Get Rid of Common Pests Part 2

by Caryl Teh

In Part 1, we looked at some pest-repelling materials that you can find in any household. Today we’re going to give you some useful things to do when you need to stretch your legs while working from home. Keeping the pests away is just another perk.

1. Rotate loose items

Regularly move loose items like plastic bags, towels, toiletries, and under-sink products. Cockroaches and other household pests love to nest in them, so moving them will disrupt that process.

2. Fix leaks immediately

Damp, dark places are magnets for many pests who shy away from the light and are always in search of a cozy nesting ground or source of water. So promptly fixing that leaky tap or pipe might help keep centipedes, millipedes, sow bugs, silverfish, and earwigs at bay.

3. Monitor your humidifier

On that damp note, if you use a humidifier, humidity levels between 30-50% have been found to be effective at discouraging pests from sticking around.

4. Cover standing water

Cover, turn over or remove any items in your living space that might collect water, like buckets, bird baths and wading pools. Why? Mosquitoes are drawn to standing water – it’s where they lay their eggs. (Any Malaysians remember those musical television ads on “No Aedes, No Dengue”?)

5. Store food in pest-proof containers

Sometimes pests come home with you from the market. So keep food in your pantry safe by storing it in pest-proof or airtight containers.

6. Keep your house clean

If you spill any food or have any uncovered eats on tables or counters, it’s best to not leave it sitting there for too long. Even if your or your pet’s leftover food isn’t appealing to you, to a pest, it’s an easy, tasty treat.

Your office should have regular cleaners. At home, make it a habit to vacuum and mop weekly, especially areas under and between appliances, along baseboards and closet shelves. Empty trash cans and recycle bins regularly. And finally, be sure to wash your pet’s bedding on a regular basis too.

7. Block the bottom of doors

Many things can squeeze through the bottom of doors. Here’s a suggestion from Jim Brixius, associate certified entomologist for Ehrlich Pest Control: “Put brush strips on the bottom of doors to prevent mice from getting into your home, especially in older homes where the doors may not fit as well.” He also says to “cover vents with fine galvanised wire mesh.”