Top Seven Blog Articles on Pest Control

Pest control has been a common and favorite topic especially when we have to deal with them at home. We all share the same sentiments and frustrations when we face recurring pest infestation despite multiple pest eradication efforts. In this article, Rentokil shares the top blog trend articles on concerns and queries around ants and termite prevention, danger of not getting rid of cockroaches and reasons why we should not attempt DIY pest control.

What are four quick tips on ants’ control?

There are many tricks and remedies in getting rid of ants in our home, and while some had some level of success, we face recurring ants’ invasion most of the time. Common ant remedies include the use of spray and gel, water flushing and deterrent approach by using chalk or even spices. However, do you know there may be other factors that you are not aware of that contributes to ineffective ants’ control?

• You treat only indoor pests but neglected outdoor ants’ species such as fire ants
• Wrong identification in the species of ants and resulting in ineffective treatments. For example, termites that resembles ants.
• Pest control efforts are worsening the infestation such as spraying directly at pharaoh ants
• Not addressing the root source of the ant infestation thus allowing breeding to take place

Ants’ prevention starts with accurate pest identification, locating their nests, breeding source, and applying treatments on a consistent basis. However, effective results require regular housekeeping that involves the cleaning of the home, eliminating food source for ants and minimise ants’ entries by sealing up these opportunities.

Why is it essential to get rid of cockroaches?

We all can relate to the emotional stress and fear for cockroaches as they glide and move at lightning speed to escape from our attacks. However, cockroaches are capable of causing more harm and danger to individuals including the spread of diseases like Salmonellosis, Cholera, Typhoid Fever and Gastroenteritis. These diseases produce symptoms that made us awful such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, nausea and even weakness or dehydration. In fact, their saliva, droppings and urine can trigger allergies among some, thus putting health and safety at higher risks. More importantly, it is essential to eliminate cockroaches fast because they breed, travel and are able to survive tough conditions such as emerging underwater for as long as 40 minutes and can go on without food for a month.

Top termite prevention tips you must know

It has been an ongoing hot topic to knowing all about termite infestation, including how to deal with the damaging pest. This is because most home residents are not trained or have any idea how to detect their presence at home, where to look for and how to identify their infestation signs. Most have to bear the painful and costly damages caused by termites including investing in hefty renovation or replacement, removing furniture and applying intensive treatment. To minimise the consequences, here are some termite prevention tips you can apply for your home.

• Recognise the difference between termites and ants to avoid infestation escalation
• Fix parts of the home that produce water leaks and moisture that attracts termites
• Avoid placing risky items such as wood, logs, plants and mulch adjacent to attached walls
• Main the foundation with cracks, gaps and crevices that allow easy termite entries
• Minimise the use of wood in terms of interior design, furniture, flooring and structure

Ten organising tips to keep your home pest free

Pest prevention is not only just constantly vacuuming and mopping the home diligently. While housekeeping and sanitation including wiping off surfaces dry is key in keeping pests away, there are a lot more ideas you can apply for a pest-free home. Firstly, install more racks and organisers that minimise clutters and ease of cleaning. Secondly, go for light colored surface finishing for easy detection of pests, droppings and urine stains. Thirdly, floor mats are a cheap and practical way of trapping excess water from washing and watering, while minimising efforts to wipe and mop them dry. Fourthly, elevate shelves, cartons and boxes to allow easy sweeping and prevent nests from hiding within. Finally, it helps to correct poor home habits we are guilty of that attracts pests to the home.

What are the common pest frustrations?

The usual pest suspects that we guard against are the cockroaches, ants and mosquitoes. Cockroaches and ants tend to go hand in hand because of their similar food preference and home haunts. Mosquitoes on the other hand is everyone’s fear and they can turn up anywhere be it at home or work place. This is because of their likes for greenery, carbon dioxide, body heat and stagnant water for breeding. These pests welcome themselves anytime at your doorstep when we do not have the right treatment in place or adequate proofing and housekeeping. However, termite infestation is also another common home frustration, because of the disruption and investment we have to face from the termite damages. This is made worse when we have little visibility on their whereabouts or lack of termite eradication solutions unless with the help of pest control specialist.

Read the full article on common pest frustrations faced by majority

Essential facts about dengue cluster in Singapore

Besides COVID-19, dengue is another common topic with the high volume of cases monthly. With all the awareness and outreach, we have sufficient information on what are the dengue fever symptoms; the cause of dengue is through infected Aedes Mosquitoes and the need to eliminate mosquito breeding. Did you know, there are over 400 dengue clusters around in Singapore? You might potentially be residing in a dengue hotspot. What do you need to know about dengue clusters?

• Dengue cluster is a location with active mosquito transmission
• Typically contains at least two active cases within a 14-day period
• Clusters rated as red, yellow and green in terms of severity
• Dengue zones can be obtained from National Environment Agency
• Climates, vegetation, density and vacate land impacts dengue cluster

Increase your vigilance against Aedes Mosquitoes by protecting yourself when engage in outdoors. Consider deploying adequate mosquito control at your premise and checking for mosquito breeding regularly.

Top reasons why you should not do DIY pest control

Most DIY home pest remedies are generally harmless and not damaging to our environment and health. For example, using natural ingredients to repel pests like vinegar, garlic, cinnamon or citronella are safe applications. However, the danger of misusing these ingredients may invite more pests when they dry up or decompose. In addition, we lack the pest knowledge to ensure right placement and application of active ingredients. This may put our health at risk when exposed to chemicals and insecticides. Because pests can hide well and their habitats are often located at hard to reach or observe places, we end up not resolving the root cause. In the end, we may not have the time to follow up and monitor the infestation condition. These lapses can cause the infestation to worsen and incur more rectification expenses as a result.

Finding out more about pest control

What are the pest control solutions available?

Professional pest control companies offer a wide range of treaatments. Some cater to more niche and specialised industries, largely commercial or complex business settings. They include manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare and food processing. Pest control services are also designed for residential purposes. The treatments are applied in the garden, kitchen, living room and bedrooms. Here is a list of pest control solutions offered by Rentokil Initial for respective pest infestation.

• Cockroach and ant’s treatment
• Termite treatment programme
• Enhanced bed bug programme
• Digital rodent control and monitoring
• Integrated mosquito control solution
• Flying insect control services
• Fumigation
• Vector control
• Disinfection and sanitisation
• Pest control inspection
• Reporting and monitoring
• Outreach and pest awareness training

How much is the price of pest control?

Price of pest control is determined by a few factors, while generally residential pest control costs less compared to commercial needs, however certain pest treatments cost more due to the scope of work and complexities in terms of application.

Firstly, treatments that require more labour, tools and specialisation such as the termite treatment will cost more compared to common pest treatment. This is because the treatment coverage extends to the entire compound that surrounds the home and requires more man hours to complete. However, within the termite control category, price range differs depending on the active ingredient, application mode (localised contact or preventive barrier) and type of termite species.

Secondly, some pest control programmes may require multiple or repeated treatments to address a surge of pest population or to curb a current epidemic such as dengue cases in Singapore. Additional mosquito traps, increased fogging frequency or widen larviciding area is required to bring down the mosquito population.

Thirdly, for some business nature, optimal health and safety of the employees and customers are a priority. Complying fully with regulatory audits, fulfilling quality control and delivering robust and seamless operations can be supported with integrated pest control. This includes providing full and comprehensive pest management support including reporting, monitoring and practicing zero-tolerance to pests.

Finally, digital pest control may cost more at a glance. However, it is important to evaluate the long-term cost efficiency in deploying optimal pest control quality that controls pest infestation effectively. This is because of the detection accuracy and control efficacy compared to conventional methods like the rat control. This is especially critical as rats are challenging to eradicate with its immunity resistance and efficient hiding abilities.

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