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Pest control products tackle insects, slugs, rodents and other unwanted visitors in the home and garden. The range runs from fly papers, fruit fly and moth traps, insect screens and electric insect killers to ant and cockroach killers, rodent baits, slug barriers, animal repellents, citronella products and hand and pressure sprayers.

Traps, screens and barriers

• Traps: sticky traps catch flying insects, baited traps attract fruit flies, and pheromone traps lure particular moths such as clothes, pantry or plum moths.
• Screens: mesh and magnetic curtains help keep flying insects out through open doors and windows.
• Barriers: wool mats, pellets and plant guards placed around plants help protect them from slugs and snails.

Insecticides and rodent baits

Household insect killers and rodent baits are biocides, and insecticides for use on garden plants are plant protection products. Both must be authorised before they can be sold or used, so choose a product approved for home use against the pest you have and follow the label exactly. Keep products in their original containers, store them away from children and pets, and never pour leftovers down a drain.

Rodent baits for the public are limited in strength and pack size, and are generally used only inside a bait box so children, pets and wildlife cannot reach them. Animals that eat poisoned rodents can be harmed too, so try good hygiene, proofing gaps and traps before using poison.

Choosing

Identify the pest first, then decide whether you need to catch, repel, exclude or kill it, and whether the product is for indoor or outdoor use.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety data for every pesticide and electric insect killer. For weedkillers and plant treatments, see garden chemicals.