Low toxic pest control and its benefits

New methods of pest control are based on low toxic solutions that can be more sustainable and effective than harsh chemicals. In recent years, several critical factors have driven the pest control industry and business towards low toxic solutions. According to a report by Malaysiakini (2024), the excessive or improper use of highly toxic pesticides has been linked to various health issues and, in severe cases, even fatalities Stringent local legislation, such as Malaysia’s Pesticides Act 1974, which regulates the registration, use, and safety of pest control products under the Department of Agriculture (DOA), has encouraged the development and adoption of safer, low-toxic alternatives that protect both people and the environment. 

Businesses, meanwhile, are reacting to rising expectations from consumers, many of whom are more aware of the effect of the overuse of pesticides on the environment and health. The pest control industry itself has also matured significantly. Like many other sectors, we are constantly researching solutions that are more sustainable, effective and better for the planet overall.

These are all compelling reasons why pest control is changing but what exactly are the benefits of going low-tox pest control? Read on to find out. 

Saving time and money through better monitoring

With growing resistance to rodenticides, environmental concerns, and stricter regulations, there’s more demand than ever for non-toxic and low-toxic pest control solutions. What used to rely heavily on chemicals is now shifting toward prevention, technology, and smarter, safer methods.

Technology is playing a big role. Systems like PestConnect, Rentokil’s digital ecosystem of connected devices, help detect and manage rodent activity in real time. Devices like Dual AutoGate are suitable to be placed in the perimeter of the early pest detection site as the first line of defense . Then, rodent activities will trigger and send alerts to the system. This device together with unique customer portals myRentokil to gather valuable data on pest behaviour across multiple sites, as well as to create transparent audit trails.

Fully integrated and connected pest control allows technicians to quickly respond to any instances of rodent invasion before infestation sets in and the need for heavy use of chemicals. In the long run, this approach saves businesses the time and cost of dealing with a major infestation that’s run out of control.

Protecting employees and public health

Businesses such as hotels and food manufacturers must prevent pest control chemicals from coming into contact with food or catering equipment to protect public health, minimise contamination risks, and comply with safety regulations. Chemical exposure can pose serious health hazards and harm a company’s reputation.

Food businesses like food retail outlets and restaurants that are facing fly infestations can consider getting an insect light trap. Our innovation Lumnia, a non-toxic LED insect light trap that uses UV-A light to attract flies. It’s much more efficient than older fluorescent models and uses up to 79% less energy, they encapsulate the flies safely, eliminating the risk of contamination which makes it better for both pest control and the environment. If you are interested, here is a great deal for you to be part of our TradeUp programme. Lumnia Slim and Compact are available at a special price starting from RM520 for a limited time only. Click here to learn more or grab the offer now.

Hotel businesses also need to be more aware of over-treating items like furnishings and mattresses using chemicals that come into frequent contact with human skin. Our non-toxic hot steam treatment targeted bed bugs is an ideal choice for individuals sensitive to chemicals, and also the youngsters and elderly who may be more vulnerable to the presence of chemicals. For these kinds of sensitive environments, it’s great to use a targeted application of hot steam that is highly effective against bed bugs. Not only that, this treatment is able to control bed bugs at every stage of their life cycle. Providing hotel operators with peace of mind before releasing the room post-visit.

Better business continuity

An important part to ensure business continuity is Proofing — a non-toxic rodent approach to seal entry points to stop rodents from getting inside which act as a first line of defence. It sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference. Less access means fewer infestations, which means less need for rodenticides. It’s also a proactive solution because it helps to prevent rodents from entering the premises and restricts their movements, rather than only dealing with them after they’ve gotten inside.

We provide cement proofing which is used to fill and seal structural gaps, crevices, and holes created from cable trunking, air-conditioning pipes that rodents could use to enter a building.  The cement creates a solid barrier that prevents burrowing. We also offer pedestrian door strips and roller door strips, which are installed to seal gaps between doors and the floor which are the common entry points for rodents and other pests. These gaps often result from regular wear and tear or uneven flooring, making them ideal entry points for pests, especially rats. 

Rodents can cause extensive damage inside your property by chewing through wiring, insulation, and structural materials, increasing the risk of electrical fires and compromising the building's structural integrity. Neglecting pest-proofing allows pests to access and damage your property, resulting in significant financial losses. Therefore, with proper prevention in place, every business can continue operating without the need to shut down for pest control treatments, avoiding potential financial losses. 

At Rentokil, we believe that it is our industry’s responsibility to continue developing low-tox methods through innovation and research. We are committed to reducing the use of harmful chemicals in pest control that impact our environment. With an expanding range of non-toxic options, new proofing products and digitally connected solutions, we are leading the way toward safer and more sustainable pest management.