August 21, 2025, 9:02 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Since January 1 of this year, a consultation is mandatory if you want to buy insecticides. Products for targeted insect control—such as mosquito, ant, or fly sprays—are subject to new regulations under the Chemical Biocide Ordinance. Other products, such as protective coatings or wood preservatives, can only be sold after a personal consultation. But what does such a consultation actually entail? myHOMEBOOK editor Franka Kruse-Gering put it to the test and was surprised.
Why is Consultation About Insecticides Required
Customers should not choose the easiest way to get rid of pests but rather “learn about less harmful measures against pests and receive important information on health protection,” explains Kerstin Effers from the Consumer Advice Center NRW in a press release. This new law covers products such as:
- Rodent control products
- Products against insects and other crawling creatures
- Antifouling coatings (such as for boats)
- Wood preservatives
- Coating protection products
- Protective agents for building materials against microorganisms and algae
The Anticipation of My Consultation
I wanted to purchase a mosquito repellent from an online shop. It involves a cylinder that heats a metal plate using a gas cartridge. A substance evaporates to repel mosquitoes. During the ordering process, I was prompted to leave my phone number in a comment field so they could contact me for a one- to three-minute conversation.
Before placing my order, I was already put off by the announcement of a conversation and considered simply going to a hardware store. However, the prices were significantly higher, so I opted for the online purchase, even though I wasn’t keen on talking to a stranger.
After my order, I received an email asking me to call them myself, as my phone number apparently wasn’t transmitted during the ordering process. So, I called, curious and excited.
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The Conversation Ended Before It Even Began
A man answered the phone and informed me that the conversation would last about three minutes. I had to laugh to myself because the conversation lasted about 20 seconds. On the call, I was advised not to use the device indoors or in a tent and to dispose of the plates in household waste after use—that was it. I had worried about three sentences in advance.
My Conclusion from the Consultation
The law was enacted to, among other things, “learn about less harmful measures against pests and receive important information on health protection,” according to the Consumer Advice Center’s press release. Well, I still don’t know how harmful the insecticide is if I inhale it, and I haven’t learned about any less harmful measures. That’s not in the interest of companies that sell insecticides either.