DIY Pest Prevention Tips Debunked

The sight of any pest scurrying across your home could send shivers down your spine. Some homeowners may call a pest controller immediately to get rid of them. While others may take matters into their own hands and give do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions a try. DIY tips come in many forms, from fruits to kitchen utensil. But, is it really effective? Let’s find out!

Pandan leaves can repel cockroaches?

These long, fragrant leaves seem to be a popular DIY solution among Malaysians to keep cockroaches out. It turns out there’s more to pandan leaves than meets the eyes. Besides being a key ingredient in local desserts such as kuih-muih, pandan leaves can repel cockroaches too. These pests just don’t like the smell!

Pandan leaves may work but the cockroaches are not killed. They can still find a way to intrude your home as long as there are attractants like food and water. Cockroaches carry many harmful germs, such as Salmonella, E. Coli and Listeria monocytogenes, which can put your family’s health at risk.

Can vinegar keep ants away?

Do you see ants everywhere in your house? From tabletops to even your water jugs. If you live with it, great! Certainly not me! I have recently found out that my friends use a solution of vinegar and water to keep ants away.

Ants are guided by the pheromones left behind by members of their colony to transport food back and forth. This DIY solution removes these pheromones and they become ‘lost’. They also don’t like the smell. While this can keep them at bay short-term, they are not eliminated properly by a professional pest controller. They can still transmit harmful germs that contaminate food such as Salmonella and E. Coli. This DIY may not be good for your beautiful marble countertop too because of the acidity.

Black peppers are rat deterrent?

While rats may look adorable and cute, but the thought of them running through drains and rummaging through rubbish bins can destroy any notion of cute entirely! Besides exposing your family to Leptospirosis (rat urine disease), rats can also cause fire hazards when they gnaw on wirings at home.

Rats’ strong sense of smell means they are very sensitive to smell. Black peppers may work as a temporary solution because rats don’t like them. However, they will always find a way to get to any food source.

DIY vs Professional

DIY pest prevention tips may be cheap and easy, especially if the infestation level is minimal. However, homeowners will need to be proactive and consistent to manage these infestations. Any slip up may open up the opportunity for these pests to flourish at your home. Until then, the potential costs to get rid of them could be much more.

Rentokil Year Round Protection Plan provides a full year protection against cockroaches, common ants and rodents. Service frequency starts from a minimum of 6 times and can be tailored to your needs. Our well-trained and experienced service experts will also provide pest prevention tips to help you better protect your family and home.

Call us today at 1300 881 911 or contact us online to find out more and schedule for a comprehensive site inspection now!