Insecticides are substances that are formulated to kill, harm, repel or diminish different species of insects. In Nigeria, the use of insecticides is common because there are many insect-borne diseases in the region. For example, Malaria is a prevalent disease in the country, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. The use of insecticides can help mitigate the spread of malaria. Nonetheless, the use of insecticides can also pose a health risk to health. This article discusses the safety tips to follow while using insecticides and the common insecticides in Nigeria. But first, let us find out how insecticides work.
How do insecticides work?
Different Insecticides work in different ways. Generally, insecticides are divided into different categories based on how they affect the insect. Some insecticides disrupt the nervous system, others damage their exoskeletons, or simply repel them.
Some insecticides are called “contact” insecticides because kill when they come into direct contact with the insect. Whereas other are “systemic” insecticides, that kill insects when they eat the plant and ingest the insecticide chemical.
Other insecticides are grouped as organophosphates. Organophosphates attack the nervous of insects and kill them instantly. Other groups of insecticides are Organochlorine, Carbamates, Pyrethroids, Neonicotinoids, and Antifeedants. Another group of insecticides known as Insect growth regulators does not kill insects; they make it impossible for exposed insects to molt (grow) or lay eggs properly..
Before we take a look at the list of common insecticides in Nigeria, please note that insecticides can also be packaged in various forms. They can be packaged as sprays, dust, gels, and baits.
Common Insecticides in Nigeria
Mortein All Insect Killer Spray
SNIPER Multipurpose Insect Killer
PestShield Bed Bug Killer Treatment Spray
ActiveO Bedbug And Insect Killer
Green Leaf cockroach killing powder
Dd Force Insecticide
Mortein LED Insecticide Refill
Baygon Multipurpose Insecticide Spray
Rambo Insects Killing Powder
Bnc Insecticide and Mosquito Repellant Spray
Rambo Mosquito Coil
Raid Insect Killer Spray
Swan Insect Repellant Incense
Good Knight Power Shots Multi Insect Killer
RIDOFF Insecticides
Tetmosol Insecticide Spray
Toprank Insecticides spray
Naturgard automatic insect killer
Mobil insecticide
Otapia-pia.
Safety Tips to Follow While Using Insecticides in Nigeria
Insecticide can become a health risk to indoor air, people, pets, and the environment. Insecticides can cause short-term negative health effects, called acute effects. Some of the acute health effects of insecticides include eye pain, rashes, blisters, blindness, nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness, diarrhea, and even death. There are also long-term or chronic health effects of insecticide use.
Some people are more at risk than others to these adverse health effects of insecticides. Asthmatic patients, Infants, and young children are known to be more susceptible than adults to the toxic effects of insecticides.
Well, you can avoid these harmful effects by adhering to the following safety tips for insecticide use:
- Keep insecticides away from flammable and combustible materials
- Leave the room immediately after spraying insecticide
- Don’t spray insecticides while someone is asleep
- Keep your insecticides away from food, cooking utensils, or water
- Use a nose mask to spray insecticides if you are asthmatic
- Don’t spray insecticides around infants or young children. Make sure kids, pets, or an elderly person is out of the area before spraying insecticides
- Don’t spray insecticides while smoking, drinking, or eating
- Avoid exposing insecticides to sensitive areas of your body
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap after spraying insecticide
- Keep your mosquito coil far away from flammable materials
- Make sure the insecticides has stopped smelling and that the room is well ventilated before going back inside
- Don’t use insecticides on your skin. Organophosphates like sniper can be fatal if applied to the skin.
- Avoid long-term use of Pyrethroids insecticides.
- Avoid long-term use of Baygon products. Baygon insecticides contain Propoxur, a chemical that can cause headaches, vomiting, and nausea, and Cyfluthrin, which can lead to lung problems.
