Summer brings sunny beaches, carefree holidays, and unfortunately, uninvited pests. As temperatures rise, insects seek shelter in homes and gardens. While chemical solutions can be effective, they harm the environment and pose risks to children and pets. To help you keep your home pest-free, Antz Cleaning Services Malaysia, a trusted name in professional cleaning, has compiled a list of eco-friendly tips to combat common pests.
Ants: Tiny Food Hunters
Where they thrive: Indoors, outdoors—anywhere with access to food.
What they eat: With over 12,000 ant species, their diet varies widely, ranging from crumbs to plant-based items.
Eco-friendly fixes:
- Prevention: Seal cracks and entry points using petroleum jelly to block their path.
- Repellents: Sprinkle cinnamon, paprika, cloves, coffee grounds, or dried peppermint in areas where ants are spotted.
- Baits: Mix one part borax with three parts powdered sugar. Place the mixture in ant-prone areas—they’ll carry it back to their colony, effectively eliminating it.
Cockroaches: The Persistent Pests
Where they thrive: Warm, humid spots like kitchens, bathrooms, and drains.
What they eat: Anything they can find—food scraps, paper, or even glue.
Eco-friendly fixes:
- Prevention: Clean countertops with a vinegar-water solution to deter roaches. Store food securely, seal wall gaps, and keep drains plugged.
- Baits: Sprinkle borax in areas frequented by roaches. Alternatively, set up a DIY trap using a jar filled with water, a splash of oil, and a piece of fruit. Roaches will enter but can’t escape.
Fruit Flies: Tiny but Troublesome
Where they thrive: Ripe fruits, vegetables, drains, or garbage disposals.
What they eat: Decaying organic material, including fruits and plant secretions.
Eco-friendly fixes:
- Trap them: Fill a shallow bowl with apple cider vinegar, cover with plastic wrap, and poke small holes. Flies will enter but can’t escape.
- Alternative method: Add a few drops of dish soap to vinegar. Flies that land on it will sink and drown.
Spiders: Silent Web Builders
Where they thrive: Corners, ceilings, and outdoor gardens.
What they eat: Other insects, as all spiders are carnivorous.
Eco-friendly fixes:
- Prevention: Regularly clean surfaces and corners. In gardens, trim long grass to eliminate potential nests.
- Natural repellents: Spray spider nests with saline or use a mixture of crushed chestnuts or essential oils like peppermint and tea tree.
Bed Bugs: The Bloodthirsty Invaders
Where they thrive: Mattresses, bed frames, and cracks around sleeping areas.
What they eat: Blood. They can survive months, even a year, without feeding.
Eco-friendly fixes:
- Treatment: Wash all linens, pillows, and curtains in hot water. Dry at the highest setting for at least 30 minutes. Scrub mattresses with a stiff brush, vacuum thoroughly, and cover with bed bug-proof encasements. Discard severely infested mattresses securely.
- Prevention: Spray furniture and luggage with essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or tea tree mixed with water. This can also be done before and after trips to deter bed bugs.
Safety First: Keep It Clean
While eco-friendly solutions are effective, regular cleaning is essential to keep pests at bay. Focus on hidden corners, cracks, and clutter-prone areas. Always keep borax-based solutions out of reach of children and pets. For a thorough, professional clean, trust Antz Cleaning Services Malaysia to help safeguard your home from pests this summer.
Stay pest-free and eco-friendly!
For exceptional, reliable, and thorough cleaning services that cater to both residential and commercial needs, look no further than Antz Cleaning Service Malaysia. Whether you’re located in the Klang Valley or beyond, Antz ensures that every corner of your space is spotless and well-maintained. Visit us today at Cleaning Service Malaysia for more information on our services. If you’re specifically looking for professional cleaning solutions in Kuala Lumpur, explore our dedicated Cleaning Service KL page to discover how Antz can elevate your cleaning experience.
