Life Abroad

Insect Repellent

Living in Japan throughout spring and summer means a battle with bugs. It seems there are constantly mosquitoes everywhere, waiting to get a sip of you. At home, you may have dastardly cockroaches hiding in the shadows. And then on top of it all, you have to deal with itchy bug bites.

But fret not, we have detailed descriptions, pictures, and explanations of the most popular insect repellents, roach traps/poisons, and itch relief products in Japan. Select a category from the left or scroll through to see the whole list.

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Insect Repellent for Skin

Note: Skin Guard brand insect repellent is the Japanese version of OFF! by S.C. Johnson. The DEET concentration is lower in Japan, however, so you may need to reapply more frequently than you are used to. Available in 105ml and 250ml sizes.


Skin Guard Unscented

skin_guard_sarasara

Unscented insect repellent spray that dries quickly and leaves your skin smooth with a powdery finish, not sticky or oily.


Repels:
  • mosquitos
  • black flies
  • fleas
  • tropical rat mites (ダニ)

Active ingredient: DEET 9.75%

Inactive ingredients: Ethanol, anhydrous silicic acid, corn starch, LPG

Instructions for use: Shake well before use. Spray on exposed skin on arms, legs, etc. Hold 10-15cm away from body and spray. When applying to face and neck, spray product into the palm of your hand and apply as you would a moisturizer.

Children under 12 should only use this product under adult supervision and should not apply to the face.

Children from 6-24 months should only have this product applied to them a maximum of ONE time per day.

Children under 6 months should not have this product applied to their skin.

Children 2-12 may apply up to 3 times per day.

Do not use near heat or fire.

Skin Guard Extra

skin_guard_extra

Scented insect repellent spray for use during camping, hiking or other outdoor activities. Available in 105ml and 220ml sizes.


Repels:
  • mosquitos
  • black flies
  • fleas
  • tropical rat mites (ダニ)

Active ingredient: DEET 9.75%

Inactive ingredients: Ethanol, anhydrous silicic acid, corn starch, fragrance, LPG

Instructions for use: Shake well before use. Spray on exposed skin on arms, legs, etc. Hold 10-15cm away from body and spray. When applying to face and neck, spray product into the palm of your hand and apply as you would a moisturizer.

Children under 12 should only use this product under adult supervision and should not apply to the face.

Children from 6-24 months should only have this product applied to them a maximum of ONE time per day.

Children under 6 months should not have this product applied to their skin.

Children 2-12 may apply up to 3 times per day. Do not use near heat or fire.

Skin Guard Aqua

skin_guard_aqua

Portable, non-aerosol insect repellent with aloe vera. Will not leave your skin greasy or oily. Comes in 50ml size and meets TSA requirements for carry-on liquids.


Repels:
  • mosquitos
  • black flies
  • fleas
  • tropical rat mites (ダニ)

Active ingredient: DEET 5.0%

Inactive ingredients: ethanol, aloe vera extract, fragrance

Instructions for use: Shake well before use. Spray on exposed skin on arms, legs, etc. Hold 10-15cm away from body and spray. When applying to face and neck, spray product into the palm of your hand and apply as you would a moisturizer.

Children under 12 should only use this product under adult supervision and should not apply to the face.

Children from 6-24 months should only have this product applied to them a maximum of ONE time per day.

Children under 6 months should not have this product applied to their skin.

Children 2-12 may apply up to 3 times per day. Do not use near heat or fire.


Saratekuto

saratekuto-spray
saratekuto-cool

Unscented insect repellent spray that dries quickly and leaves your skin smooth with a powdery finish, not sticky or oily. Comes in two varieties: Unscented (left) and Cool (mentholated for a cool, refreshing feeling)(right).


Repels:
  • mosquitos
  • black flies
  • fleas
  • tropical rat mites (ダニ)
  • bed bugs
  • flies
  • ticks
  • land leeches

Active ingredient: DEET 10%


This company does not provide information on inactive ingredients.

Instructions for use: Shake well before use. Spray on exposed skin on arms, legs, etc. Hold 15cm away from body and spray. When applying to face and neck, spray product into the palm of your hand and apply as you would a moisturizer.

Children under 12 should only use this product under adult supervision and should not apply to the face.

Children from 6-24 months should only have this product applied to them a maximum of ONE time per day.

Children under 6 months should not have this product applied to their skin.

Do not use near heat or fire.

Saratakuto Water Mist

saratekuto_water

Non-aerosol insect repellent spray. Contains 4 skin conditioners (hyaluronic sodium, collagen, ceramide, vitamin C) to keep your skin moist and feeling comfortable.


Repels:
  • mosquitos
  • black flies
  • fleas
  • tropical rat mites (ダニ)
  • bed bugs
  • flies
  • ticks

Active ingredient: DEET 10%


This company does not provide information on inactive ingredients.

Instructions for use: Spray on exposed skin on arms, legs, etc. Hold 15cm away from body and spray. When applying to face and neck, spray product into the palm of your hand and apply as you would a moisturizer.

Children under 12 should only use this product under adult supervision and should not apply to the face.

Children from 6-24 months should only have this product applied to them a maximum of ONE time per day.

Children under 6 months should not have this product applied to their skin.

Do not use near heat or fire.

Skin Vape

skin_vape

Non-aerosol insect repellent with hyaluronic acid to keep your skin from getting dry.


Repels:
  • mosquitos
  • black flies
  • fleas
  • tropical rat mites (ダニ)
  • bed bugs
  • flies
  • ticks

Active ingredient: DEET 10%


Inactive ingredients: hyaluronate sodium, fragrance, ethanol, water

Instructions for use: Spray on exposed skin on arms, legs, etc. Hold 15cm away from body and spray. When applying to face and neck, spray product into the palm of your hand and apply as you would a moisturizer.

Children under 12 should only use this product under adult supervision and should not apply to the face.

Children from 6-24 months should only have this product applied to them a maximum of ONE time per day.

Children under 6 months should not have this product applied to their skin.

Do not use near heat or fire.


Insect Repellent for Use in the Home


Earth Nomat

earth-nomat
replacement

Indoor pyrethroid insect repellent to kill mosquitos in your home and prevent more from coming in. Releases metered doses of the active ingredient after being switched on, so it cannot over-saturate the air. Only leave the device on for 12 hours per day, and switch off. Works even with the windows open.

Uses very little electricity. Leave the device on for 12 hours per day to have 30 days of bug repellent. Replacement cartridges can be purchased for your dispenser unit. The dispenser unit is reusable, but should be replaced every 7-8 years as it may degrade.

Replacement cartridges come in Unscented and Aroma Floral, and in 30-, 60-, 90-, and 120- day types.



Osudake Nomat

osudake

Indoor transfluthrin insect repellent to kill mosquitos in your home and prevent more from coming in.

One spray per 4-8 mat room is effective for 12 hours. Do not spray on skin. Keep out of reach of children. When pushing the spray button, be sure the sprayer is pointed away from your body and face.

Keep away from heat and fire. Refill cartridges available. Do NOT use more than directed.



Osudake Nomat Spray Type

osudake-spray

Indoor transfluthrin insect repellent to kill mosquitos in your home and prevent more from coming in. Comes in a convenient aerosol can for easy spraying.

One spray per room is effective for 12 hours. Do not spray on skin. Keep out of reach of children. When pushing the spray button, be sure the sprayer is pointed away from your body and face. Keep away from heat and fire. Refill cartridges available.

Do NOT use more than directed. Also comes in Long Spray 24-hour type (one spray per room is effective for 24 hours). Both regular 12-hour type and Long Spray 24-hour type come in regular scent and Rose scent.




Mushi Konazu

mushikonaz

Indoor/outdoor transfluthrin insect repellent plate to kill mosquitos in your home and prevent more from coming in.

The plate can be hung on your balcony laundry bar or inside. Air current moving through the plate releases the active ingredient. The plate is fitted with a dial that counts down to when the plate has lost effectiveness and needs to be replaced.

If used outdoors, the plate may be left outside in the rain without losing effectiveness. Keep out of reach of children. Keep away from heat and fire. Comes in 150-, 250-, and 366- day varieties, all unscented.



Bapona Insect Repellent Net W

bapona

Outdoor Transfluthrin and empenthrin insect repellent net to kill mosquitos outside your home and prevent them from coming inside.

The net can be hung on your balcony laundry bar, placed on your balcony, or hung anywhere outside your home.

Do NOT hang inside. Keep out of reach of children. Keep away from heat and fire. Comes in 160-, 260-, and 365- (1 year) day varieties. 260-day type comes in regular scent, rose scent, and lavender scent.




Cockroach traps and sprays


Black Cap

Indoor fipronil traps for cockroaches. Can be place in drawers, cabinets, beside the fridge, or anywhere else you need them. The traps kill roaches and roach eggs. Place 2-4 traps in a 5 m2 area. Traps are effective for 6 months.

In the event of ingestion of the poison inside, induce vomiting immediately and seek emergency medical attention, and be sure to bring the product package with you.

If the poison comes into contact with your skin, immediately wash with soap and water. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Keep out of direct sunlight.



Combat

Indoor hydramethylnon traps for cockroaches. Can be place in drawers, cabinets, beside the fridge, or anywhere else you need them. The traps kill roaches and roach eggs. Place 1-2 traps in a 10 m2 area.

Traps are effective for 6 months. In the event of ingestion of the poison inside, induce vomiting immediately and seek emergency medical attention, and be sure to bring the product package with you.

If the poison comes into contact with your skin, immediately wash with soap and water. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Keep out of direct sunlight.

Comes in regular (top)and Smart type (bottom)(can be placed vertically or horizontally for small spaces).



GokiJet Pro

goki-jet

Imiprothrin cockroach spray. Powerful jet spray knocks cockroaches off of walls and ceilings and kills them. Before spraying, flip the lever on top of the nozzle back, and spray for 1-2 seconds. For groups of roaches, spray for 6-8 seconds. Do not spray for more than 40 total seconds.

Do not spray on anything that comes into contact with food, toys, pet dishes/toys, or anything pets or children touch. Wash the product off of surfaces it comes into contact with, using soap and water. Do not spray on skin. May cause discolouration, so do not spray on fabric or furniture.

Keep away from heat and fire. Do not spray towards heat or fire. Keep out of direct sunlight. Keep away from children and pets. Store in a cool, dry place.



Goki Jet Pro Instant Kill + Long Lasting Cockroach Killer Spray

goki-jet Instant Kill

Works against: Cockroaches, fleas, bed bugs, bed mites, ticks


Active Ingredients

  • Imiprothrin (pyrethroid), metoxadiazone (oxadiazole-based)

Inactive Ingredients

Silicic anhydride, orange oil, anhydrous ethanol, isopropyl myristate, No. 1 kerosene, LPG, DME


Instructions for use

First Use:
Raise the stopper on the nozzle and bend it backwards until you hear a snap. Squeeze trigger to spray.

Spray directly at small-sized insects for 1~2 seconds, and for 6~8 seconds for large-sized insects.
Can be sprayed in gaps and areas where insects enter or escape.


Caution
Avoid contact with skin, food, dishes, children's or pets' toys, pets, or ornamental items.
Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
In case of contact with skin, wash thornoughly with soap and water.
Ventilate room well after spraying.
Spraying directly on furniture or fittings may cause discolouration. Do not use near heat or fire.
Do not spray large amounts of this product in rooms that utilize fire.
Do not store in areas where the temperature may exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) as there is a risk of explosion.
Do not put this product in fire.
Use this product entirely before disposing.


Storage

Keep out of direct sunlight.
Keep out of reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place to prevent rusting of the can.


Disposal

Take the can outside and squeeze the trigger until no more gas comes out. It can then be thrown away with non-burnable trash. Alternatively, a toothpick can be inserted into the hole on the handle while holding down the trigger. This will lock the trigger to allow for easy degassing. Be careful to aim the can away from your face when doing this.




Gokiburi Hoi Hoi

gokiburi_hoihoi
gokiburi_hoihoi_plural

Cockroach trap

Uses bait made of bits of beef, shrimp, and vegetables to lure cockroaches into the sticky trap. Cockroaches that are stuck in the trap cannot escape.
Can be placed upright and near wet areas. Fits in narrow spaces easily.


Caution
Keep away from children and pets.
This product does not contain insecticides, but should not be eaten. If the sticky base of this product comes into contact with skin, hair, pets, clothing, or flooring, use cooking oil to remove the adhesive.
After removing, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
Dispose of this product in your burnable trash.



Gokiburi Chotoshi Jet Jokin Plus

Gokiburi Chotoshi Jet Jokin Plus

Works against quick-moving and large cockroaches.


This spray stops cockroaches by hitting them with a stream of -85℃ (-121°F).
This product does not contain any insecticides and can be used safely in households with children or pets.
This product is effective in killing bacteria from floors and walls after a cockroach is killed.
This product does not leave behind any odors, stickiness, oil, or other residue.


Instructions for use

Spray product directly at a cockroach to freeze it in place. While the cockroach is frozen, be sure to kill it by smashing it, sealing it in a plastic bag, or spraying insecticide on it. This spray will not kill the cockroach, it will only stop it from running away temporarily. Be sure to kill a frozen cockroach before it wakes up.


Caution
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not spray this product on skin as it can cause frostbite. In case of contact with skin, please seek medical attention.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Use this product entirely before disposing.
Be sure to empty the can of all gas before disposing.



Naturas Instant Freezing Cockroach Killing Spray

Effective against cockroaches.


Active Ingredients

  • Peppermint oil 3.3%

This spray stops cockroaches by hitting them with a stream of -85℃ (-121°F), and then kills them with all-natural peppermint oil.
This product does not contain any insecticides and can be used safely in households with children or pets.
The long nozzle allows you to deal with pests easily and from a distance.
This product does not leave behind any stickiness or residue.
Environmentally-friendly formula.


Instructions for use

Before first use, raise the stopper on the top surface and bend it backwards until you hear a snap.
Pull the trigger directly at cockroach for about 3 seconds. If it is not enough, spray it again.
*Keep a distance of roughly 50cm and spray until the cockroach is wet.
When using the long nozzle, hold the base firmly, turn it until it stops, and attach it to the tip of the nozzle.


Caution
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not inhale the propellant gas.
Do not spray large quantities in a confined space. If you feel sick while using, stop use immediately and rest in a well-ventilated area.
Do not spray at fire or flame. There is a risk of explosion.
Overuse could trigger a gas alarm Do not spray this product on skin as it can cause frostbite. In case of contact with skin, please seek medical attention.
If product gets in your eyes, wash thoroughly with water. If you experience any lingering effects, consult your physician.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Use this product entirely before disposing.
Be sure to empty the can of all gas before disposing.
This product may cause staining and discolouration.



Goki-Fighter Pro

Goki-Fighter Pro

Cockroach trap


Active Ingredients

  • Fipronil 0.75mg per trap

Exterminates cockroaches and their egg nests with chained insecticidal effects.
Effective for approximately one year.

This product works by passing insecticide through feces, which other cockroaches then consume and die.
It also works on eggs in female cockroaches.
Product comes in a variety of shapes to fit where you need it.
Fast-acting ingredient works in large spaces.


Caution
Keep away from children and pets.
Avoid contact with skin and eyes. If contact occurs with skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water. Flush eyes thoroughly with water. If irritation occurs, contact your physician and show them the packaging of this product.
Do not eat. This product contains poison.
Store away from direct sunlight.



Goki-Fighter Pro Strong

Effective against cockroaches, ticks, bed bugs, mites, and fleas.


Active Ingredients

  • Imiprothrin 540mg/can
  • Phenothrin 540mg/can

This spray features a hair trigger, which allows you to spray cockroaches as soon as you encounter them.
The long nozzle allows you to deal with pests easily and from a distance.
This product kills cockroaches on contact and also kills cockroaches when used as a preventative spray.


Instructions for use

Spray directly at small-sized insects for 1~2 seconds, and for 6~8 seconds for large-sized insects.
Can be sprayed in gaps and areas where insects enter or escape.


Caution
Avoid contact with skin, food, dishes, children's or pets' toys, pets, or ornamental items.
Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
In case of contact with skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
Ventilate room well after spraying.
Spraying directly on furniture or fittings may cause discolouration.
Do not use near heat or fire.
Do not spray large amounts of this product in rooms that utilize fire.
Do not store in areas where the temperature may exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) as there is a risk of explosion.
Do not put this product in fire.
Use this product entirely before disposing.


Storage

Keep out of direct sunlight.
Keep out of reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place to prevent rusting of the can.


Disposal

Take the can outside and squeeze the trigger until no more gas comes out. It can then be thrown away with non-burnable trash. Alternatively, a toothpick can be inserted into the hole on the handle while holding down the trigger. This will lock the trigger to allow for easy degassing. Be careful to aim the can away from your face when doing this.





Fruit Fly Traps


Kobae ga Hoi-Hoi

kobae

Dinotefuran fruit fly trap that can be placed in the kitchen or by the trash. One trap lasts for about 1 month. Before using, take the orange lid off the base and remove the protective film. Once the film is removed, place the orange lid back on the base, turning until it locks in place.

Put the unit where it is needed. If the gel inside is ingested, induce vomiting immediately and seek emergency medical attention, being sure to bring the package with you.

If the product comes into contact with skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Keep out of direct sunlight.



Itch relief

 

Muhi S2a

muhi

Topical itch relief for insect bites, allergic dermatitis, and rash.


Active ingredients (per 100 ml):

  • Dexamethasone acetate 25mg
  • Diphenhydramine HCl 2.0g
  • l-menthol 3.5g
  • dl-camphor 1.0g
  • Glycyrrhetinic acid 0.2g
  • Isopropylmethylphenol 0.1g


Inactive ingredients: BHT, citric acid, sodium nitrate, ethanol

Instructions for use: Apply as needed for itch relief from mosquito and other bug bites, allergic dermatitis, and rash.

Kinkan

kinkan

Topical itch relief for bug bites.


Active ingredients (per 100 ml):

  • Aqueous ammonia 21.3ml
  • l-menthol 1.97g
  • d-camphor 2.41g
  • salicylic acid 0.57g
  • capsicum tincture 0.35ml


Inactive ingredients: Korean ginseng extract, alcohol

Instructions for use: Apply as needed for relief of itching caused by insect bites. Pump the sponge top until saturated and apply to affected area. Do not apply to rash, infection, broken skin, or wound. Do not apply on or around eyes, eye area, or mucosa. If you develop any rash, redness, or other symptoms of irritation, stop using this product immediately. After applying, do not wrap the area with plastic or other non-permeable material.

Young children should only use this product when instructed to do so by a medical professional.

If product gets in your eyes, flush thoroughly with water. If strong symptoms develop, see an ophthalmologist. If product gets in your mouth, rinse your mouth out with water. If the product is ingested, seek medical attention.

Keep out of reach of children. Store out of direct sunlight. Do not use near heat or flame.

New Una Kowa Cool

una-cool

Topical itch relief for insect bites.


Active ingredients (per 1ml)

  • diphenhydramine HCl 20.0mg
  • lidocaine 5.0mg
  • l-menthol 30.0g
  • dl-camphor 20.0mg


Inactive ingredients: disodium edetate, citric acid, geraniol, ethanol

Instructions for use: Instructions: Apply as needed to the affected area. Do not apply to broken or abraded skin or rash. Do not apply on or around eyes, eye area, or mucosa. If you develop rash, redness, itching, or swelling while using this product, stop use immediately and see your doctor. After applying, do not wrap the area with plastic or other non-permeable material.

Young children should only use this product under adult supervision.

If product gets in your eyes, flush thoroughly with water. If strong symptoms develop, see an ophthalmologist. If product gets in your mouth, rinse your mouth out with water. If the product is ingested, seek medical attention.

Keep out of reach of children. Store out of direct sunlight. Do not use near heat or flame.


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