How to get rid of common household pests in Singapore

An infestation of household pests could harm your family's health if you don’t take action quickly. Find out how you can get rid of common household pests the natural way without putting your family at risk.

1. Ants

If commercially sold ant repellents don’t work, try mixing vinegar with water and wipe the liquid on your counter tops andwherever ants are found around your home.

2. Cockroaches

Cockroach sprays and repellents can be toxic to your little ones at home. Mix boric acid with flour and cocoa. Boric acid is harmful to insects but not humans and pets. Place the powder mixture where roaches are most commonly found.

3. Lizards / Geckos

Forget about harmful sprays that are dangerous to your kids. Get some Scotch tape (double-sided, if possible) and stick them on cardboard sheets. Place them wherever you find lizards. Do this when everyone is getting ready to sleep. The next morning, just pick up the cardboards with the lizards and throw them away. Not for the squeamish (ideally your helper will do this).

4. Termites

Parasitic nematodes are small worms that feed on very small organisms, such as bacteria and fungi. They are also the best way to kill termites. Add these worms to water and spray them where termites are found. These worms can travel to the nest, infect the termite ‘workers’ and kill the queen. Parasitic nematodes can be purchased at any garden centers.

5. Rats

Rat glue is the best to trap rats. Place the sticky glue on a cardboard sheet near the place where rats are usually found. You must wear a glove, as it’s extremely difficult to remove the glue from your skin. Also not for the squeamish.

6. Mosquitoes

Replace your toxic repellents with citronella oil, cinnamon oil and castor oil. These aromatic oils are safe for the environment, but not for the mosquitoes. Mix a few drops of these oils with water in a simple burner. Light up with a tea light candle and enjoy a whole night without mosquitoes.

7. Houseflies

Houseflies do not like the smell of cloves and fresh basil. Pack a small bag of cloves or basil and hang it at the top of windows and doors. You can also plant some basil and place them at every entrance in your house. They look green and pretty, AND they are useful at keeping houseflies away naturally.

8. Silverfish

The only way to get rid of silverfish is to clean your home regularly. Store your food in airtight containers. Don’t leave newspapers around. Make sure there are no leakages under your sink and your kitchen cabinets are free of moisture – these insects love places that are full of moisture and heat. Clean dark areas with a mixture of vinegar and water every so often to prevent silverfish from breeding.

9. Sand flies

Sand flies can barely be seen by the naked eye, but their sting is painful. Mix some citronella oil with water in an oil burner. Place the oil burner in your garden, outside your door, on the patio and in the yard.

10. Moths

It’s relatively easy to get rid of moths at home. Lavender, mint, cloves, rosemary and thyme are all effective repellents. Place any of these leaves in a small bag and hang them around your house near your windows. You can choose to grow these herbs in your garden as well.

11. Hornets

A hornet’s sting could be fatal, but the good news is that it’s not hard getting rid of hornets in your home. Mix one cup of sugar water to a cup of apple cider. Add a drop of mild dishsoap to the mixutre and pour it on a small piece of raw meat. After a few attempts, they will eventually stay away from your home. Remember to clear the meat!

12. Weevils

Getting rid of these crawlers is easy. Place some whole black pepper or garlic in your sack of grains, especially rice, and these bugs will disappear in no time. Wipe your pantry cupboard with vinegar water every now and then.

13. Spiders

Many people are afraid of these eight-legged creatures. Lucky for you, there are a few ways you can get rid of them. You can place some baking soda where spiders are commonly found. You can also spray lemon pledge on your window and doors both inside and outside. Place eucalyptus leaves in a small bag, and place them in your wardrobe, and at dark areas.

14. Beg bugs

Bed bugs can be found anywhere – from your beds and furniture, to your clothes and luggage. But it’s not hard getting rid of these pests. Spray rubbing alcohol directly on your mattress and leave it to dry. You can use a steam machine to clean your mattress and that will kill them very effectively. After cleaning your bed, place silica gel satchets underneath your mattress, and at each corners of your mattress, below the sheets.

15. Centipedes

The most natural way to get rid of centipedes is to use sticky traps. Place them where centipedes are most commonly found. Rub vinegar water on the floors near the kitchen, garden and at the places where these crawlers are commonly found.

Written by

Roshni Mahtani

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