Follow directions carefully to avoid trouble. Remember that insecticides are poisons that can be inhaled, swallowed or absorbed though the skin. You can avoid accidents and illness by using them properly.

The more effective insecticides usually contain the following ingredients:

Propoxur - a long-lasting roach killer. It flushes bugs out of their hiding places and increases their chances of coming in contact with sprayed surfaces.

Chlorpyrifos - another outstanding roach killer. It may not knock down bugs on the spot but it retains its effectiveness against many common crawlers for weeks or months.

Gyfluthrin - a chemical related to permethrin, a gentle insecticide which poisons pests on contact. Most effective against fleas and ticks.

Pynamin forte - a safe mosquito and fly killer.

No matter which insecticide you buy, make sure they are stored safely at home like other poisons. This will help retain the product's effectiveness and minimize the chances of being accidentally used for other purposes. Here are a few guidelines to follow:

Store pesticides in a cool, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. Insecticides last longer if they are kept away from heat.

Store insecticides in a cabinet which is at an easy height for adults but out of reach of children and pets. Keep the cabinet locked if you have young children at home.

Keep insecticides away from open flames or sparks because the propellant and solvent fumes from the product are flammable.

Do not store insecticides in other containers such as drink bottles. Children or other persons may mistake the insecticides in this food and drink containers as edible and consume them. Keep insecticides in the original containers they come in, and do not remove the label or place anything over it.

Make sure that the label is clearly visible when you store the pesticides.

If the label should become loosened, glue it back to the container firmly. At no point should any insecticide container be without a label.

Before you throw away an insecticide container, check the label instructions. Ready-to-use insecticide products such as aerosols are usually disposed of in garbage.

Never re-use an insecticide container even after you have rinsed it several times. Never use an insecticide container for storing drinking water, food and beverages.

To strengthen your body against diseases that bugs bring, take Immunitril - your first line of defense in maintaining a healthy immune system. For details, visit .