Spring has sprung and the battle against bugs begins. We know the frustration of dealing with pesky bug bites, unsightly insect traces and the heartstopping encounters nobody needs. This is why we decided to do a room by room analysis of problems, solutions and products to help you reclaim your home. Arm yourself with the knowledge and correct pest control to eradicate and eliminate present and future unwanted pest guests.
Home pest control
The home is a sacred and special place that needs to be both safe and secure against unnecessary visitors. Each room serves a function, but can also attract insects. We look at pest control and proofing as an essential part of homecare, ensuring a healthy and happy living environment for you and your family. If you need to do a preliminary inventory of preexisting issues and harmful habits, explore how to approach preventative pest actions you can implement now.
Kitchen, bathroom and scullery
These rooms are a place of hustle and bustle. Whether it’s quickly whipping up a meal, washing up, or leaving behind a snack for your beloved pet, these rooms see a lot of action. But it may not always be the action you anticipate. As much as we would like to think we have our kitchen and bathrooms in order, a lot can be happening without our knowing. That bowl of overripe fruit? A huge billboard for a fruit fly convention. The few pieces of kibble your pup scattered under the cupboard door? A crumb trail for cockroaches to find and follow. Sauces, spices and containers not sealed properly in the pantry — or worse — your favourite sweet smelling lotion in the bathroom cabinet leaking? A field day for ants. Yes, as much as we’d like to think we have dominion, this space is one of the most visited by vermin. To best contain this trifecta of troubles, we suggest targeting the problems by reducing the likely lures.
Combative pest control measures:
- Tighten cosmetic lids, seal containers and food packages properly.
- Wipe down surfaces and clean traces of any leftover food spills and spices.
- Monitor your exposed fruits, vegetables and baked goods.
- Take out the trash and food waste regularly, especially on hot humid days.
- Eliminate excess moisture through proper ventilation and leak control.
When these efforts prove to be futile, we suggest using the Efekto No Insect Indoors range. Look to solutions like Ants RTU for antagonising ants, Cockroaches RTU for determined cockroaches and Flying Insects for most flies. For a full range of cockroach solutions, try Efekto baits and traps.
Bedroom fabrics and carpets
Ah, the bedroom. The space of sleep and solace. But for some, this room can also be a place of congregating pests for pet lovers. Loving your furry friend on carpets or snuggling in bed can sometimes invite the frustrations of fleas. Never fear — there are ways and suggestions to prevent and act against fleas brought in by your pets.
Beyond fleas in fur and fabric, the biggest complaint in the bedroom? Bed bugs. Just the mention of these pests are enough to summon images of filth and send shivers down your spine. However, there is a common misconception. Bed bugs are in fact not attracted to dirty and grimy spaces, but actually warmth, blood and carbon dioxide. To confirm if these pests are plaguing your bedroom, read about identifying the signs of bed bugs.
To bar your bedroom from bed bugs and fleas, they often require a more definitive approach. For both of these issues, we advise using No Insect Indoors NF Fleas & Bedbugs RTU.
Storage cupboards and closets
Another common insect drawn to moisture? Silverfish, also known as fish moths — and you can find them throughout the house. Common places you find these critters scuttling all have the same three factors — dark, moist spaces with a surplus of starchy paper-based products to feast on. While they don’t pose a direct health threat to humans, they can however cause a lot of destruction to everything from reading materials, to cardboard boxes, to old crumbling wallpaper. The best way to avoid having silverfish in the home is to control moisture as well as reducing storing excessive paper products. For additional reinforcement, use either Fendona 6 SC or Efekto No Insects Indoors SC.
In and around the home
A common household pest found just about anywhere includes the notorious housefly. These pests are not only a nuisance, but can potentially carry diseases into your home. They are attracted to odours and air currents, mainly those which are warmer, preferring 28 degrees Celsius. They find their way into buildings through open windows, but also structural faults like gaps in weather stripping or neglected sealing. Check your home is properly reinforced for all seasons to bar opportunistic flies gaining uninvited entry.
The worst of the home invading insects brings not only bites and an annoying sound, but also health hazards. Mosquitoes. Whether you are sitting on your veranda near the pool or trying to sleep, the buzzing is enough to make anyone demand an immediate solution. We tend to associate mosquitoes more with warmer seasons, but they are actually drawn to bodies of stagnant water where the females lay their eggs. Think of all the possible water collection points: bird baths, blocked gutters, the family pool and even the little marshy spot in the yard. If you have open windows near an area that collects water, they are sure to find their way in and on to you.
While we can’t completely eliminate mosquito or fly hotspots entirely, there are ways to protect your home. We suggest using a spray like Efekto Fendona 6 SC and also Supa Kill Fly Candle for added defense.
Tackling future pest troubles
Now armed with basic information for insects in the home and effective solutions, we hope you feel able to remedy the situation. If you think you require more help, explore our full range of indoor pest control for the home.
For further advice, ask an Efekto expert or read through our frequently asked questions.
