Chemicals Used in Pest Control Services in Pakistan (Safe & Explained)

Pest control companies in Pakistan use a wide range of WHO-approved and environment-safe chemicals to treat cockroaches, termites, mosquitoes, rodents, bed bugs, ants, and general infestations. These chemicals are handled by trained professionals and are designed to be safe for homes, offices, and industrial facilities when applied correctly.

Below is a complete guide to the main types of pesticides, their purpose, and what professionals use written clearly and safely for customers who want to understand what’s being used in their homes.

1. Pyrethroids (Fast-Acting, Low Toxicity)

Commonly Used For:
Cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes, flies, spiders

What They Are:
Pyrethroids are synthetic versions of the natural insect-killing compound found in chrysanthemum flowers. They work fast, have low human toxicity, and are commonly used in residential pest control.

Examples Used by Companies:

• Cypermethrin

• Deltamethrin

• Lambda-cyhalothrin

• Permethrin

Why They’re Good:

• Odorless

• Quick knockdown

• Safe when used properly

• Effective for surface spraying

2. Organophosphates (Used Mainly for Termites)

Common Use:
Termite soil treatment, pre-construction termite proofing

Professional companies use these for deeply penetrating soil treatments, especially under flooring and foundations.

Common Actives:

• Chlorpyrifos

• Diazinon

Benefits:

• Long-lasting barrier

• Highly effective for subterranean termites

Note: These chemicals must be applied only by licensed experts due to potency.

3. Neonicotinoids (Modern & Highly Effective)

Used For:
Termites, bed bugs, ant colonies, and difficult pest species

Examples:

• Imidacloprid

• Thiamethoxam

• Acetamiprid

Why They’re Popular:

• Systemic action (absorbed into wood or gel baits)

• Long-term protection

• Very effective at colony elimination

Neonicotinoids are commonly used in termite bait systems and gel treatments.

4. Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)

Used For:
Cockroaches, bed bugs, fleas, mosquitoes

IGRs don’t kill pests instantly — they stop reproduction and growth, breaking the lifecycle.

Common IGRs:

• Methoprene

• Pyriproxyfen

• Hydroprene

Benefits:

• Excellent for recurring infestations

• Long-lasting

• Safe for residential environments

5. Gel Baits (Safe Indoor Use)

Used For:
Cockroaches, ants

Gels are among the safest pest control chemicals used in Pakistan today. They work by attracting pests, which then carry the gel to their colony.

Common Gel Active Ingredients:

• Fipronil

• Hydramethylnon

• Indoxacarb

• Imidacloprid gels

Benefits:

• No spray or smell

• Safe for kitchens

• Great for apartments and offices

6. Fipronil-Based Products (High Efficiency)

Used For:
Cockroaches, termites, ants

Fipronil is a broad-spectrum insecticide widely used due to its long-lasting performance.

Common Products:

• Fipronil 0.05% gels (for cockroaches)

• Fipronil 2.5% SC (for termite baiting)

Reasons Pros Use It:

• High effectiveness

• Good residual control

• Works for both residential & industrial sites

7. Rodenticides (For Rats & Mice)

Professional services use bait stations and controlled applications.

Categories:

• Anticoagulant rodenticides (safer & widely used)

• Non-anticoagulants (used in severe infestations)

Common Actives:

• Bromadiolone

• Brodifacoum

• Difenacoum

Safety Practices:

• Baits kept inside locked stations

• No direct exposure to pets or children

• Only applied by certified handlers

8. Eco-Friendly & Botanical Pesticides

Many top companies now offer green pest control, including:

• Neem-based extracts

• Essential oil blends

• Plant-derived repellents

These are ideal for schools, hospitals, and sensitive environments.

9. Fumigation Chemicals (For Bed Bugs & Stored Product Pests)

These are used in controlled, professional fumigation environments — not DIY.

Common Safe Professional Options:

• Aluminum phosphide (for warehouses; never for homes)

• Pyrethroid-based misting for homes

• Heat treatment (chemical-free)

Strict expert handling required.

Which Chemicals Are Safe for Homes?

The safest options for residential areas are:
✔ Gel baits (cockroaches & ants)
✔ Pyrethroids (general pests)
✔ IGRs (bed bugs & roaches)
✔ Neonicotinoids (low-odor, long-term)

Professionals adjust the treatment based on:

• Infestation level

• Pest species

• Children/pets in the home

• Size of the property

Which Chemicals Are Used for Termite Control?

For pre-construction termite proofing:

• Chlorpyrifos

• Imidacloprid

For post construction drilling & injection:

• Fipronil

• Imidacloprid

For colony elimination with baits:

• Neonicotinoids (Thiamethoxam, Imidacloprid)

Which Chemicals Are Used for Bed Bugs?

Professional combinations include:

• Pyrethroids

• Neonicotinoids

• Pyriproxyfen (IGR)

• Heat treatment (chemical-free)
  

Bed bug control typically requires multiple chemical groups for best results.

Why Professional Pest Control Is Safer Than DIY

Professionals ensure:

• Correct dosage

• Safe mixing

• No harmful exposure

• Eco-friendly & approved chemicals

• Residual protection

Improper DIY chemical use can cause:
✘ Breathing issues
✘ Skin irritation
✘ Chemical resistance
✘ Ineffective treatment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are pest control chemicals safe for kids and pets?

Yes, when applied professionally. Most residential chemicals are low-toxicity and WHO-approved.

2. How long do the chemicals last?

Residual sprays: 3–6 months
Gels: 2–4 months
Termite chemicals: 3–10 years

3. Do these chemicals smell?

Most modern chemicals are odorless or low-odor.

4. How long after treatment can we re-enter?

Normally 1–2 hours, depending on chemical type.

5. Are organic pest control options available?

Yes, neem-based and botanical extracts are offered by eco-friendly companies.