Pest Control Checklist

Initial Pest Assessment

• Check the whole property to see obvious pest activity.



• Search for droppings, nests, or gnaw marks.



• Look at chewed wire, packaging, or furniture damage.



• Determine abnormal smells which can be the signs of infestations.



• Locate entry points of pests such as cracks, holes or vents.



• In dark places, look in the check damp areas.



• Inspect walls, ceilings, and skirting boards (damage).



• Check stored food items whether they are contaminated with pests.



• Check under appliances and sinks to see whether it is damp.



• Record variations in pest seasonally around the region.



• Evaluate outdoor grounds on nests or burrows.



• Record observations of the document to follow up on issues.

Sealing and Proofing Entry Points

• Seal cracks and cracks in walls, floors and ceilings.



• Install door sweeps to make sure pests do not crawl in.



• Apply weather stripping to the window and door.



• Look for vents that are finely meshed to prevent the entry of insects.



• Fix broken windows and sliding door screens.



• Tight spaces in utility pipes and wiring.



• Close openings at chimneys and the roofline.



• Place mesh to keep animals out of the attic and crawl space vents.



• Close access openings in and around plumbing and drain lines.



• Check and fix loose roof shingles or tiles.



• Expanding foam should be used in small wall sections.



• Make sure that the garage doors are closed correctly.

Indoor Pest Prevention

• Keep all food in lidded containers.



• Clean up spills and crumbs as they occur.



• Frequently clean and disinfect garbage cans.



• Do not leave pet food unattended at night.



• Wipe beneath appliances in pest hiding spots.



• Dehumidify moist places by using dehumidifiers.



• Clear storage areas to get rid of nesting areas.



• Clean the carpet, rugs and upholsteries.



• Check in the basements, attics, and crawl spaces.



• Too much water in the indoor plants should be avoided to avoid fungus gnats.



• Be well-ventilated to keep pests away.

Outdoor Pest Prevention

• Maintain lawns and garden beds clipped.



• Eliminate leaf, wood and litter piles in yards.



• Cut branches and shrubs lining walls and roofs off.



• Keep firewood out of the wall and the ground.



• Close off the seals of the exterior cladding and siding.



• Get rid of stagnant sources of water to stop mosquitoes.



• Apply gravel or stone around foundations as a deterrent to termites.



• Placing outdoor lights that are not near the entrance.



• Cover the bins outside with tight lids.



• Wipe down outdoor furniture and barbecue grills.



• Assess fence, sheds, and garden structures regularly.

Kitchen and Pantry Protection

• Check dry goods against weevils or moths, or beetles.



• Turn around food stock to prevent spoiled food.



• Store in an airtight glass or plastic.



• Clean the shelves in the pantry.



• Fruits should not be left out for long.



• Examine cereal box, flour and rice packets.



• Get rid of contaminated food in sealed bags.



• Wipe behind refrigerators and ovens.



• Keep a natural repellent in pantry shelves, such as bay leaves.



• Keep drains clean to avoid breeding of insects.



• Have bins washed once a week to clean up.



• Do not place the cardboard boxes in nesting places.

Moisture and Drainage Control

• Fix leaky fixtures, pipes and taps.



• Clean drains to avoid stagnant water.



• Fit exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.



• Apply damp basement dampness absorbers.



• Look in the gutters of blocks after heavy rain.



• Tilting soil shall be graded away, not towards the foundation, so that it does not pool.



• Close open drains with screens.



• Fill water bowls with pets every day to limit the risk of mosquitoes.



• Repair leaking irrigation of gardens and lawns.



• Routinely cleans air-conditioning drip trays.



• Substitute damaged wood or plaster with water.



• Store water-containers closed and clean.

Pest Monitoring and Early Detection

• Install sticky traps in the risky locations.



• Bait stations can be used to monitor rodent activities.



• Place ultrasonic pest deterring devices in sensitive areas.



• Keep a check on window sills and wood dust in the air.



• Check the area behind furniture and appliances once a month.



• Check garden beds for termites.



• Detect moths with pheromone traps.



• Check the walls and skirting boards along the ant trails.



• Store scan rooms of beetle infestations.



• Note pest observations with a basic log.



• Get motion-activated cameras to monitor rodent outdoor activity.



• Carry out quarterly checks of recurring problems.

Natural Pest Control Methods

• Apply neem sprays on ordinary garden pests.



• Put cotton balls with peppermint oil to keep rodents away.



• Plants that repel pests, such as lavender, basil, and mint.



• Bring in good insects such as ladybugs and lacewings.



• Use the diatomaceous earth around the points of entry.



• Spray vinegar on ants and flies.



• Use yellow outdoor lights to minimize the enticement of insects.



• To reduce the cockroach population, use baking soda.



• Store cedarwood blocks in the closets to keep away the moths.



• Use coffee grounds in the gardens to keep slugs away.



• Place salt barriers on snail-prone areas.



• Apply homemade garlic sprays to vegetable plots.

Chemical Pest Treatment

• Select the right pesticides depending on the pest.



• Instructions for all the products should be read and followed.



• Put on gloves, masks and safety equipment when using chemicals.



• Stay with children and pets away during treatment.



• Use chemicals when there is no wind to prevent drift.



• Apply the insecticidal dust to crevices that are difficult to reach.



• Spray perimeter areas in the outdoors to prevent crawling insects.



• Rotate chemicals to avoid resistance to pests.



• Keep pesticides locked in cabinets that are not close to food.



• Empty containers should be disposed of in line with the local regulations.



• Use well-ventilated places when applying.



• Whenever feasible, use environmentally friendly chemical products.

Professional Pest Control

• Arrange pest inspections once a year.



• Use professional pest control when it is severe.



• Request environmentally friendly treatment procedures.



• Request a written quote to commence services.



• Make sure that treatments are pet and kid-friendly.



• Order follow-up visits for repeat pest problems.



• Request a service warranty or guarantee.



• Compare several suppliers before contracting.



• Certify licences and company credentials.



• Get to know how the treatment will go.



• Review online to find trusted service providers.



• Record all treatments to be used in future.