Pesticide-Free Insect Control Sprays

Sprays formulated to control common household insects without a synthetic pesticide in them. They are the option to reach for if you would rather not use an insecticide in the room at all - a kitchen, a pet household, or anywhere in frequent use. Each product page states what the spray contains and what it is approved for.

They suit everyday insect problems - ants, spiders, crawling insects, the occasional intruder - and settings where you want the more cautious approach. The trade-off is worth knowing: these sprays give knockdown on the insects they reach, and do not leave a treated surface working behind them. For a bigger or persistent problem you will usually get further by adding a residual spray on the pathways and harbourages.

It depends what you are trying to do.

• For knockdown: spray directly onto the insects you can see, or exactly where activity is happening right now.
• For ongoing control: treat the places insects travel and hide - skirting edges, corners, cracks and crevices, under sinks, inside cupboard gaps and behind appliances.
• To stop them getting in: treat around door thresholds and window sills, and close the gaps properly with insect proofing products, which is what actually keeps them out.

No synthetic pesticide does not mean no precautions. Keep children and pets out of the room while you spray and until treated surfaces are dry, ventilate as you work, cover fish tanks, and do not treat food-preparation surfaces or utensils unless the label allows it. Follow the label directions for the product you have.

Expected, if you sprayed and stopped there. These sprays act on the insects they reach and leave nothing working behind them, so anything still sheltering in a crack or void is untouched. Find where they are actually coming from with monitoring traps, treat those spots rather than the open room, and close the way in - otherwise you are treating the same arrivals every few weeks.

If activity continues after a full treatment cycle, if it has spread beyond one room, or if you are dealing with bed bugs or German cockroaches. Look for a qualified pest controller with BPCA membership.