SCOTTSDALE, AZ--(Marketwire - Apr 1, 2013) - Americans embarrassed by bug problems can breathe a sigh of relief this bug season as Combat, America's leading ant and roach bait brand*, offers essential prevention tips and product solutions to ensure households everywhere are prepared to defend their homes against insects. According to a national online survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Combat from Feb. 19 to Feb. 21, 2013, among 2,230 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, 52 percent of Americans have ever experienced ant and/or roach problems in their homes, and 20 percent of these Americans have not invited people into their homes due to their embarrassment of the problem.
Bug season spans from March through October, peaking during the summer months when roach and ant populations multiply in the hot and humid weather. As the weather becomes warmer, more Americans become afflicted with bug problems in their homes and experience high levels of anxiety, stress and embarrassment.
Additionally, younger generations are more likely to be embarrassed over a roach and/or ant problem in their home when compared to older generations, with 70 percent of affected 18 to 34 year olds admitting to being at least somewhat embarrassed by their roach or ant problem compared to those over 45 years old, with 43 percent reporting to be at least somewhat embarrassed.
To keep insects from ruining summer plans and social lives, Combat has teamed up with leading experts to provide an online resource complete with customized plans of attack and product recommendations that will eliminate the source of the problem and relieve fears.
"Bugs don't have to be an embarrassing issue at all if you have the right solution," says Steve Jacobs, Urban Entomologist. "Combat's bait strips effectively kill the problem at the source -- leaving no mess or toxic fumes behind and discreetly protecting every area of your home both indoors and outdoors."
As a secret weapon towards extermination, Combat's new Roach and Ant Killing Bait Strips kill insects quietly as roaches and ants bring the bait back to the nest, eliminating the infestation. With its discreet design, the bait strips' adhesive backing also offers versatility and can be placed out of reach of kids and pets.
To prevent insects from ruining your plans this summer, Combat recommends storing all food in airtight containers, sweeping and vacuuming regularly, keeping vegetation from touching the outside of your home and cleaning all surfaces to remove any food residue.
For additional survey and bug information, prevention tips and to build a customized plan of attack visit www.CombatBugs.com.
*Symphony IRI dollar sales, multi-outlet, 52 wks ending 12/31/2012
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Combat from February 19-21, 2013 among 2,230 adults ages 18 and older of whom 1,142 were identified as ever having had an ant and/or roach problem in their home. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Melissa England, melissae@finnpartners.com, 310.552.4163.
About Henkel
Henkel operates worldwide with leading brands and technologies in three business areas: Laundry & Home Care, Beauty Care and Adhesive Technologies. Founded in 1876, Henkel holds globally leading market positions both in the consumer and industrial businesses with well-known brands such as Persil, Schwarzkopf and Loctite. Henkel employs about 47,000 people and reported sales of $21.13 billion and adjusted operating profit of $2.98 billion in fiscal 2012. Henkel's preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX.
Contact Information:
Contact: Melissa England
Phone: 310.552.4163
E-mail: MelissaE@finnpartners.com
Contact: Elif Affan
Phone: 480.754.5034
E-mail: elif.affan@henkel.com
