Ambassador Deluxe Suet Cake with Insects 300g, Wild Bird Food Block, Suet Feed, Bird Feeder Cake, High Energy Bird Treat

Insect control products tackle flies, wasps, ants, fleas, moths, spiders and other crawling insects in the home, and insect pests on garden plants. This category covers flying and crawling insect sprays, ant and insect powders, room foggers, insect lacquers, traps and catchers, electric fly killers, magnetic door and window screens, fly curtains, and plant sprays that treat insects and disease together.

Choosing a method

• Barriers: screens and door curtains keep flying insects out without chemicals.
• Traps and catchers: monitor or catch crawling insects, or catch flying insects in greenhouses.
• Electric fly killers: an ultraviolet tube draws flies to a grid. The tube's ultraviolet output falls over months of use even while it still looks bright, so replace it at the interval the maker gives.
• Sprays, powders and foggers: treat insects where they are found. Foggers treat a whole room, so prepare the room and leave it exactly as the label says.

Using insecticides safely

Household insecticides such as fly sprays and ant powders are regulated as biocides, and garden plant sprays as plant protection products; both must be authorised for use in the UK. Read the label before you choose a product and again before you use it, use only the stated amount, and keep it in its original container away from children and pets. Never pour leftovers down a drain, sink or toilet. In the garden, use insecticides only when other methods have not worked, and never spray open flowers, where bees and other pollinators feed. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety data.

For other pests, see pest control; for slugs and snails, see slug and snail control.