Mortein & Aerogard - FAQ's Frequently asked questions

These products have not been designed to be used in cars as they can affect the electrical and finishes inside the vehicle. Mortein Do-it-Yourself and Control Bombs cannot be used in areas smaller than 5 cubic metres.
It is not recommended to use Mortein Sprays and Bombs in the car.

What should I use against Bogong Moths?

The best product to use is Mortein Fast Knockdown Multipurpose Insect Killer or Mortein Energyball Fly Killer.

Where can I get a copy of the Louie jingle?

The ring tone for 'Louie the Fly' can be downloaded from the iTunes store. Search for “Mortein” or “Louie the Fly”, it will show up. You can also listen to it on website.

Where can I get more details about Mortein products?

You can access the materials safety data sheet (MSDS) here.

MORTEIN NATURGARD AUTOMATIC INSECT CONTROL SYSTEM

Will Mortein NaturGard Automatic affect birds kept inside the house?

Birds in cages should be kept away from sprays to avoid excessive exposure to the constant aerosol spray which may build up in and around the cage.

Is Mortein NaturGard Automatic safe to use in kitchen?

It is not advisable to use in the kitchen. The spray should not be directed towards food and food preparation areas.

Is Mortein NaturGard Automatic safe to use in baby nursery?

It is not advisable to use in baby nursery. The product is to be used in well ventilated rooms away from children's activity and play areas.

Is Mortein NaturGard Automatic safe to use above carpeted areas?

Yes. It is safe to use in carpeted areas. However, increased soiling of the carpet may occur when used in high traffic areas or above light coloured carpets.

If the spray gets on to furniture, how can it be removed?

If the product is sprayed onto furniture it should be cleaned off with a clean dry cloth or warm soapy water.

Can the Airwick Freshmatic be run next to this one?

Running this and Freshmatic side by side is not advisable as this may change the spray distribution pattern.

If another spray is used manually while this is running, will that "overdose" the area?

No. Over 24 hours, the system disperses no more than a single 3-4 seconds sprays of regular spray.

How long till full effectiveness is reached after installation?

It will take approximately 3 hours to reach full effectiveness.

How effective can we expect this to be in places like NZ where there are no fly screens?

The product will be effective in places with no fly screens against flies and mosquitoes.

Will it be effective on bush flies found in rural areas?

Yes this will be effective. The product has been tested on houseflies which achieved 95% mortality / kill after 24hrs. Bush flies are generally weaker than houseflies and thus the product will be very effective against them. Also, bush flies rarely come indoors.

Is this safe where there are children, especially children crawling?

The product is to be used in well ventilated rooms away from children's activity and play areas.

If away on holidays, should this be turned off? If so, is there a warning to this effect?

There is no need to turn the product off whilst on holidays however it would make financial sense to do so. It is recommended to turn off if away for more than a week.

Is this okay if walls are papered rather than painted?

Yes the product is safe to use in a house with either wallpapered or painted walls. The product should, however, not be pointed directly at a wall.

Should windows be left open a bit when using this?

The product should be used in well ventilated rooms. If being used in a small room it is advisable to have the door or window open.

MORTEIN NATURGARD FLY CONTROL WINDOW STICKERS

What will happen?

Dead flies will fall down to the window sill and can easily be collected and removed. Dead flies will not stick to the bait's surface - the product remains in a clean and proper form. Due to the fact that no active ingredient and no solvents are released into the environment this product is safe to use around your family and pets.

How do I activate the sticker?

To activate remove the self adhesive sticker from the carrier paper. Then the sticker is best positioned directly on the window. A preferred position is in the upper third of the window and thus also out of the reach of children. The best results will be achieved at sunny and warm windows. Flies will preferably gather at warm and also humid places. Cold, dark or windy places are no good locations for the sticker.

Where can I use the baits?

The baits do not release any actives into the air and are designed for fly control all over the house. The stickers can be used in living rooms, bedrooms, children’s rooms and particularly in kitchens, where food is prepared and flies may gather.

MORTEIN ANT SAND

Can I use Mortein Ant Sand around my citrus trees?

Mortein Ant Sand is OK to use around citrus trees. The active is not systemic in plants so that means it will not be absorbed by the roots and into the plant or crop.

Can I use Ant Sand on Fire Ants?

Do not use Ant Sand to treat fire ant nests. Fire Ants are a notifiable Pest - you have a legal obligation to report Fire Ant infestations by calling the Fire Ant Control Centre on 13 25 23. The Fire Ant Control Centre has been set up by the Department of Primary Industries to eradicate Fire Ants from Australia.
Treating Fire Ants nests can be dangerous as Fire Ants are extremely aggressive if disturbed and inflict a painful, burning sting like a bee or wasp.

I have Argentine ants - what can I do to get rid of them?

Primarily continue to use the Mortein Ant Sand outside the home and the Mortein Nest Kill Ant Baits inside. You can also use Mortein Barrier Outdoor Surface Spray around the perimeter of the house and under the house to stop ants entering the house to look for food.

Will Mortein Ant Sand kill meat ants?

“Meat ants” is not a technical term and may refer to a number of different species. Mortein Ant Sand has been tested on a number of different species therefore it should be effective in killing “meat ants”.

Can I use it inside?

No, Mortein Ant Sand is an outdoor product only designed to be spread along ant trails. It functions by contact with the ant. It is not a bait- hence putting a pile in the corner of the kitchen would not work, it needs to be spread. As it is sand it can increase the risk of irritation to toddlers’ skin and eyes who might come into contact with it if it was spread on the floor.
To control ants inside, you can use Mortein Nest Kill Ant Baits.

MORTEIN DO-IT-YOURSELF CONTROL BOMBS/FLEA BOMBS

Do I need to treat the entire house?

If you have an insect infestation or if you are using it to prevent infestation, for best results it is recommended to treat the entire house.

How many cans do I need?

One can will treat an average sized room (16 metres cube, 4mx4m floor area). If you have a very large room you may need two cans for that space.

Do I need to turn off all my electricity?

Yes. This product is highly flammable and even a small spark could cause a fire. If it’s possible, it is best to switch the electricity off at the main otherwise all power points need to be switched off and the fire alarm disconnected.

How long do I need to leave the treated area for?

The house is safe to re-enter after 2 hours. Then you need to open up the house and let it ventilate for a further 30 mins before switching the electricity back on.

Do I have to remove the children's toys?

Children's toys should be covered or removed especially if they are of an age where they still place things into their mouths.

Are the Mortein Control Bombs and Flea Bombs safe?

It is Reckitt Benckiser’s policy to provide consumers with products that can be used safely when they are used as directed on the product label for their intended use.

Have the Mortein Control Bombs and Flea Bombs been linked to any cancers/leukaemia’s?

The product and the individual actives (fenoxycarb and permethrin) are not linked to any evidence of cancer causing or leukaemia causing effects in humans.

Is it advisable to use the Mortein bombs if I am sensitive to chemicals and fragrances?

If you are aware that they have chemical sensitivity, it is not recommended to use Mortein Control Bomb or Mortein Flea Bomb because they both have residual activity; Mortein Control Bomb has 3 months residual activity and Mortein Flea Bomb has 9 months residual action.

MORTEIN NEST KILL AND LURE’N KILL COCKROACH BAITS

How do I set Mortein Cockroach Baits?

Just place them as described in the instructions on pack or on website page. Do not pull apart or pierce them.

Do the Mortein Cockroach baits have a Use By Date?

They contain a waxy bait inside the trap and, until the cockroaches travel across them, or start to eat them, the baits will not deteriorate. Once placed, they have a life of 3 months.

Can I use Mortein Cockroach Baits outside?

No. this product is designed for indoor use only. For outside treatment use Mortein Barrier Outdoor Surface Spray to stop cockroaches coming inside.

Can I use Mortein Cockroach Baits around my pets?

The baits do not release any harmful chemicals however if the pet chews on them it could be dangerous.

MORTEIN MOSQUITO COILS

Do Mortein Mosquito Coils kill mosquitoes?

No, coils are a repellent, not an insecticide.

MORTEIN ODOURLESS MOZZIE ZAPPER

Can I use Mortein Odourless Mozzie Zapper with the pads around my children?

Yes, they can be used around children. However as it is an electric appliance, young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not use or play with this appliance to avoid potential electrical hazards.
If your child shows any discomfort, which is quite unlikely, the use should be discontinued.

Why do I still have flies and mosquitoes in the house?

This product is not an insecticide. It is a repellent and it will keep the mosquitoes away from the area you have the unit plugged in.
Mortein Odourless Mozzie Zapper is not designed to repel flies.

MORTEIN RAT KILL WEDGE BAITS AND THROWPACKS

How long would it take for the Mortein Rat Kill to degrade if it is buried in the backyard? Would it affect the soil or plant life in any way?

The chemical is not harmful to plants and, if used as directed it should not be hazardous to wildlife, domestic animals and man.
The active ingredient in Mortein Rat Kill is brodifacoum. Because it is quite stable at room temperature, it is important that unused portions are disposed off carefully. You should dispose of empty containers and unused and untaken baits by burying in an approved dump.

How do I dispose of the rat/mouse?

You need to either burn or bury all rodent bodies. Do not put them in your normal rubbish bin.

MORTEIN PROFESSIONAL INDOORS / OUTDOORS SURFACE SPRAYS

I still have ants walking on the area I have treated with Mortein Professional Outdoor Surface Spray. How come?

Mortein Professional Outdoor Surface Spray is an insecticide and not a repellent; it is not designed to keep the insects off the area you've applied it to. Instead, it leaves behind a poisonous residue which the insect absorbs as it comes in contact with the treated area. This toxic residue does last up to three months. The intention of the product is to kill the insect before they can start to breed within the barrier you apply around your house and as such, prevent infestation. The size and severity of the existing problem will affect the length of time before you notice a decrease in insects.
Ants are the hardest of the insects to kill with residual spray products. As ants walk across a treated area, they pick up a small dose of insecticide which may not kill the ant immediately.

What happens when the product comes in contact with clothes?

When the product comes in contact with clothes, it is advisable to wash the clothes right away. Depending on the type of fabric and dye, colour change may happen if there is prolonged contact between fabric and the product.