Insecticide Sprays

It depends on your situation:

• Low-risk sprays: a safer, pesticide-free option for everyday use in family homes (great where you want minimal chemical exposure).
• Fast-knockdown sprays: best when you need quick results on visible insects.
• Residual sprays: ideal for longer-lasting control — they leave a dried-on barrier on surfaces insects cross later (useful for repeat activity).
• IGR sprays (insect growth regulators): help break the life cycle so insects can’t mature and keep breeding (often used alongside other sprays for stubborn infestations).

It depends on the type of spray you’re using:

• Fast-knockdown sprays: best when you target visible insects directly or spray exactly where you’ve seen activity. If there are no pests present, a fast-kill spray may do very little.
• Residual sprays: best for treating pathways and harbourages — apply along skirting boards, cracks and crevices, behind appliances, under sinks, inside cupboard gaps, and around entry points. Once dry, they can keep working when insects cross treated areas later.
• IGR (Insect Growth Regulator) sprays: don’t give instant “kill” results. They’re designed to disrupt the life cycle so immature insects can’t develop and populations can’t build. Apply IGR to harbourages and breeding hotspots (the same kinds of hidden areas as residual sprays), and use it alongside a fast-kill or residual product for best overall control.

Always follow the label directions, and avoid spraying food prep surfaces unless the label specifically allows it.

They can be used safely when you follow the label directions. As a general rule:

• Keep people and pets away while applying and until treated areas are fully dry
• Focus on cracks/edges and hidden areas to reduce contact
• If safety is your top priority, consider low-risk sprays (pesticide-free alternatives) where appropriate