Want to make your home a no-go zone for cockroaches, mice and other nasties? There are several types of pest control products available including sprays, baits, traps and powders.
The most important factors to consider when choosing pest control products are the pests you want to target, how easy the product is to use, and the safety of the included ingredients.
Types of pest control products
The first factor you'll need to consider when shopping for pest control products is obviously the type of pests you want to kill. This will then determine the range of choices available, as pest killers come in a wide range of types. These include:
Sprays. Sprays allow you to target specific surfaces or even knock down insects where they're flying or crawling. Many are aerosol sprays, but there are also liquid options available. There are a few different types of spray to choose from:
Surface sprays. These products create a barrier that will keep killing cockroaches or other insects for as long as 12 months in some cases. They offer long-term pest control, while many can also be used to kill pests directly.
Knockdown sprays. As the name suggests, these aerosol sprays are designed to be sprayed directly at flying or crawling insects and kill them.
Automatic sprays. These plug-in or battery-powered products automatically release spray to help control flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches and other insects.
Baits and traps. Designed to tackle pests like rats, mice and cockroaches, these products lure pests out of their hiding places and then poison them. Cockroach baits also allow contaminated cockroaches to return to their nest and contaminate others.
Bombs. Pest control bombs release a mist designed to kill pests like cockroaches, fleas, ants, silverfish and more. You'll need to exercise caution when using them, follow the instructions closely, and never use them in small areas.
Powders. Commonly designed to kill ants, fleas and bedbugs, powders can be applied to indoor and outdoor areas to control pests.
You'll need to compare a range of options in order to find a product that's right for your needs. Aside from the types of products outlined above, consider the following factors when comparing pest control products.
What pests does it kill?
Check the label to find out what pests you can use the product to kill. If you're looking to tackle multiple pests, you may need more than one product.
Ease of use
Read the instructions for use on the label. How easy is it to apply the product? Will it be safe to use in your home?
How long it lasts
Is the product designed for one-time use or will it provide long-term protection against pests? If it's a long-term option, how long will it last before you need to re-apply or refresh?
Signal heading
Some products contain what's known as a signal heading at the top of the label — you'll find more information on this further down the page. Products with a "Caution" heading have a low potential to cause harm, while those with a "Poison" heading have a moderate potential to cause harm.
Active ingredients
If you're worried about the safety of any ingredients in a pest control product, check the label for a list of the active constituents and their strength.
Price
The price of pest control products varies depending on the type of product you buy and the insect it's designed to kill. Many aerosol knockdown sprays are priced in the $4-$7 range, while a 2-litre bottle of surface spray could cost anywhere from $10-$35. As always, remember to consider the price per gram or millilitre when comparing similar products.
3 things to consider
There are a few other factors worth considering when sorting out pest control for your home:
How to use pest control products safely. It's essential that you read the label closely for instructions on how to use the product safely. From where and how to use the product to storage instructions and what to do if you come in contact with the insecticide, all the information you need to stay safe is contained on the label.
Signal heading. Many pest control products are classified as Schedule 5 or Schedule 6 poisons under the Poisons Standard. You can tell this by looking for the signal heading at the top of the product label. Schedule 5 poisons feature the "Caution" heading and have a low potential for causing harm, while Schedule 6 poisons feature the "Poison" heading and have a moderate potential for causing harm. Some products with a low toxicity level are not required to have a signal heading, but you can still expect to see warnings like "Keep out of reach of children".
How to minimise pest problems. There are also plenty of simple things you can do to keep your home free of pests without reaching for chemicals. Easy tasks like keeping your home clean, drying puddles of water and thoroughly cleaning away food scraps can all help to keep pests under control.
Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, he has reported on a wide range of personal finance topics. Whether you're investing in stocks and ETFs, comparing savings accounts or choosing a credit card, Tim wants to make it easier for you to understand. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors.
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