Bug spray is bug spray, right? Unfortunately not. Though bug repellents may keep bugs away, it won't kill them. Confusing these two sprays can cause serious health problems, including poisoning, respiratory issues, and neurological damage. In this post, we'll take a good look at bug repellent, insecticide sprays and the important differences between them.
Bug Repellent
A bug repellent does exactly what it says it will - it repels bugs. That doesn't mean it kills them, it just keeps them away from whatever area is being treated. DEET, pennyroyal oil and the strong scent of mint or pepper all act to repel insects. However, but quite often these bug repellents don't kill them. If you have a serious infestation, keeping bugs away from key areas probably won't be enough to keep them under control. Some bugs may not mind putting up with repellents if it means they can get to a food source the other insects haven't discovered or won't approach. Bug repellent is known most commonly for repelling insects from biting or bothering human skin. Bug repellent is often used when camping or spending time outside and is safe to apply to the skin, unlike insecticide sprays. The most commonly known bug repellent brand is OFF, which provides multiple different products for protection against bugs.
Insecticide Spray
By comparison, an insecticide spray, bait or fogger will kill the insects that come in contact with it. It does this through a variety of actions, with many of them causing neurological effects. Insecticide spray makes it impossible for the insect to digest food or provides another method that poisons the insect. Some are fast acting, killing the bug almost instantly, which is a good benefit if you're taking on a nest of angry wasps. Others are slower to act, allowing the poison to be brought back to the nest. This is helpful when it comes to insects like ants or cockroaches. Unfortunately, some insecticide sprays can poison people or pets, so make sure you follow the directions exactly. This includes wearing personal protective equipment such as coveralls, goggles, gloves or protective shoes. It's also important to not mix the insecticide with other insecticides unless specifically labeled for such use, or dangerous interactions and side effects could take place. If you have a pest problem that's getting out of control and need help taking back your home, business or yard from problematic insects or small animals, don't be afraid to call in the professionals. At Breda Pest Management, we've been growing our business for over 40 years with exceptional customer service. Please contact us today to schedule your service.
