Home
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Choose the Best Insecticide Sprays?

Anna B. Smith
Anna B. Smith

The best insecticide sprays are non-toxic or low in toxins to humans, stop the reproductive life cycles of the pests they target, and remain active for many months following their initial introduction into the environment. These types of products are safe for use around any member of the family, including children and pets, and actively work to protect the home and property from new pest invasions. Every home and garden, regardless of the care taken to prevent insects from entering, is susceptible to pests. The most effective form of pest control is a steady regimen of performing regular home maintenance and consistently applying an insecticidal spray.

Insecticide sprays use a variety of chemical compounds to poison household and garden pests and prevent them from returning. These chemicals have the potential to pose a threat to human health as well, based on their ingredients. Consumers should begin by guaranteeing the type of spray they have purchased has been tested by a health or environmental protection agency and deemed non-toxic or of low toxic levels for humans. Insecticides which use nicotine sulfates put off toxic vapors, and should only be used sparingly by licensed terminators, or not at all. Boric acid and diatomaceous earth are two harmless alternatives to such toxins that can still effectively eradicate pests, though they are generally not available in a spray.

An American cockroach, which is sometimes called a palmetto bug.
An American cockroach, which is sometimes called a palmetto bug.

The goal of effective insecticide sprays is to stop the life cycle pattern of the pests they target. Most sprays are formulated to target specific insects, which are generally listed on the outside of the product labeling, as are the active ingredients which comprise the mixture. The chemicals should neutralize and kill adult insects and sterilize newly hatched forms before they have the opportunity to reproduce. For example, malathion is an outdoor insecticide product that has been proven to interrupt the mosquito life cycle, killing adults, eggs, and hatching larvae. Deltamethrin is a formulated indoor pest control compound that can kill and sterilize both young and adult roaches. Not all insects may be poisoned during their egg and larval stages, like fleas, which are naturally protected during gestation, and reapplications may be necessary depending on the extent of the infestation.

A number of different insecticide sprays are used to help control the mosquito population.
A number of different insecticide sprays are used to help control the mosquito population.

Pests tend to return to their preferred breeding and nesting grounds over time. For this reason, consumers should also purchase insecticide sprays which not only kill insects on contact, but will also continue to protect the home and property for a period of several months. These compounds may be sprayed around the baseboards of the indoors, the exterior foundations, lawns, and shrubs. The chemicals which are toxic to pests remain active following their initial application, serving to poison newcomers through oral ingestion. Consumers can also take measures to caulk any holes leading into the home, repair damaged foundations, and eradicate nesting homes like standing water and hives, to greatly reduce their risk of future invasions.

Discussion Comments

bear78

I recommend pyrethrin as a mosquito insecticide. It is not only very effective, but it's also fairly natural, so it does not harm plants or animals when used in gardens. I have been using this insecticide for several years now and I'm very satisfied. We have a stream right behind our house which swarms with mosquitoes in the summer. We dilute and spray the insecticide around the house and only a few mosquitoes manage to get into the garden and home.

There is another popular treatment called malathion insecticide spray. But as far as I know, it is not as safe as pyrethrin.

fify

@fBoyle-- Spray insecticides for bed bugs are usually made with deltamethrin. It's not an ineffective chemical but it usually cannot get rid of an infestation alone because it works as a spot treatment. A second insecticide is almost always required. Moreover, it is not natural and is harmful for humans and animals.

I personally don't think that there is a best insecticide spray for bed bugs. The best bed bug treatment in my opinion is a combination of diatomaceous earth for furniture, carpets, bedding and cleaning methods like high temperature washing or freezing for fabric.

fBoyle

What is the best pesticide spray for bed bugs?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • An American cockroach, which is sometimes called a palmetto bug.
      By: R_R
      An American cockroach, which is sometimes called a palmetto bug.
    • A number of different insecticide sprays are used to help control the mosquito population.
      By: hjschneider
      A number of different insecticide sprays are used to help control the mosquito population.
    • A person using bug spray.
      By: TMAX
      A person using bug spray.
    • Insects may affect the quality of a lawn.
      By: ilbers
      Insects may affect the quality of a lawn.
    • The best insecticide sprays are safe for use around humans.
      By: perfectmatch
      The best insecticide sprays are safe for use around humans.
    • The best insecticide sprays kill pests but won't harm people or pets.
      By: Anterovium
      The best insecticide sprays kill pests but won't harm people or pets.
    • Consumers should choose insecticide sprays that continuously protect their property long after the initial application.
      By: Tan Kian Khoon
      Consumers should choose insecticide sprays that continuously protect their property long after the initial application.