If you move into a house or apartment that is old and unhygienic, or has many nooks and crannies, you may have unwanted guests like this woman did.
Getting rid of pests in your home is not just a matter of comfort and hygiene. A termite infestation can cause structural damage to various, often hidden parts of your home.
Such damage may or may not be covered by your home insurance, so you should be vigilant about pests of any kind. Pests can also carry diseases and contaminate your food.
If you’re renting out your property, you’re less in control of the hygiene maintained by your tenants. As a result, pests may start invading.
So continue reading below on how to spot if you have a pest problem, DIY solutions on how to get rid of each pest, as well as a list of professional pest control services available in Malaysia.
Am I Really Having A Pest Issue?
Look for the signs. Just because you haven’t seen any pests with your own eyes, doesn’t mean they aren’t nearby.
We recommend inspecting every corner of your home to be sure, and take action when you do find something.
Ants will commonly appear in dining and kitchen areas where food is being served and stored. If ants consistently appear, then it’s likely there’s a nest nearby.
An ant nest looks like a small pile of soil or dirt, but they will often be hidden.
Lizards are not a big threat to human beings, but they may leave stains and there’s a chance they carry salmonella. So getting rid of them will be a safe decision.
They tend to lay eggs in moist and dark areas of your home, like the cabinet under your sink or behind bookshelves.
Cockroaches can contaminate your food and carry diseases. A cockroach infestation will leave a lingering stench, and will leave faeces and shedded skin.
Termites create mud tubes as tunnels across walls, visible as long streaks of brown. They also leave droppings that look like sawdust, and detached wings.
When a wooden part of your home sounds hollow when knocked on, then termites have already consumed the insides.
Rats leave droppings in the shape of rice. They also leave rub marks when their body brushes against the floor or wall with grease and dirt.
Brown rats will audibly make grinding noises with their teeth, and leave gnawed holes the size of a coin.
Mosquitoes are easy to spot, as they can be heard as a high-pitched buzzing sound and are not afraid to approach human beings. They lay eggs in stagnant water, so watch out for puddles.
Easy DIY Solutions
If you have the time and willingness, you can attempt to address these pests on your own. As long as the infestation is small enough for you to handle.
Whichever of these methods you try, please keep your eyes and hands protected.
1) Ants
To kill: Mix a 50/50 combination of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray directly on the ants.
To repel: Some have recommended applying peppermint oil on windows and doors. Others suggest sprinkling cinnamon.
2) Cockroaches
To kill: Mix three parts fabric softener and two parts water. Spray directly on the cockroach.
To repel: Keep every inch of your house as clean and clutter-free as you can. Also, store food in airtight containers. A study in 2016 showed that Oregano oil works as a repellent.
3) Lizards
To repel: Place empty egg shells around the house. Or place pieces of garlic and onion at entrances. Also, having pets like dogs or cats can stave lizards off.
4) Termites
To kill: Use botanical insecticides; find one at your local hardware store.
To repel: Repair any water leaks you have in your home, as termites are attracted to moisture.
5) Rats
To catch: Get a rat trap cage from your local hardware store, and use peanut butter as bait. Once caught, dip the cage in a bucket of water to exterminate it.
To repel: Any little hole in your home can serve as an entrance for rodents. Seal them off with steel wool, they can’t chew through those.
6) Mosquitoes
To repel: Buy a repellent that contains DEET, with safe concentrations of 30% or below. Also, ensure your home does not have any puddles of stagnant water, to prevent nesting.
Note: Ultrasonic repellent devices reportedly do not work.
It’s Getting A Little Out Of Hand? Call The Professionals!
If you face a pest infestation too large or difficult for you to handle on your own, it’s best to call a professional. Prices depend on which type of pest, and the size of your home by square foot.
We recommend speaking to a few different companies before making the decision.
Here Are Some Of The Best Pest Exterminators In Malaysia:
- Rentokil
https://www.rentokil.com.my
1300 881 911 - NLC General Pest Control Sdn Bhd
http://nlc.com.my
1300 88 8881 - Ridpest
https://www.ridpest.com/
1800 88 1777 - SAM Pest Management
https://sampest.com.my/
+603 8068 9905
We hope the guide above helps you in keeping your home free from pests! If you’re a landlord, find out what you need to get your property ready for rental.
If you’re buying or renting a new home soon, it is important that you check for defects in your new place and also know your responsibilities as a tenant. All the best!
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