Top 10 frequently searched questions on pest control

We have done research on tips to deal with pest infestation and even rely on the internet to advise on remedies relating to home pest control. Some of the common and popular questions include how to get rid of cockroaches and what are some effective ant repellents to use in homes. Rentokil Initial shares the top ten most frequently searched questions on pest control.

Top 10 frequently searched questions on pest control

What is the difference between termites and ants?

Yes, for some who still associate termites with ants due to its name label white ants, both pest species have vast differences. In terms of outlooks, the termite has a thicker waist, straight antenna and uniformed wings. Besides their appearance, their food choice and habitat is different to those of ants. Termites feed on wood and moisture, live underground forming colonies and work 24/7. As such, to get rid of termites, termite treatment carried out is different on how you will get rid of ants.

How to get rid of ants?

They are tiny and generally harmless, yet they annoy many households because of their persistent presence. Particularly, they crawl along the kitchen top and along the wall, and despite how we try to remove the ant infestation, success seems low. This includes using insecticide spray, sticking traps or utilises repelling methods such as natural ingredients including chalk, vinegar and spices. Ant control is necessary to remove its nests and root source, and detect areas with high risks of ant activities for added measure. This includes monitoring and ongoing pest control services to keep condition under control.

What Does termite infestation look like?

Majority search on termites amongst many pests due to its ambiguity and complexity. Because they are not physically present or visibly seen, signs of termite infestation can be challenging to take notice. While some pests illustrate clear signs of infestation such as droppings and scratch marks, termite infestation signs are less straightforward. These are some signs caused by termite activities

• Mud tubes or lines or muddy soil trail along the way
• Frass or saw dust collections found on the surfaces or floor
• Walls that are damaged or cracked cause by termite works
• Flying termites or swarmers hovering around lightings
• Experience difficulty in opening and closing the door and windows

Read also: Ten facts you did not know about termites

Why do I have booklice in my home?

Given their name as a hint, most would think books cause booklice infestation. However, this is just a mythical statement and rather booklice is a result of high moisture and humidity. They feed on mold and mildew and perhaps the reason why we associate this unusual pest with books is their presence on books as they feed on mod among them. Ensure the home is well ventilated, humidity level is reduced and remove any poor condition of items that grow mold and mildew on them.

Does citronella repel mosquitoes effectively?

One of the most common go-to mosquito prevention remedies in response to the high dengue cases in Singapore is the use of citronella or lemongrass. Mozzies dislike the scent and will repel them for a short while, however, mosquitoes used receptors to track and follow their hosts as they picked up the carbon dioxide as we exhaled. They also used their strong sense of navigation in detecting the body warmth and heat we exude and thus, getting rid of mosquitoes should not rely on the repel method. Instead, ensure adequate mosquito control that eliminates mosquito breeding and adult mosquitoes are in place.

You may also like: What you need to know about dengue fever in Singapore

Do cockroaches actually fly?

Have you ever encountered moments where you try to hit on a cockroach that comes crawling in the home at night but they just flew away? Alternatively, experiences where cockroaches seem to move too fast for your comfort that they appear to fly with wings. Interestingly, cockroaches do not fly but glide so fast that they have comparable speed capabilities like the cheetahs or pumas. At a speed of 1.5 meters per second, it is no wonder why they dash in seconds before we could even reach them with a rolled-up newspaper or an insecticide spray. Start to deal with your cockroach infestation in a more efficient manner by engaging professional cockroach control to resolve your home frustrations running around cockroaches.

What are my rat traps unable to trap effectively?

A tough cookie, rats are not easy to deal with given their intelligence and wit. Firstly, if you are not aware, they are highly sensitive and suspicious pests that do not fall into traps and tricks easily. Secondly, they tend to hide at corners and holes that humans are unable to spot and reach. Thirdly, they are nocturnal and only surface at night to hunt for food. Placing traps at places you think might have rat infestation is using a trial and error control method. Find out how rat control is conducted with sensing technology to heighten the detection and control standard.

Reasons for recurring bed bugs infestation

We get frustrated experiencing recurring pest infestation no matter how diligent our housekeeping is and despite engaging in bed bug control. Especially for pests such as bed bugs that destroy our beautiful and expensive curtain drapes, bed, furniture and rugs. Perhaps, the replacement cost of these items invested more than the cost to get rid of bed bugs. This is because bed bugs are cross infestation driven, and tiny and flat that is easily missed out and they reproduce in volumes and in a speedy manner. Here is a useful do’s and don’ts checklist when dealing with bed bugs.

How much does pest control cost?

Pest control costs vary because of factors relating to size of coverage, type and seriousness of the infestation, pest type and nature of the environment. However, there are many options available in the market, from long term to short term and quick solutions, to generic quality to premium and environmentally friendly options. Some packages are designed in a comprehensive manner while some are basic. It is important to speak to a credible and trustworthy pest control company for thorough evaluation and decision-making.

How to prevent lizards from coming into my home?

Lizards are generally harmless and unlike pests that disrupt life routine or cause harmful disease, lizards are more of a nuisance and build as a phobia for some. In fact, some say lizards are good in a way, they consume other insects and pests such as mozzies. You can take the following steps to prevent lizards from invading your home and causing stress and fears dealing with their presence. Some believed in using eggshells to repel lizards. Does this really work? Rentokil debunks some of the common pest myths in Singapore.

• Ensure your home is free from pests as lizards feed on them
• Maintain good housekeeping standards to eliminate their food source
• Apply proofing around your home to prevent lizards from entering
• Keep environment cool as lizards seek warm environment
• Wipe surfaces dry from water and moisture that attracts all pests

Essential pest myths you need to know

There is many tips and tricks in dealing pests we loathe in home. Some are straightforward way of sticking traps and gels or spray directly on them. Some utitilses conventional methods of ventilating and exposing the home with sunlight while some use water as the flushing solution. However, eradicating and repelling pests may involve many natural ingredients. Here is summary of top five common pest myths we are familiar:

• Using condiments and spices such as cinnamon and vinegar to repel pests
• Utilising essential oil to derail scent trial such as lavender, peppermint and citronella
• DIY mix and match solutions such as borax and sugar to lure and trap ants
• Displaying harmful moth balls or diatomaceous earth to eliminate pests
• Placing leaves and vegetables such as pandan leaves and cucumber peel to rid cockroaches and ants

These methods could well deter pests for that short while, relocate them until they establish their scent trial however; it is merely masking the problem. The root cause and source of the infestation is not addressed, pests are still reproducing within the home and spread further as it escalates.

Complete guide to pest control

You should leave the works of pest eradication by the professionals such as pest control specialists from credible companies. Pest control involve many aspects that can affect the efficacy of the control standard.

Firstly, are the treatments and services recommended well suited for your home condition and type of infestation? Secondly, are you carrying out adequate and sufficient treatments scheduled at decent intervals? Thirdly, have you covered all the necessary pests that are infesting your home in a comprehensive manner? Fourthly, is there ongoing and consistent monitoring and inspection of your home for any potential recurring problem? Finally, do you receive regular updates and report in your pest control services? Above all, do you enjoy value added services such as pest prevention recommendations and tips to keep the problem under control?

Pre and post treatment

In terms of before and after a pest treatment, there is some process and checklist to adhere and take note of. Prior to the treatment, there is a pre-treatment checklist depending on the type of services, some items have to be kept away, humans and pets have to be vacated and certain parts have to be well covered. In terms of after treatment, there is ventilation and operational readiness to resume home usage as normal. Different types of treatments differ in the protocols and it is important that your pest control specialist provide clear explanation and preparation for you.

For example, termite control due to its massive treatment and process may cause some temporary downtime and disruption as interval holes are injected with termiticide to form a termite barrier. Depending how large the compound is, the treatment may make more than a day or 2, or even longer to complete the process. Whereas some are more straightforward by applying residual spray around key areas and may take around half an hour to forty-five minutes average to complete the treatment.

Refer to the Complete Guide of Pest Control to equip yourself with better knowledge

What are your pest control options?

So, what are some pest control options you can consider in managing your pest problem?

Short-term quick fix job to resolve existing pest problems

There is a one-time-off jobbing option where the specialist comes in to perform treatment to resolve the existing problem. However, a one-time-off may not be sustainable in the long-run as pest management is an ongoing effort. Firstly, pests can occur anytime if your home has structural gaps or housekeeping lapse that promotes pests. Secondly, the surrounding environment plays a part in triggering recurring pest issues such as nearby construction or heavily infested premise. Thirdly, pests may enter from external sources particularly if a home is not well guarded. Finally, the nest or colony may not be eliminated, thus encouraging breeding and escalation of pest infestation.

DIY solutions available from supermarkets and retail shops

There are various cheap and easy to use sprays, baits and traps you can use for your home to deal with simple infestation. Simply spray directly on the pests or along skirting and corners of your home. There are gels where you can apply along edges and spaces with pest presence such as walls and cabinets. Finally, you can also stick on patches and traps on the wall and cupboards, or behind appliances to lure and eliminate cockroaches and ants. However, it may impose health risks if they are not used correctly and appropriately such as over-spraying of the insecticide or baits left accessible to kids who ingest them by mistake.

Read also: The pro’s and con’s in dealing with cockroach DIY methods vs professional services

Integrated pest control solutions for long-term protection

Sounds costly as the term suggests when comprehensive or integrated is used to describe a pest control package. However, all solutions undergo a process to determine the type and level of control and what budget suits. More importantly, an integrated solution provides adequate, long-term and quality support to manage the pest issues. These solutions typically cover the following:

• Detailed site risk assessment to evaluate the risk factor internally and externally
• Dedicated pest services to address your needs, concerns and priorities
• Pest detection and inspection to identify the root source, breeding sites and activities
• Monitoring and inspection of the premise to ensure no further signs of pests sighted
• Reporting and analysing your pest trend and conditions relating to spikes or surge
• Ongoing recommendations on pest tips and proofing suggestion to optimise control
• Continuous treatment at identified risk areas for sustainable protection and control
• Online digital reporting for a transparent and readily available information 24/7 daily

Call Rentokil Singapore at (65) 6347 8138 for a pest control solutions today.