Pound for pound, no animal causes as much aggravation as things that buzz, hum, drone or whir through the air while you’re trying to sleep or eat dinner. Some of these spread diseases, too, if they don’t actually feed on you vampire style.

Screens on the windows can only do so much. Wouldn’t it be great if you could get rid of them without using chemicals that are potentially harmful to humans and their pets?

This handy bug pistol is spring-powered, but still packs quite a punch and is therefore not suitable for young children (this insect gun, though less cool and powerful, is a better option in that case).

If you’re looking for a toy rather than an insect assassination tool, you’ll be better off with a laser tag set.

Fortunately, it contains two safety mechanisms: the cocking slide has to be in the forward position and the push-button safety catch off before you can fire.

The Bug-A-Salt feels reassuringly solid, unlike cheaper imitations. However, it only fires a few grains of salt at a time. These disperse much like shotgun pellets, meaning that you have to be within about a yard of your target for a guaranteed kill. Depending on the size of the insect, it may also require several shots to get the job done.

This 3.0 edition contains some minor refinements on the previous versions, most notably better sights and increased stopping power.

Should you be thinking of giving this as a teenager gift, you may also want to throw in a laser sight specifically designed for the Bug-A-Salt. Of course, it will also be appreciated by anyone who’s regularly tormented by creatures of the six- or eight-legged variety.