RoadBlock FAQ

RoadBlock is an insecticide barrier spray. It works by leaving behind thin layer of insecticide residue on the areas of your car that spiders or ants typically enter. Critters absorb the residue on the treated area when they come into contact with it.  The product is intended to kill the spider or ant before it breeds, preventing infestation.  This residue lasts for up to 3 months. However, external factors may affect this time period. For example, if the sprayed areas are coming into contact with water or mud, some of the residue may dissolve.  Follow the product instructions and re-apply where necessary.

Is it effective?

Yes it is. RoadBlock is the most effective way to treat and prevent spiders, ants and cobwebs in all kinds of automotive situations. The 360 degree trigger nozzle is specifically designed to access the areas that spiders and ants would typically enter cars.  This includes the engine bay, behind the side mirrors, around wheel arches, door frames, boot frames, vehicle underside and the areas around the front and rear windscreen wipers. RoadBlock is particularly valuable for people parking on the street, under trees, on grass or in busy spider areas.

Of course, we can’t guarantee that crawlies won’t find a way in over time, but RoadBlock is the best way to minimise the chances of infestations.

How is RoadBlock different to other surface or barrier sprays?

Firstly, RoadBlock is specifically designed and tested for vehicles.  The product has been tested with leading automotive coating consultants against accepted manufacturer standards and is safe to use on all automotive situations. Secondly, the unique nozzle allows you to access areas of a car where other sprays can’t access.  Lastly, the product is registered with the APVMA specifically for purpose.

What is the best and safest way to use RoadBlock?

The best way to use RoadBlock is as a preventative treatment. Spray in a well-ventilated area onto the areas of the car where spiders or ants might typically enter. After you spray, wipe away drips or excess with a clean dry cloth. If you are spraying in door frames, keep the doors open afterwards to allow the product to ventilate.

If you are using RoadBlock as a treatment (ie to treat spiders or ants that have already set up shop in your car), simply spray the effected area and allow the product to ventilate.

After use, return the safety cap and store the product away safely and out of reach of children.

Should I wash my car before applying RoadBlock?

It is not necessary to wash your car before using RoadBlock. However, it is a good way to measure how well the product is working. At the very least, remove leaves that might have built up around the base of the front windscreen or engine bay to improve the application process. 

Will RoadBlock damage my car?

No. RoadBlock has been tested on all common automotive surfaces including paint, aluminium and common plastics and is safe to use according to the product directions. This includes wiping down excess product afterwards. Watch out for drips from excess product sprayed onto side mirrors that may settle on doors. If this happens, simply wipe down with water. If you don't wipe down excess straight away, the product may dry over time. If this happens, simply wipe away with a diluted generic car wash or polish and a clean microfibre cloth.

Is RoadBlock safe to use on carpeted areas of the car?

We don’t recommend using RoadBlock on interior areas of the car.  However, if you have an infestation inside that you would like to treat, you should leave the car to ventilate afterwards. You should also be aware that light coloured carpet, upholstery or leather may become discoloured so follow the product instructions and test on an inconspicuous area first. 

How long will a can of RoadBlock last?

A single 350g can of RoadBlock should treat a small car for twelve months.

Can I store RoadBlock in my car?

No. RoadBlock is an aerosol product and it is not safe to store any aerosol products in a car (even in the glovebox) because it could overheat and explode.

Aside from this, RoadBlock is designed to use as a preventative treatment so you shouldn’t be using it to treat spiders or ants that you might see while you are driving.  If you do notice a spider or infestation whilst out and about, take the car off the road and treat the problem according to product instructions.

Are there natural alternatives to RoadBlock?

There are a few different things people suggest to deter spiders from entering cars. The first is to use ingredients that spiders naturally don’t like such as lemon or peppermint. Some people suggest rubbing side mirrors or air vents with lemon skin or scenting their car with lemon or peppermint. The other suggestions include avoiding parking under trees or on grass and keeping your car (including engine bay) clean and clear of leaves.

Can I use RoadBlock on other parts of my house?

Yes. Many customers are using RoadBlock on outdoor furniture, in and around the garage, windows and even boats. Just make sure to test to do a small test on an inconspicuous area first and ventilate afterwards. 

Where is RoadBlock made?

RoadBlock is an Australian made and Australian owned product.

Who owns RoadBlock?

RoadBlock is owned by an Australian brand of car products and accessories called Autonomy Co.

Can I buy RoadBlock from outside Australia?

Not at the moment. Due to aerosol shipping constraints, RoadBlock is only available in Australia. Postal orders are sent by road transport only.

But spiders and ants are nice, why do we need RoadBlock?

We also like spiders and ants, but they can be dangerous and damaging if they settle in cars. According to our research, 78% of drivers have experienced a spider in their car, 79% have had problems with cobwebs, and a scary 23% have come close to having an accident after discovering a spider in their car.

Spiders are attracted to the warmth of engines and can often be found in the engine bay, door frames or on the underside of the car. They get startled by vibrations when the car gets moving. If this happens at high speed, it can be a dangerous distraction but even at low speed, it’s a lot of people’s worst nightmare.

As if a single arachnoid isn’t enough, spiders also have a habit of nesting in cars and leaving cobwebs around side windows, windshield wiper arms and door handles which can obstruct vision and be tricky to shift.

Meanwhile, anywhere there’s food, there’s ants - as parents of toddlers, and campervan and truck owners know only too well.  Ants are hard to get rid of and can lead to costly repairs if they manage to infest electrical systems.