Mosquito season begins. Metsähallitus would like to remind that use of vaporising insecticides (e.g., Ryobi and Thermacell) is almost completely prohibited in national parks and other state-owned protected areas. Do not use vaporising insecticides on trails and other routes, at rest stops, campfire sites or lean-to shelters.   

“Unfortunately, some hikers use vaporising repellents when travelling the routes in national parks. National Parks are nature reserves, and their purpose is to safeguard biodiversity. Vaporising insecticides, on the other hand, contain an active substance classified as highly toxic to aquatic organisms. We really would like to recommend people to follow the instructions for use of the insecticides,” Arto Vilén from National Parks Finland says. 

According to Tukes guidelines, vaporising insecticides may only be used in the immediate vicinity of buildings, such as porches and terraces. Campsites and lean-tos are structures, not buildings, which is why using these products in their vicinity is prohibited.   

In principle, using them is allowed at wilderness huts, reservable huts and other buildings in protected areas. However, Metsähallitus discourages the use of insecticides in their vicinity. These buildings are located in the middle of protected nature and often close to water systems. The active substances in vaporising insecticides are dangerous especially for aquatic organisms and pollinator insects.  

The use of vaporising insecticides should be avoided in the vicinity of buildings in protected areas also because of other hikers. 

Only the use of products approved by Tukes is allowed. You can identify authorised products by a Tukes permit number. Always follow the instructions for use. 

Unused insecticides must be disposed of as hazardous waste, and empty packaging must be sorted into mixed waste. 

Using conventional insect repellents applied or sprayed onto the skin is allowed in protected areas too.  

More information

• Protecting yourself against ticks and insects