that DEET is toxic to mammals and should never be used near pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Other options include PMD, which is a synthetic version of a natural insect repellent found in plants. It’s similar to DEET in its effectiveness and side effects, but it’s less toxic to the environment.
Picaridin is another insect repellent that has been around for fewer decades than DEET but offers more protection against mosquitoes, ticks and flies. It’s a synthetic version of a repellent that was originally discovered in pepper plants, and is considered safer than DEET for kids.