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Aussies feel bad for killing bugs

Announcement posted by Canstar Blue 20 Nov 2014

Canstar Blue releases Insecticides 2014 – Most Satisfied Customers Award

Bug-fearing Aussies are using insecticides pre-emptively to protect their homes from creepy crawlies – but then feel guilty for killing them.

That’s according to a new survey from consumer research company Canstar Blue, which also found that spiders and cockroaches make our skin crawl the most.

“More than half of those we questioned said they actively try to prevent bug problems in their home by spraying surfaces and around doors and windows, but one in five said they feel guilty when they see insects dead or suffering,” said Canstar Blue spokesman Simon Downes. “Despite that, we’re more than happy to grab something else to kill bugs with in the event that we don’t have any insecticide.”

The survey, of 1,300 adults who have purchased and used insecticides in the last six months, shows that 88% of respondents believe they generally work well, although 72% admitted they hate the smell of insecticides in their home.

Without insecticides, shoes, newspapers and fly swats are our preferred insect whacking options, although many also choose to use tissues or their hands and feet to squash bugs.

“With the weather heating up, many Aussies are happy to grab whatever they can to see off the bugs lurking around their home, including books and even the vacuum cleaner,” added Downes.

“Of course many people have genuine fears of things like spiders and can panic when they seem, so it’s good to know the majority of people are convinced insecticides work well.

“Almost one in three of our survey respondents said they have been bitten by a spider, while 43% complained of being constantly bitten by mosquitoes – so it’s no wonder many of us are trying to protect our homes as best as we can. Ants and moths also rank highly in our list of bug fears, but 34% said they’re not scared of any creepy crawlies.”

The Canstar Blue survey saw Woolworths’ brands of insecticides rated the best, ahead of Mortein, Pea Beau, Baygon, Raid and Ant Rid. The Woolworths brand earned five-star reviews for value for money and overall satisfaction, but Mortein was the only one to get top marks for effectiveness.

“Of course people want an insecticide which kills bugs with as little fuss as possible, but like anything else, we don’t want to pay more than we have to,” said Downes. “The smell of the product is also important to people because no bug is worth killing if you’re going to spend the next half an hour holding your breath.”