A Buyer’s Guide to 11 Different Domestic Pesticides and Insecticides

When I was a toddler, there weren’t many pesticide or insecticide brands available. The only household insecticide we had was Baygon, which we used to deal with houseflies, mosquitoes, and other harmful insects. Aerosol sprays didn’t exist back then. Instead, insecticides were applied using a “Manual Pump Action Sprayer”—a tool that’s now considered a collector’s item. As for rat poison, the most common option was known as “මී පාසානම්” (“me-pasanam”), though I still don’t know what that name means. Fast-forward to 2025, and today, you can choose from a wide variety of household pesticides and insecticides from numerous brands available over the counter. Some of the most popular ones include Mortein, Hit, and Good Knight. This blog post is your ultimate guide to selecting the right household pesticides and insecticides and using them effectively. I’ll be updating this post with more product recommendations in the future, so stay tuned!

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general knowledge only and should not be considered as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified expert for specific concerns or situations. For safety and handling information, refer to the manufacturer’s safety data sheets.

Mortein Fast Kill

Mortein Fast Kill contains Imiprothrin and Cypermethrin, two active ingredients that paralyze insects on contact. It works effectively against almost all common household insects, including houseflies, mosquitoes, spiders, and ants. To get the best results, it’s important to spray directly on the insects. Interestingly, the manufacturer claims that Mortein Fast Kill has a special formula that draws cockroaches out of hiding. While I can’t say for sure how accurate this is, I tested it myself when I was living in Colombo (thankfully, we don’t have cockroaches in Nuwara Eliya). I noticed that it did, in fact, flush cockroaches out of their hiding spots before killing them. It’s possible the product contains attractants that mimic food or scents cockroaches find irresistible, which could explain this behavior. Mortein Fast Kill is a great choice if you’re dealing with cockroaches. Plus, it’s versatile enough to handle other harmful or annoying insects around the house. Highly recommended!

Caution: As with any insecticide or pesticide, it’s important to use aerosol sprays with caution. If you spray areas that children or pets might touch, make sure to wipe down those surfaces thoroughly afterward to prevent accidental poisoning.

Mortein Flying Insect Killer

In most households, there are two common flying insects: mosquitoes and houseflies. Luckily, you won’t find mosquitoes in Nuwara Eliya, and even houseflies are relatively scarce. However, in Colombo and its suburbs, it’s a completely different story. No matter how clean your home or garden is, these harmful and decease carrying flying insects like mosquitoes and houseflies are everywhere. Spraying regular insecticides directly on them can be frustrating because they’re so quick and hard to hit. That’s where Mortein Flying Insect Killer comes in. It’s designed to create an airborne mist specifically formulated to reach flying insects, even while they’re in motion. (It’s almost like the insecticide version of a cluster bomb!) Therefore, if your goal is to deal with flying insects, Mortein Flying Insect Killer is the product to use. It’s highly effective and gets the job done!

Caution: You’re likely to inhale the mist accidentally, so it’s important to wear proper protective gear to avoid exposure.

Hit Aerosol for Cockroaches

Both Hit Aerosol and Mortein Aerosol use similar chemical formulas that make them effective at killing household insects like cockroaches, ants, and mosquitoes. However, Hit Aerosol for Cockroaches stands out for its unique feature: a detachable straw that helps target pests hiding in narrow cracks and hard-to-reach areas. This makes it an ideal choice for precision application, allowing the insecticide to reach hidden cockroaches or other insects. Mortein, in comparison, once offered a similar product with a straw attachment, but this version was eventually discontinued. The ability to focus the spray stream in tight spaces is a significant advantage, especially in areas where pests tend to hide. Therefore, if you are looking for an insecticide to treat confined spaces, Hit Aerosol for Cockroaches offers a more targeted and effective solution. It’s a great choice for dealing with insects hiding in tricky, hidden spots around the home.

Caution: Cats are often drawn to cockroaches because their movement stimulates hunting instincts. However, spraying cockroaches with insecticides can make them dangerous if cats catch or eat them. Always keep your feline pets away when using cockroach sprays to prevent accidental poisoning.

Hit Rat Trap Glue Board

Rats and mice are common pests found in most households, typically attracted to areas with food supplies and potential breeding spots. Interestingly, even the cleanest homes can face infestations, as rodents can easily find their way inside. While methods like traps and poisons are commonly used, the Hit Rat Trap Glue Board offers a safe and effective alternative, especially in homes with children. Unlike traditional poison, this non-toxic solution is ideal for low to moderate infestations. The glue board traps rodents without posing risks to humans or pets, making it a safer option for families. Furthermore, it has no environmental impact, as it doesn’t release harmful chemicals into the surroundings. This makes the Hit Rat Trap Glue Board a great choice for households looking to manage rodent problems in a safer, more eco-friendly manner, especially when dealing with smaller infestations.

Caution: While glue traps are effective for capturing rodents, these traps do not discriminate, often catching non-target animals, including birds, reptiles, and even pets.

Hit Rat Killer and Mortein Rat Kill

For a severe rodent infestation, Hit Rat Trap Glue Boards may not be effective enough, especially for larger problems. In such cases, rat poison is a more reliable option. While there are many rat poisons available, Hit Rat Killer and Mortein Rat Kill are two recommended products. These two products work differently from traditional rat poisons. Unlike conventional poison, which causes the decomposing carcass to emit unpleasant odors, Hit Rat Killer and Mortein Rat Kill contain anticoagulants that lead to internal bleeding and severe dehydration. This method helps reduce the decomposition smell and is considered a more hygienic approach to rodent control. It’s a safer and more effective way to deal with a significant infestation, especially in terms of odor control and long-term cleanliness. If you’re dealing with an infestation, these two products are a good choice for fast and efficient rodent elimination.

Note: Consumers often complain that rats and mice sometimes refuse to eat poison. This is usually because there are other food sources nearby. To make the poison more effective, remove any leftover food and garbage from the area, so the rodents are more likely to be drawn to the poison.

Zazafly Fly and Cockroach Killer

Mortein Flying Insect Killer is effective for small-scale housefly infestations but may not be the best option for larger outbreaks. In such cases, Zazafly Fly and Cockroach Killer is a more practical solution. This granular scatter bait contains azamethiphos, a powerful stomach poison that targets flies, cockroaches, and ants. It also includes an attractant that lures flies to the bait, making it highly effective. Houseflies feed by regurgitating digestive enzymes onto solid food to liquefy it before ingestion. This natural feeding behavior allows them to consume Zazafly granules effectively, leading to their elimination. While I have personally tested Zazafly against houseflies and cockroaches with impressive results, I have not tested it against ants. However, the product is designed to target them as well. Therefore, for large-scale infestations, Zazafly offers a reliable and efficient alternative.

Caution: Avoid placing the granules near food or cooking appliances, as poisoned flies may land on them, increasing the risk of accidental contamination.

Fly-Glue Fly Traps

If you’re dealing with a small number of flies indoors, Fly-Glue Fly Traps offer a simple and non-toxic solution. These traps work by using a sticky surface to capture flies upon contact. Available as sheets or sticks, they are easy to place in areas where flies are most active, such as near windows, kitchen counters, or garbage bins. Unlike chemical sprays, fly glue traps don’t release harmful fumes, making them a safer choice for households with children or pets. While I don’t have a specific brand recommendation, most work effectively in the same way. They are particularly useful in food preparation areas where pesticides might not be ideal. For best results, replace traps regularly once they become full. If you’re looking for a safe, hassle-free way to manage flies indoors, fly glue traps are a reliable and effective option.

Klerat Pellets

Hit Rat Killer and Mortein Rat Kill are formulated to be effective against both rats and mice. These products are designed to deliver a lethal dose even if only a portion of the bait is consumed, ensuring efficacy regardless of the rodent’s size. However, using wax blocks against mice raises efficiency concerns, as smaller rodents often die before consuming the entire block. (Wax blocks may be too large or too tough for mice to chew easily.) This leftover bait increases the risk of accidental poisoning for pets and children. While wax blocks from Hit and Mortein are effective against larger rodents like the Greater Bandicoot Rat (ඌරු මීයා), Klerat Pellets offer a more efficient solution for mice. Mice can consume the pellets entirely, leaving no leftover bait behind. I tested this on smaller rodents myself, and the results were impressive. My backyard is now completely free of rats and mice.

SureKill Lizard & Gecko Repellent

There are at least 1,500 gecko species worldwide, but here, I’m focusing on Hemidactylus Parvimaculatus, commonly known as the Sri Lankan House Gecko. Unlike rodents or insects, you can’t use scatter bait against them. Geckos are primarily hunters, though I’ve occasionally seen them attracted to rice. Their diet mainly consists of small frogs and insects, and they are also known to be cannibalistic. Given their hunting nature, traditional pest control methods are ineffective. The only repellent I’ve found to work against them is SureKill Lizard & Gecko Repellent from Suren Cooke Agencies (PVT) LTD. This non-toxic solution effectively drives geckos away from walls, ceilings, and other common hiding spots. If you’re struggling with a gecko problem, this repellent is a reliable option for keeping them out of your home without harming them.

Metaldehyde

This pesticide is a white, crystalline powder commonly used to eliminate snails and slugs in gardens and croplands. It effectively prevents these pests from damaging plants by disrupting their feeding habits. I primarily use it to control snails that are drawn to the ornamental plants my mother keeps inside the house. These snails can be a nuisance, eating leaves and leaving behind unsightly slime trails. By applying the pesticide carefully, I protect the plants while keeping the indoor space clean. However, it’s crucial to use it responsibly, as it can be harmful to pets, children, and other non-target animals. If you’re dealing with a snail infestation, Metaldehyde offers an efficient solution for both indoor and outdoor plants. Always follow safety instructions and avoid excessive use to maintain a balanced and safe environment for other beneficial creatures.

Caution: Highly flammable and a serious fire hazard. It can ignite due to friction, heat, sparks, or flames. Powders, dust, shavings, borings, turnings, or cuttings may catch fire easily and burn explosively.

Good Knight Fabric Roll-On

In Sri Lanka, mosquito repellents commonly come in three forms: Coils, Vaporizers, and Mats. While affordable and widely used, they pose significant health risks. Mosquito Coils release smoke containing toxins like allethrin and transfluthrin, which can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and nausea. In poorly ventilated spaces, prolonged exposure is comparable to passive smoking. Vaporizers emit liquid insecticides that, with continuous use in enclosed areas, may trigger dizziness, allergies, or breathing difficulties, especially in children and asthma patients. Mats, which release pyrethroid-based chemicals when heated, can cause skin irritation, headaches, or respiratory discomfort. While they are less harmful than coils, they are not ideal for infants or individuals with breathing conditions. A safer alternative is Good Knight Fabric Roll-On, made with plant-based ingredients like citronella and eucalyptus oil. Applied directly to clothing, it provides effective mosquito protection without releasing harmful airborne chemicals, making it a healthier choice.

Caution: Good Knight Fabric Roll-On, although made with natural ingredients, could cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Wrap Up

With so many household pesticides and insecticides available today, choosing the right product requires balancing effectiveness, safety, and environmental impact. While aerosol sprays like Mortein and Hit offer quick solutions for common household pests, they require careful handling to avoid health risks. Alternatives like Zazafly provide effective baiting methods, while non-toxic options like Hit Rat Trap Glue Boards and Fly-Glue Fly Traps offer safer control of rodents and house-flies. For mosquito protection, Good Knight Fabric Roll-On stands out as a safer alternative to traditional Coils, Vaporizers, and Mats, reducing exposure to harmful airborne chemicals. Whether you’re dealing with insects, rodents, or even geckos, understanding how each product works helps ensure both pest control and household safety. As new products emerge, I’ll continue updating this guide with the best recommendations, so stay tuned for more insights on effective and responsible pest control.

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