What is Insect Control?

Insect control is an important issue for many Canadians. Insects in the home, as well as stinging or biting insects found in the outdoors, are more than a nuisance — they can sometimes present a threat to our health. Controlling and repelling insects that may carry diseases can be the best prevention against that risk.

To rid our lives of unwanted bugs, many of us turn to insect control products. But what exactly is an insect control product and how does it help? Just as important, we wonder if the insect control products we use, either in our homes or on our skin, might pose a health risk to our loved ones now or over time.

What is an Insect Control Product?

For the purposes of this website, “insect control products” at the Centre for Bug SmartLiving™ refers to products designed to control, destroy and repel insect pests. To homeowners, insect pests may include mosquitoes, cockroaches, ants and hornets, to name just a few.

Designed with your well being in mind

Many people have questions about the chemical composition of insect control products and whether there are any health concerns from using them around or on the ones we care about.

Rest assured, the evaluation process for insect control products in Canada is considered to be one of the most rigorous and thorough in the world. Meeting the strict requirements for product registration in Canada means that companies such as SC Johnson must submit extensive scientific and technical data for review by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) under the Pest Control Products Act.

The PMRA evaluates every insect control product for “effectiveness and the potential risk on human health and the environment.” Only products that meet these standards are registered. It’s the law.

A balance of prevention and measured application

It’s very important to remember that effective insect control isn’t about spraying products in the hopes of instantly ridding your home or yard of bug pests. Discouraging bugs before they become a nuisance is a critical element in your effort to become bug-smart.

If you do require the assistance of an insect control or repellent product such as Raid® insecticides or OFF!® repellent, feel confident knowing that, when used judiciously and according to label directions, these products provide effective control of bugs.