Lysol is widely considered one of the safest and most effective cleaners on the market. But, is Lysol toxic and does that matter? Here’s everything you should know about this cleaner. We have also included some alternative options for fighting off insects.
Is Lysol Toxic?
Technically, yes. Lysol is a disinfectant, and more specifically, it’s a pesticide. Most people think of chemicals like glyphosate when discussing pesticides. But, household cleaners that help eliminate bacteria also fall into this category.
However, this question doesn’t matter. The important question is this: Is Lysol toxic to humans or pets?
Again, the answer is yes. Lysol’s primary ingredient is benzalkonium chloride, which is occasionally minorly irritating to the skin. It’s more dangerous if ingested. This is one of the reasons the manufacturer specifically states that people should not consume it.
The potential for consumption makes Lysol more dangerous in pet-owning households. This is because pets may lick it off their fur.
However, while Lysol poses a minor risk if touched or inhaled in sufficient quantities, it’s not a major hazard for people. Avoid high concentrations of sprays and use gloves when handling Lysol wipes. This is generally enough to protect you from it.
Is Lysol Toxic To Insects?
In high concentrations, Lysol may stick to the outside of a bug and suffocate them. However, it is not designed or sold for use as an insecticide. In fact, using it this way is illegal in many areas. In other words, it’s not a good choice for controlling insects. It’s better to use an insecticide if you want to kill insects.
Alternatives To Lysol For Killing Insects
Here are some alternatives to Lysol for killing insects. Note that most good insecticides are branded products rather than pure substances you can pick up anywhere. This is because products usually need to meet strict standards to be sold as insecticides.
Diatomaceous Earth
This product’s name is somewhat misleading because it’s not earth or dirt, as most people use the term. It’s a large container of fossilized microbes, ground up into a powder that you can spread anywhere.
While this may seem like an odd option at first, it works for a simple reason. The sharp edges of the microbes cut through insects, stopping them from passing through to anything you’re trying to protect.
Diatomaceous earth is generally affordable and easy to get in bulk. Which is good because you’ll need to reapply it anytime it gets wet. Fortunately, you don’t need much to create a good barrier.
There are two other problems with this product, though, and these affect how useful it might be in your situation.
The first issue is that it’s only useful against crawling insects. Anything that can fly will probably move right past it, although you might be able to trick them into landing on it and getting cut.
The second issue is that it’s harder to use inside. If you’re trying to get rid of interior insects, you should use something else.
None of these issues make diatomaceous earth a bad product on its own merits. However, it’s only good in specific scenarios, so that should be the main factor in deciding whether to use it.
Garlic
Garlic is an impressively versatile tool for getting rid of insects, though it’s better at keeping them away than directly killing them. The result is the same for most people, but keep that in mind if you specifically want to kill insects rather than removing them from the area.
A good garlic pesticide is easy to create. All you need to do is blend one or two cloves with some water to create a spray, then apply it to any area where you think bugs are coming in. Bugs should avoid the area as long as the smell lasts.
The main advantage of garlic is that it’s completely natural. You can even grow it in your own garden in many parts of the world, and it’s affordable enough at most stores. Even better, garlic lasts a long time on the shelf as long as you keep it in a cool, dry area.
The main drawback of garlic is that it can be toxic to pets. The main problem chemical is thiosulfate, which can be dangerous for pets in larger amounts. Sprays that they may lick usually don’t have enough thiosulfate to be a problem for pets, but if you want to be totally sure, consider using another insecticide instead.
One other consideration is that pets may dislike the smell of garlic. That can keep them away from some parts of your house where you want them to go.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is a product that comes from the seeds and leaves of Azadirachta indica, a south Asian shade tree. This oil is especially useful outside, where you can apply it to plants without worrying about lingering effects in the soil.
Research generally classifies neem oil as safe as long as you use it in the right quantities. The best products currently available are about 3% neem oil, with the remainder mainly being a carrier for it.
Neem oil soaks into plants well and helps kill both insect pests and fungi, which makes it somewhat more effective than many other products on this list. It’s also functionally nontoxic in regular amounts to bees, fish, birds, pets, and humans, which makes it extraordinarily convenient for almost any purpose.
Pyrethrum
Pyrethrum is a potent natural insecticide. It comes from the pyrethrum daisy, and unlike diatomaceous earth, it’s highly effective on flying pests. However, it doesn’t last very long in the air, so you may need to get a sprayer to keep it in the air.
The main challenge with using pyrethrum is that it’s slightly toxic to both people and pets, making it more dangerous than some other options. It can also kill helpful bugs, which can be an issue if there’s something you’re trying to attract to your garden.
This insecticide works best as a last resort. It’s powerful but problematic, so try something milder and only escalate to this if you need to.
Soap Sprays
Soap sprays are a final option for getting rid of insects. These are especially effective if you can catch the insects in the air or attract them, so they fall into soapy water. This smothers the insects by clinging to their outsides, so it’s highly effective on almost anything as long as you can coat them.
Soap sprays also have the advantage of being generally safe for humans and pets as long as you don’t start drinking it. Most pets won’t even attempt to lick a soap spray more than once, so you can set up traps around your house.
Is Lysol Toxic? – Final Thoughts
Lysol is a useful product, but its mild toxicity can be a problem in some areas. As you can see above, there are many alternatives for dealing with insects, ranging from passive protection against ground threats to active protection you need to spray on pests.
Each product works best in different situations, so carefully consider what pests you’re facing, then pick the best product to deal with them. Once you get used to it, maintaining these protections is easy and can help you achieve an insect-free environment indoors or outdoors.
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