It’s a bug’s world, we’re just living in it — an uncomfortable truth that’s hard to ignore, especially as the mercury starts to rise. That’s because warmer temperatures encourage spiders, ants, mosquitos, bees, flies, and pretty much anything else you can think of to forage, breed, and generally thrive. Spotting them outdoors is annoying, but also par for the course. But battling them indoors? Totally different story.
As a parent and pet owner, I’m extra-cautious about the pest repellents that I use in my home and prefer to use products that claim to have naturally derived ingredients (or, in the case of this light-based trap, no chemicals at all). I’ve put together a list of trusted options below — some of which I’ve tried already (with fantastic results), others I plan to use this season, and all of which are highly praised by satisfied, insect-free customers.
Stem insect killer
I used this spray to take care of a summertime ant infestation and was shocked by how immediately it worked — just a few quick, direct spritzes was all it took to stop the intruders in their tracks. The main ingredients are geraniol and lemongrass.
Zevo Insect Killer ant, roach and spider spray
I also used this spray while tackling my ant issue, and, like the aforementioned Stem product, it was immediately effective. This one uses rosemary oil (another natural bug-deterrent) and sodium lauryl sulfate (a common surfactant that also has insect-killing properties), but the outcome is the same. I also think its powerful rosemary scent is what helped drive out the spiders that had been making themselves very at home under my roof.
Another set of Zevo products that reviewers love
This pair of ant, roach and fly sprays are infused with essential oils of rosemary and cornmint, which are “deadly” to bugs (according to the brand) but safe to use around pets and people, provided you carefully follow the usage instructions. “I was dealing with a big gnat problem, so I got these to help,” wrote TL Sopko on Amazon. “They seemed to work well, but I was pleasantly surprised at the scent. It's giving spa vibes. I was expecting a bug spray smell, but this is very nice.”
Mighty Mint insect and pest control
This peppermint oil-based formula promises to drive out roaches, spiders, ants and flies with “a few sprays every few days,” according to the brand.
Dr. Killigan’s Six Feet Under insect killer
Soybean, cinnamon, and clove oils are the natural ingredients that help make Dr. Killigan’s “safe and soooo effective for everything awful,” and when “literally nothing else has worked.” It can be used anywhere in the home; won’t harm people or pets when used as directed; and can kill 50+ insects both on contact and residually for up to 30 days.
A clove- and cottonseed-oil based spray
Clove and cottonseed oil are the main ingredients in this cheerfully packaged indoor spray that promises to tackle mosquitoes, flies and more.
BugMD pantry pest control
If moths are your problem, customers say these discreet, scent-free traps “are a marvel.” They’re small, easy to assemble, and made with extra-strong, pheromone-infused glue that attracts damaging moths and keeps them stuck. Each pack comes with six traps, and the brand also makes a version for clothes moths.
Zevo flying insect trap
Per one reviewer, this plug-in trap “works really well and has the advantage of being artistically eye-catching at night and very inconspicuous during the day.” It’s basically an insect-killing accent light — keep it plugged in 24/7, and its calming glow (a combo of blue and UV light) will attract and trap all manner of flying critters. It’s odorless and silent (no moving parts), and you can buy refill cartridges to keep your defenses up year-round.
Stem electric fly fan trap
Katchy indoor insect trap
Fruit flies, gnats, and mosquitos are no match for this electronic trap, which uses a powerful combo of glowing light and liquid bait to lure bugs in, and a powerful fan and glue board to keep them there. Per one reviewer, its “exceptional effectiveness makes it a must-have tool for maintaining a pest-free environment.” Its glowing neon ring also makes it look very space-age chic.