What Do Most Pests Have in Common?

Every respective pest is unique, aesthetically different while embracing different strengths and capabilities. However, there are commonalities among them, and in this article, Rentokil shares the seven similarities among pests and pest control steps required to eradicate them effectively.

They need food, water and shelter

Not just humans require three necessities but pests as well. All pests require their food to keep surviving and depending on the pest type, their diet differs. Cockroaches are less choosy and eat almost anything they can find in the home including less desirable food choice like waste. Ants have sweet teeth and go for sugary items including sweets, candy, cakes and biscuits and the less healthy choice including fat and grease. However, there are pests that feed on different things such as termite favour wood while silverfish go for mold and fungi. Mosquitoes and bed bugs go for blood drinks coming from us for their reproduction instead.

All pests need water and moisture to survive or breed in despite unavailability of some food sources. Hence, keeping one dry from water is one way to get rid of pests. There are different modes of house stay and so long as there is shelter, keeping us safe from predators or dangers, and the perfect condition to rest and breed, any part of the home can be a habitat for pests. This includes cabinets, beneath appliances and furniture, cracks and crevices, along slits and joints, underground, in the structure and furniture and dark and cool corners such as piles and storerooms.

Pests show no obvious infestation signs

Nightmares begin when we have no clue where our enemies are, what they look like, what traces of evidence they leave behind and when they appear. Pests are exactly the same by making themselves less noticeable for our detection. Here are some examples of non-obvious pest infestation signs we tend to miss.

• Species such as cockroaches, rats and bed bugs are nocturnal and appear when we sleep
• Finding termites within structures, behind walls, furniture or underground
• Less obvious or unnoticeable droppings and poops that tend to be mistaken for grime
• Damaged and cracked walls and structures that appear as home defects and degeneration
• Neglecting sounds or noises that are coming from pests including scratch and head bangs

Tough and intelligent pests to eradicate

Pests are tiny, flat at times and do not respond well to home tricks and quick fixes. However, they are actually tough warriors who can withstand harsh and brutal conditions for survival and possess capabilities and strength to overcome from predators. Take cockroaches for instance, they only require water to stay alive and can go without any food for up to a month. Even without the food supplies in your home and keeping homes clean from debris, cockroaches can keep going with presence of moisture.

Rats on the other hand are very smart creatures who do not fall into the trap of humans. Especially if they are not familiar with the environment or have doubt with unusual objects including traps and lure, they will avoid those areas. To get rid of rats effectively, specific rat control is required to detect, monitor and control rat population through sensing technology. As they are nocturnal, it is not as easy detecting them, hence using digital measures can heighten the efficacy level by targeting areas with rat activities.

DIY solutions may not work on pests

Unfortunately, most DIY pest remedies do not work in eradicating pests fully and efficiently as they serve as a repelling function rather than controlling purpose. What the scent does is to mask the pheromone or chemical trails that pests rely on for navigation and communication. It derails their orientation for the short while before regaining their sense of smell again. For some like the pungent series of garlic, vinegar and other strong spices, it sends pest off for that period, however some conditions such as presence of sewage or garbage, this foul stench tends to overpower those scents meant for deterrent function. Find out the various natural home remedies to keep pests away.

They travel around and form their allies

Do you often notice a troop or group of pests turning up in your home? It is common to observe a line of ants marching up along the wall and kitchen tiles or a few flying pests hovering around you.

For some pests, such as termites, they form a huge colony underground housing thousands and even millions in some cases of termite members to nest below your home. Because of their reproduction needs and completing the life cycle, not eliminating the root source can help pests breed and multiple in volumes. Bed bug infestation for instance can spread easily from one affected room to the entire home. They tend to escape from our detection eyes while reproducing their offspring through feeding our blood. Thus, getting rid of bed bugs should not be procrastinated or take self-remedy solutions. In fact, pests travel from location to location in search of food and shelter, or if their current hideout is disturbed. This also explains why pest proofing is essential in a home to prevent them from entering.

Generally harmless unless threatened

Pest bites can lead to uncomfortable swell and itch (and in severe cases allergies and infection). The pests can also transmit diseases if without proper pest prevention in place. However, pests are generally harmless. Firstly, lizards for example, are actually beneficial pests. They help feed on flying insects including midges that are annoying as they swarm in bunches around your vehicle or home. Secondly, for stinging pest species such as bees, they are harmless unless you provoke them or threaten their nest. Thirdly, silverfish are harmless pests that rarely hurt individuals; however, they can damage your properties and home items such as clothing, painting, wallpaper and books. Finally, another less damaging pest is that of booklice. They feed on fungi and mold and typically present in homes with poor ventilation or high humidity.

Carriers of diseases and transmit diseases

Pests always hang around filthy and poorly sanitised environments that harbor tonnes of bacteria and viruses. Places they lurked include the garbage and trash bins area, drains and sewers, soiled dishes and piles of food scraps and underground or basements. As they roam around surfaces and tools we use for food preparation and consumption, they can transmit diseases by contaminating their saliva, droppings, urines and body parts. To name a few, Salmonella, Cholera, Dysentery and E. Coli are some diseases associated with pests, and not excluding the deadly disease, Dengue Fever (and also Zika) that is transmitted by female Aedes Mosquitoes as they bite to obtain their blood supply. Besides diseases, pests can also trigger other health conditions. They include allergies, painful and itchy bites and emotional stress (and in some cases sleep deprivation).

Engage in pest control solutions today

You can take proactive actions in taking charge of your home safety by engaging professional help in pest eradication. It is not just for homes with heavy pest infestation or uncontrollable pest prevention conditions. Pest control is also for homes who require a home check. This helps in detecting presence of pests and their infestation signs, as well as examining the surrounding environment.

Firstly, some homes are located among food establishments where there are higher opportunities for cockroaches, ants and rats to infest due to the vast food provision. This includes decomposed matters and trash that pests do feed on. Secondly, some parts of Singapore are within high vegetation areas or spaces. They promote mosquito breeding and are at risk of developing dengue cases. Especially homes located among dengue clusters, having a sound mosquito control helps to protect families against dengue fever. Thirdly, due to historical trends and prior condition of homes, they are more prone to be infested with pests. For instance, compromised integrity that allows pest entries, poor ventilation or defective plumbing that causes moisture or decayed wood and overgrown mulch that causes termite infestation.

Finally, there are incidences of cross infestation where pests are accidently brought in from outside. Reasons may include traveling, lodging, interaction or any other activities. These are usually acute and isolated and should be treated immediately to avoid a pest spread.

Find out the range of pest control services offered by Rentokil Singapore

Frequently asked questions about pest control

How many times do pest treatments we need?

The number and frequency of pest treatments vary. Typically, for low pest infestation and low maintenance pest needs, a monthly and bi-monthly treatment on a long-term basis helps to control the pest condition. However, if there are surge or acute pest issues, more treatments or additional flush out programmes are required. There is also one-off treatment where pest control specialists will provide eradication remedy to resolve the existing infestation. This may not be sufficient if the home is located in a high-risk environment, infested with a heavy pest population or engage in activities that attract pests. For some treatments such as termite control, it requires a one-off massive treatment application but undergo yearly inspection and monitoring for as long as seven years.

Why are some pest management ineffective?

A common concern among money investing in amounts to treat a pest problem but to no avail. Complaints including worsening of infestation, recurring pests or spread of pest activities are a common cause of poorly executed pest treatments or the absence of optimal housekeeping and sanitation. Treatments are ineffective for several reasons. These include wrong pest identification, incorrect treatments offered, lapses in treatments or targeted at wrong key risk areas. Effective treatment outcomes are also dependent on the sanitation standards and ongoing premise maintenance.

Where do I find the list of pest control companies?

You may search for pest control companies via the google search listings where they list their websites and service offers. There are also advertisements and editorial from these specialists giving their expert views and tips. However, it is important to ensure you have adequate evaluation criteria by considering factors including brand reputation, years of experience, safety and certifications, responsiveness, efficacy and not forgetting customer satisfactions and reviews.

Read also: What are the top ten most common search questions on pest control

What usually takes place during a pest treatment?

Firstly, the specialist will perform a prior study of your home to access risk factors, home conditions and infestation level. Secondly, they will advise on the situation, pest types invading your home and recommended solutions. Thirdly, before carrying out a treatment, they will prepare you before and after the treatment. This ensures meeting safety and completeness factors. Finally, they will inspect and monitor your premise to rule out additional pest signs or escalating of infestation. A service report is shared covering pest conditions, service recommendations and activities taken. For companies such as Rentokil Initial, we offer 24/7 online reporting where customers can login to access and view their service history and updates. Did you know? There is also contactless pest control to heighten the safety and minimise cross contamination risks such as the In2care Mosquito Trap.

How much should I pay for pest control?

Price of pest control varies from company to company and treatments and treatments. However, there factors that contributes the price range including

• Type of solution and active ingredient used
• Application mode and method
• Number of treatment and intensity
• Tools and technology utilised
• Pest types and species you are treating
• Size of premise required for treatment

However, we should not only base on the absolute amount as some packages may appear low price or very affordable. It is crucial to find out what exactly is offered in the package. For some treatment, the initial price may appear to be on the high side. However, they cover longer years of protection or deliver more effective and reliable pest coverage. It is important to discuss the control efficacy and safety factors of the chemicals. There are environmentally friendly solutions that are especially beneficial for the environment, and families with kids, pets and the elderly.

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