DEAL OF THE DAY: Here are the 21 best products from Walmart's spring deals
Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Indoor Insect Spray

Last updated on July 13, 2023
Best Indoor Insect Spray

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Insect sprays can be designed to keep bugs away (repellents) or to kill them. However, some sprays can do both. The types of repellents used on humans and pets are different from ones made to keep insects away from homes and outdoor spaces.

Insect sprays are considered to be insecticides. These products kill insects on contact, in most cases. While some are used for spot treatments and last for one application, others can create barriers or perimeters that last for weeks or months.

MORE: The best early Prime Day deals you can shop right now

Insect sprays are generally made from chemicals called pyrethroids; these man-made pesticides are also found in other commercial products like pet sprays and pet shampoos. Common pyrethroids found in bug-killing sprays include sumithrin, resmethrin and permethrin.

These chemicals are used in very low levels, but anyone who is accidentally exposed to an extremely large amount could have symptoms like nausea, headache, diarrhea and dizziness. Always follow the label directions when using these sprays.

Indoor spot treatment sprays work well on roaches, flies, ants, bedbugs and fleas, but if you want to keep them from coming back, look for products that have barrier protection.

There are also indoor foggers; these create fine mists that let the insecticide penetrate under baseboards and into crevices to kill insects that are not easily visible. Many of these sprays come in gallon-sized containers with attached spray wands. Note that you can use exterior foggers outside your house, but do not use these indoors.

Our Picks For The Top Indoor Insect Sprays

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Mighty Concentrated Peppermint Oil Indoor Insect Spray

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Mighty Mint

Mighty Concentrated Peppermint Oil Indoor Insect Spray

Since this indoor insect spray is created from plant-based ingredients, it is safe to use in homes with pets and small children. In fact, the main ingredient is peppermint essential oil, which is not only effective against pests, but also smells quite pleasant.

Overall Take

Non-Toxic FormulaYou can use this indoor insect spray in your kitchen, bathroom, garage, office or garden.

 Top Pick

Wondercide Natural Kid-Safe Indoor Insect Spray

Wondercide

Natural Kid-Safe Indoor Insect Spray

Since this indoor insect spray is made using natural essential oils, it's safe to use around children and pets. It comes in a 32-ounce reusable spray bottle and works on a variety of pests, including spiders, ants, earwigs and fruit flies. Once the insects are gone, you can use the spray once a month to keep them from returning.

Overall Take

Child-Friendly OptionThis indoor insect spray has a pleasant lemongrass scent.

 Runner Up

Ortho Home Defense Max Fume-Free Indoor Insect Spray

Ortho

Home Defense Max Fume-Free Indoor Insect Spray

Whether you're looking to kill ants, fleas or earwigs, this indoor insect spray has you covered. In addition to ridding your home of these pests, the formula also creates a barrier to keep them from returning for up to 365 days. It's even safe to use in kitchens and bathrooms.

Overall Take

Dries QuicklyYou won't have to worry about lingering fumes when you use this powerful indoor insect spray.

 Strong Contender

TERRO Fast Acting Water-Based Formula Indoor Insect Spray

TERRO

Fast Acting Water-Based Formula Indoor Insect Spray

Whether you're plagued with ants, bed bugs or roaches, this indoor insect spray has you covered. It works on contact and comes in an easy-to-use aerosol can. You can also use the spray to prevent future infestations by applying it along any cracks, crevices or entry points to your home.

Overall Take

Economical PickYou won't have any trouble sticking to a budget, thanks to the affordable price tag on this indoor insect spray.

What to Look For

  • Keep children and pets away when insecticides are being applied and until the product has dried. Be sure to read the label for guidelines.
  • Do not use foggers unless absolutely necessary.
  • Only use insecticides that are approved for in-home use. Do not use outdoor pesticides inside your home.
  • Always keep insect spray in its original container. Never transfer it to another one.
  • Handling these chemicals more than needed is not recommended.
  • Do not mix these products with any other chemicals.
  • Store insecticides where they cannot be reached by children or pets.

More to Explore

Have you ever looked at a bug up close?  Some of them can be pretty frightening.

One of the worst is the Scorpion Fly, which looks like a miniature scorpion and has giant black eyes. The Brahmin moth caterpillar has spindly tentacles, and the Goliath Birdeater is a gigantic tarantula that can eat an entire bird.

There’s also the Titan Beetle, which can be up to 6.5 inches long, is deep brown and has gigantic mandibles that can chop a pencil right in half. Grossed out? Don’t worry; it’s unlikely you will run across most of these bugs in your daily travels.

More to explore