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How to control insects around the home

Citronella candles burning on outdoor table in the evening

Overview

As the weather gets warmer, entertaining family and friends outside is great, but you don't want unwanted insects ruining the occasion. Insects are attracted to water, whether it's in a pot plant, a pool or an outdoor bath. The key is to keep them away, especially in warmer regions where mosquitoes will breed in the water. There are a range of inexpensive and easy to use products that keep insects away.

Steps

  1. 1

    Sandalwood sticks

    Sandalwood sticks are a natural, chemical free, mosquito repellent. The have a nice smell and create a relaxing ambience as well.

    A Bunnings team member lighting a sandalwood stick
  2. 2

    Mosquito coils

    Mosquito coils are made from a dried paste of pyrethrum powder. Once lit the coils produce a mosquito repellent smoke
    A Bunnings team member lighting a mosquito coil
  3. 3

    ThermaCELL mosquito repeller

    The ThermaCELL mosquito repeller is a butane fuelled repellent that creates a kind of force field against insects within a 25 metre area. It's portable so you can take it camping, down to the beach or to a BBQ.

    A mosquito repeller being refuelled
  4. 4

    Citronella candles or burners

    Citronella candles or citronella oil burners are a great way to repell insects. Citronella is a naturally occurring insect and animal repellent that works by masking scents that are attractive to insects. 

    A range of citronella candles and burners
  5. 5

    Electronic bug zappers

    Electronic bug zappers help make sure your outdoor entertaining remains pest-free. They attract and kill flying insects. They're ideal for balconies and courtyards. Plus, they're weatherproof and many have a self-cleaning vertical grid and insect catcher tray.

    A Bunnings team member hanging a bug zapper
  6. 6

    Apply an outdoor barrier spray

    Outdoor insect barrier sprays are a professional product that you can use yourself. Follow the safety tips on the package and before you start, put on rubber gloves. If you're going to be spraying up high, wear safety glasses and a face mask.  Spray the insecticide around the outside of your home and on your windows and doorways. It helps stop ants, cockroaches, spiders, fleas, paper-nest wasps, flies and mosquitoes from entering your home. 

    A Bunnings team member spraying windows with bug repellent
  7. 7

    Fit a magnetic flyscreen

    To keep flies and other insects out of your home but still let some air in, magnetic flyscreens are ideal. They can easily be attached to any metal doorframe and the magnets on the flyscreen make sure that the screen closes after you've walked through it. 

    A Bunnings team member opening a magnetic flyscreen
  8. 8

    Place cockroach baits around the home

    Cockroaches live in dark areas, such as under washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwasher and sinks. A good way to get rid of them is to place cockroach baits under these appliances. The baits attract the cockroaches, they then take the food back to their nest which kills other roaches. 
    An assortment of insect control products

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Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.