Summer is peak season for ants and cockroaches. Poisons and sprays have their place, but pests keep coming back as long as there's food, water and shelter. Good cleaning habits remove all three, and they're the first thing any pest control company will recommend.
What pests are looking for
- Food: crumbs, sugar, grease and pet food
- Water: dripping taps, wet sinks and damp cloths
- Shelter: clutter, cardboard boxes, gaps behind appliances
Daily habits
- Wipe counters and the stove top every night.
- Sweep the kitchen floor, especially under the table and in front of the stove.
- Don't leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
- Take out kitchen rubbish in strong, sealed bags.
- Store dry food like sugar, cereal and flour in sealed containers.
- Pick up pet bowls at night or keep the area clean.
Weekly deep spots
- Behind and under appliances: the fridge, stove and microwave hide crumbs and grease.
- Inside cupboards: wipe shelves and check for spills.
- Bins: wash the bin itself, not just the bag.
- Floors: mop with a floor, wall and tile cleaner, paying attention to corners and skirting.
Disinfecting problem areas
A pine gel cleaner is useful for floors around bins, drains and back doors, where smells attract pests. Dilute as directed, mop it on and let it dry.
Close the doors
- Seal gaps around pipes and under doors.
- Fix dripping taps and leaks.
- Get rid of cardboard boxes, which cockroaches love to hide and breed in.
For food businesses
Restaurants, takeaways and food factories should combine a strict cleaning schedule with a registered pest control contract. Inspectors look for both.
Stock up
Black Refuse Bags, Floor, Wall & Tile Cleaner and Pine Gel are available from maxproducts.co.za.
Products mentioned in this guide
Available now from our sister company Max Products at maxproducts.co.za, in trade sizes and delivered in Cape Town.
Visit maxproducts.co.za →
Black Refuse Bags 40 Micron
Floor, Wall & Tile Cleaner
Pine Gel 5kg
