Essential products for people who really dislike bugs
When the warm weather hits, so do the bugs. This list of products will help you combat a range of insects including ants, ticks, mosquitoes, and flies.
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Photo: Andre Moura/Pexels
Depending on how quickly the temperatures are rising where you live, you could soon be dealing with various kinds of spring bugs. Our weather writers say to be on the lookout for wasps, LLD moths, and ants in your household first. We also know that ticks, mosquitoes, and flies are looming out there too. Here’s a list of products to stock up on now, so you can be prepared when insects strike.
TERRO Ant Killer Liquid Baits
Amazon.ca
Ants start to emerge when there are new food sources to discover, which is probably why they’re always hanging around picnics on sunny days! This liquid ant killer bait station eliminates all common household ants and can be used indoors or outdoors. All you need to do is place the bait where your population of ants is, using all six baits to ensure they’re sufficiently enticed. Customers say this product works as intended but make sure you don’t accidentally knock over its sticky contents in your house (click here for tips on environmentally-friendly cleaning products!).
What we like:
Effective product to lure in the ants you see and the ants you don’t see from a colony
Features include convenient, ready-to-use bait stations, fast-acting formula, and contains borax, which is a known ant repellent
Rated 4.2 out of 5 based on almost 4,000 Amazon.ca reviews
Natrapel 75ml Lemon Eucalyptus Mosquito Repellent Spray
Atmosphere
Even though the packaging highlights this spray’s mosquito-repellant properties, it’s actually an all-purpose bug spray that can also be used to keep ticks away (click here for more information about products that guard against ticks). Customer reviews indicate this DEET-free formula works better than other non-chemical repellents and smells great!
What we like:
Natural plant base (oil of lemon eucalyptus) helps avoid the usual acrid smell of most bug sprays
Provides up to six hours of protection from bugs of all kinds
Rated 4.9 out of 5 baked on Atmosphere reviews, and rated highly on other platforms like Amazon.ca
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Catchmaster Bug & Fly Clear Window Fly Traps
Amazon.ca
If you’re having an issue with flies or pesky gnats living in your houseplants, try these professional-strength window fly traps. They’re made of high-quality, non-toxic adhesive and waterproof paper. To use, simply peel off the thin white release liner, space track on a window or a flat surface of your choice, and peel off the large release liner. Customer reviews include, “super easy application”, “solved my fruit fly problem”, and “incredibly impressed with this product”.
What we like:
Clear fly tape is less intrusive to your home décor
Features include a no-mess way of getting rid of flies, no chemicals or odor, and 12 traps in each pack
Rated 4.4 out of 5 based on more than 9,000 Amazon.ca reviews
Zap It! Bug Zapper Rechargeable Fly Zapper Racket
Amazon.ca
This modern take on the fly swatter features a 4,000-volt grid to electrically zap and eliminate moths, wasps, flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and other pests in a single swing. Made for indoor or outdoor use, you can take this zapper camping, fishing, hiking, or picnicking to create a bug-free experience. Customers say it works as advertised and that it’s powerful enough to get the job done.
What we like:
This zapper will take you farther than a traditional fly swatter
Features include a large surface area, LED light for zapping in the dark, and USB charging
Rated 4.2 out of 5 based on more than 13,500 Amazon.ca reviews
Ben’s InvisiNet Head Net
Atmosphere
When you’re really getting bugged, turn to this ultra-lightweight net that you can drape over your head to keep insects away. The net has an elasticized chrome to keep it in place on your head or hat, no matter your movement or the wind speed. There’s also a drawcord elastic neck to ensure a snug fit. Customer reviews are all positive and indicate the light mesh doesn’t make you feel dizzy when you are wearing it.
What we like:
Good for people who are prone to attracting bugs or who are participating in an outdoor activity where insects are present
Features include high visibility, maximum ventilation, and packable for camping or fishing trips
Rated 4.6 out of 5 based on Atmosphere reviews
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Thumbnail image courtesy Pragyan Bezbaruah/Pexels