No industry would be complete without legal repercussions. In pest control, lawsuits come in different varieties. Pest management companies can be sued for using the wrong pesticides and chemicals. Hotels, motels, and hostels can face reputation issues if they fail to keep a pest-free environment. Considering the potential issues insects, rodents, and other nuisance animals can create, it should be no surprise that the associated lawsuits can result in payouts in the millions.

Table Of Contents

• Termite Termination
• The Bugs Bite Back
• Beware of the Geese

The United States features a thriving pest control industry worth billions of dollars each year. One of the largest pest management companies is Orkin, which specializes in residential exterminations. Recently, one of its employees by the name of Robert Still filed a whistleblower lawsuit. A whistleblower case is when a company insider brings to light ethical and legal problems within the business with evidence of obvious wrongdoing.

He accused Orkin of forcing employees to disregard pest management safety protocol and spray termite pesticides on wet ground. In the United States, it is against federal, state, and local law to do so because of the potential danger and how it weakens the chemicals. After working for 19 years with the company, he reported the issue to his supervisor. The supervisor told him to ignore the violation. Shortly afterwards, he was suspended from his job and then fired.

Still discovered that unlicensed employees were being asked to perform similar dangerous violations. He exposed his former employers after his termination for all of these actions. What resulted was the largest whistleblower verdict in the state of New Jersey. The jury awarded Stills $5 million and Orkin faced penalties for its mismanagement of resources and endangerment.

Bed bugs are considered the most numerous pest in the world and have seen a rise in population over the last decade. With their increasing numbers, more and more businesses have found it difficult to curb their presence in hotels and areas to rest.

In the United States and many other nations, it’s considered negligent for people in the hospitality industry to subject their customers to bed bugs. People who have been bitten while staying the night have been able to bring lawsuits against the companies for damages and emotional distress from the bites. It has gotten to the point where many lawyers and law firms specialize in bed bug cases. As of 2018, businesses have been forced to pay over $2 million to customers who were bugged by bed bugs.

Geese are terrifying. Geese during mating season are even worse. Perhaps the strangest type of pest control lawsuit occurs when these waterfowl come into town and start building their nests.

One of the most aggressive birds is the Canadian Goose, which travels and lives throughout North America. In many locations throughout Canada and the United States, properties can be and are frequently sued for failing to manage aggressive nesting geese. When they think their nests and goslings are being threatened, geese attack. Most of these attacks don’t result in injuries, but the ones that do can be serious. Many companies and properties have been forced to pay millions of dollars as compensation.

As long as humans have been around, so have the pests that plague them. A history of how humans have battled pests throughout the years.

Table Of Contents

• Pest Control in the BC Years
• Pest Control Before the 20th Century
• Pesticides and Integrated Pest Management

People have been developing methods to keep pests away from themselves and significant food sources since at least 2500 BC, when the first documented instances of pest management have been found.

In ancient Sumer, doctors developed methods of treating insect bites such as the application of sulfur to soothe irritation. Other cultures like the Greeks and Romans mandated certain times of the year when members of the population were required to go out and capture and kill as many locusts as possible to defend crops.

Pest control has also been around as long as agriculture. For many ancient farmers during the BC era, this could be as simple as planting extra seeds to try to accommodate for the amount of food that menaces as birds, beetles, and locusts would eat during any given year. By 1500 BC, they had learned to time the planting of crops to avoid pest reproductive cycles. In 300 BC, records were found of Chinese farmers who had noted when pests were likely to appear and had also adjusted their planting cycles. There are also findings that Egyptians and Chinese were using herbs & oils for pest control.

While a lot of knowledge was lost during the early AD years, humans managed to build upon old pest control methods to develop increasingly intricate methods.

The Chinese introduced mites into ecosystems to handle more damaging pests; this action is one of the first written instances of humans using a predator to handle nuisance creatures. Tobacco infusions with nicotine, herbs and arsenic were also cited in the history of pest control. Asian farmers additionally learned by 400 AD that if they applied arsenic around the base and roots of their crops in rice paddies, they could prevent infestations that would damage the supply of the main staple food in the area.

When Asia entered the Middle Ages (476-1450 AD), people had learned that they could apply natural concoctions like lemon oil and wormwood to their skin to stop mosquitoes and mites from biting them.

Europe did not fare as well as other regions when it came to pest management. It wasn’t until the Renaissance (1300-1700 AD) that efficient pest control methods developed. One of the main reasons for this failure to create treatments was Christianity.

Many Europeans believed that pests and disease were a punishment sent from God and therefore refused to find ways to handle nuisances. After the Black Plague decimated 25% of the population during the 14th century, people began to kill rodents in an attempt to stop the spread of disease. By the 1800s, humans were using copper and nicotine on their crops and around their homes to kill pests.

The 19th and 20th centuries were the time of the pesticide.

Humans began to realize that the use of chemicals was one of the most effective ways to stop pests from eating crops and spreading disease. Inorganic compounds became the popular choice for farmers and gardeners, and the span of the 1940s and 1950s became known as the “pesticide era” because of the plentiful number of products available. The number of pesticides increased by a factor of 50, and scientists began to bring them to developing countries to try solve pest problems like locusts and mosquitoes.

Many of these products contained DDT, a tasteless, colorless, and odorless chlorine-based pesticide. This product had been used extensively during WWII and trips to other nations to kill disease-carrying mosquitoes and continued to be people’s first choice against pests.

The World Health Organization additionally used DDT to curb malaria around the world, targeting areas in Asia where it was rampant.

Unfortunately, it was soon discovered in the 1960s that DDT was highly toxic and caused numerous ecological problems, including birth defects, the sterility of animals, and death. Many countries around the world started to ban its use, including Singapore in 1984.

In 1962, Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” highlighted the dangers of pesticides, triggering public concern about their safety and impact on wildlife, water, and human health. This led to policy changes in the 1970s and a push for Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Following the age of pesticides came the era of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This practice combined numerous approaches to pest control to stop infestations before they started and to develop healthy living environments. IPM encourages people to maintain clean buildings and seal away food and other resources that can attract pests. It advocates the use of pesticides and other harsh measures only as needed and focuses on controlling pest populations so humans no longer have to worry about the negative effects of pesticides and their toxic compounds.

The history of pest control is a dynamic narrative, and pest management continues to evolve in response to changing perspectives on sustainable agriculture. As communities start to focus more on environmental and health impacts of traditional pesticides, there is a growing trend on adopting more eco-friendly approaches to pest management.

Table of Contents

• Clean Up!
• Improve Ventilation
• Traps and Sprays
• How do you make bug spray at home?
• What DIY pest traps can be used at home?

Do-it-yourself or DIY pest control is becoming more popular.

Pest control is the processing of managing nuisance bugs and animals that can spread disease, damage food, and overall be irritating for life. Sometimes people don’t want to contact a professional company for a minor problem. At other times, property owners might be interested in saving money by taking care of issues themselves.

Whatever the reason might be, DIY pest control is rapidly becoming safer and easier for regular people.

Before using any method, it’s important to assess all of the potential risks involved in any treatment. Individuals should educate themselves about the chemicals used in products they purchase and any hazards associated with traps. People should remember to read all of the ingredients and follow directions precisely.

DIY pest control can be an easy process once the property owners who would like to try it research and know what they’re doing. Additionally, not all of the methods are dangerous. Some are common things that everyone can do to ensure they live in a pest-free environment.

Below are some of the simplest and most efficient DIY pest control treatments.

One of the easiest DIY pest control methods is to keep a property clean.

The majority of insects and rodents are attracted to homes and businesses because they provide valuable resources.

Sealing food containers, cleaning up spills, and closing any cracks in the walls or around doors and windows can help keep pests out.

Cleanliness is a significant part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a method in the pest control industry which relies on a variety of factors to keep nuisance creatures in check. Before concoctions like pesticides or devices like traps are needed, pest management professionals will strive to develop plans to prevent infestations. One of the most significant steps is keeping an area clean and limiting a pest’s access to resources.

Many pests like ants, rodents, and cockroaches are attracted to damp environments. They flock to basements, kitchens which are not properly cared for, bathrooms, and other locations.

Some methods of doing so are to open windows with screens and allow natural air inside, use dehumidifiers, and improve the structure’s overall ventilation system. Hard to reach areas such as basements should regularly have their humidity levels checked and people should never leave standing water inside of a property for long. This includes areas in and around sinks and bathrooms.

The most ubiquitous form of DIY pest control is the use of pesticides and mechanical traps.

Increased research into the inherent risks of the chemicals used in pesticides has allowed scientists to engineer versions which are safer for at-home use. Many can be purchased at general and hardware stores. They contain ingredients like pyrethrins and permethrin, which kill pests like bed bugs, mosquitoes, and ants. It’s important to remember that these materials are also hazardous to humans and pets and should be sprayed away from other living creatures.

Traps can also be bought and come in many varieties. Rodent traps are the most well-known and include the traditional plastic and wooden varieties with a snapping metal wire that people are used to. Some other options include humane boxes which will lock a rat or mouse inside, so it can be released later.

Finally, there are glue traps. Glue traps used against rodents are considered inhumane, but people can also recognize them as fly paper. Both traps and pesticides can be used to great effect without requiring a property owner to call a professional pest control company.

Homemade bug spray can help repel insects like mosquitoes, flies, ticks, gnats, ants, fleas, moths, cockroaches, and spiders. You can make a simple homemade bug spray using natural ingredients. Here’s a basic recipe for a homemade bug repellent spray using essential oils:

• 1 cup of distilled water
• 10-20 drops of essential oil (e.g., citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, or peppermint)
• A spray bottle

Select essential oils known for their insect-repellent properties. Add 10-20 drops of your chosen essential oil(s) to the distilled water. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure that the essential oils are well blended with the water and pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle. Before using the spray, give it a gentle shake to mix the ingredients. Spray the homemade bug repellent onto your skin, clothing, and areas where bugs are a problem.

There are some homemade traps that you can use for basic pest control around your home, here are a few examples:

• Fruit Fly Trap: Fill a small container with apple cider vinegar and add a drop of dish soap. Cover the container with plastic wrap and poke small holes in it. Fruit flies will be attracted to the vinegar, and the soap will make them unable to escape.
• Roach Trap: Place a mixture of boric acid and powdered sugar in a shallow container. Roaches are attracted to the sugar and will ingest the boric acid, which is toxic to them.
• Mouse Trap: Use a tall bucket or bin. Place a ramp leading up to the top, where you’ll attach a small piece of cardboard with bait (like peanut butter) on it. The mice will climb up the ramp and fall into the bucket, unable to climb out.

Keep in mind that these methods might not be as effective as professional treatments for severe infestations. Always prioritize safety and consider consulting with experts if you have persistent pest problems.

Not even famous places are safe from pests. Sometimes creatures typically considered a nuisance are invited into the space. More often than not, though, pests invite themselves. Recent developments in environments across the globe make the areas where famous buildings are located more attractive to pests by providing resources and shelter.

Climate change is a large culprit because some regions have become warmer and more humid, providing ideal conditions for invasive insects.

Below are some of the most famous buildings around the world and their struggles with pests.

Table of Contents

• Rat Worship
• Tourist Traps
• Climate Change for Termites
• Bird Woes at Tourist Hotspots
• Art Against Uninvited Guests

The prospect of 25,000 rats in a building is not an appetizing concept to many people, but that is the situation with the Karni Mata Temple in India. The temple was inspired by the story of Karni Mata, a man who was resurrected as a rat after drowning in a pool of water. People come from all across the country to feed and interact with the rats.

The few white rats who live on the property are considered exceptionally holy and lucky, and encountering one is thought to be a blessing.

The Karni Mata Temple is located in Deshnoke and hasn’t seen a decline in visitors since its creation, even during disease outbreaks. Indeed, many people visit the location to be healed of their ailments. The primary inhabitants are black rats, which are common throughout the world. These rodents are not to be harmed by visitors or locals, and are given everything they need to survive and thrive in their environment.

Unlike the Karni Mata Temple, there are many famous buildings where rats aren’t invited guests. The White House in the United States and the Eiffel Tower in France are two popular tourist destinations, significant cultural monuments, and two areas plagued by infestations of rats.

The White House is the presidential home for the U.S. and has recently filed hundreds of pest control requests to deal with a growing population of insects and rodents which have found their way into the stately manor.

Rats have been sighted in the kitchen, outside of politicians’ and officials’ offices, and even in the infamous Situation Room.

Meanwhile, the Eiffel Tower has been forced to close several times over the last two years as the city of Paris struggles to manage a growing rodent threat. Paris is a massive city which has struggled with rats for many centuries. Due to the large population and the number of tourists who visit each year, the environment features all of the conditions rats need to thrive.

The Eiffel Tower is a popular destination for rodents because people leave behind food and drinks while the buildings and sewer system in the surrounding area provide adequate shelter. The government has increased the number of pest management services available, but results have been limited.

Scientists have noticed the effects of climate change for several decades, including its effects on local pest populations.

As certain regions across the globe develop warmer, more humid climates, certain species are able to thrive.

In Korea, a shift in the standard temperature and humidity has resulted in the spread of termites. Termites only lived in a few areas of the peninsula, but they have now spread to almost every location. These pests create problems for numerous buildings, including ancient Korean temples constructed of wood.

Professionals discovered termite populations in several significant cultural locations like the Gyeongju Hyanggo. This temple is listed as one of South Korea’s cultural heritage sites and faces severe consequences if termite populations continue to grow.

Because many of the old temples are constructed entirely out of wood, termites can weaken the structure and possibly cause collapse. Pest control operatives trained dogs to recognize insect hormones and have been using them to regularly check the region for termites and other wood-dwelling insects. The Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea recognizes the termite problem and has dedicated increased time and resources to trying to preserve temples.

Famous landmarks around the world suffer from unexpected challenges: pest problems associated with birds. Pigeons, seagulls, and other feathered inhabitants find refuge in the architectural wonders, leading to both aesthetic and structural concerns.

Taj Mahal is just one example. Pigeons are using its marble façade as a nesting site, which leads to gradual degradation of the marble’s surface. This highlighted the importance of pest control measures to preserve the historical monument.

Similarly, the Sydney Opera House in Australia has struggled with seagulls and other birds that perch and nest within the structure’s iconic curves. Bird droppings affect the visual appeal of the Opera House and make it look messy. To deal with this, the people in charge of the building have tried different things to stop birds from living there. They put up things to keep birds away and even used nets.

Despite being an iconic skyscraper, the Empire State Building has faced its share of pest control challenges, including issues with pigeons and rodents due to its urban location and food sources in the vicinity. To tackle this, the people in charge of the Empire State Building have been working with pest experts to figure out how to keep these unwanted visitors away. They’ve been sealing off places where pests might get in and using techniques to scare them off.

Maintaining a museum as vast as the Louvre can be challenging, and pest control is one aspect of maintenance. The museum has dealt with issues such as rats and insects damaging artwork and the building itself.

Rats, cockroaches and ants, drawn by the proximity to urban sources of food, have posed a problem for the Louvre. Rats chewing on the wood and making homes in tight spots could hurt the building. While bugs like cockroaches and ants could damage the valuable art, either by direct contact or indirect damage.

To prevent damage, the museum regularly checks for signs of pests and sets traps to catch them. The museum also makes sure that places where pests could get in are closed off. By working with experts and being careful with chemicals, the Louvre takes important steps to protect its valuable collection and the building itself from unwanted visitors.

You always want to make sure that your business is putting its best foot forward when it comes to the services you offer or the products you make.

You want employees to be in a safe and clean environment, and you want any clients or customers that come to the property to be impressed with what you offer, rather than disgusted by the fact that you have a pest infestation.

Recently, in the Singapore media there have been a number of cases of rodents running around shopping malls and rodent burrows found outside of commercial buildings. Such incidences can ruin reputations and bring about business downfalls.

Table Of Contents

• Why Is Pest Control Important in Offices and Commercial Buildings?
• Pests Control Tips for Commercial Buildings
• What is Good Housekeeping?

You need to maintain a clean environment for your workspace. Having pests looks bad to your customers and clients, and you can be sure that your employees will not want to work in a location that is overrun with pests. It is unhealthy, and it has the potential to be dangerous.

Whether it is flies, roaches, rats, or other types of pests, you need to take steps to have the problem handled as quickly and efficiently as you can.

If you don’t take pest control measures in time, it can take a serious toll on your business.

By law, all government buildings in Singapore need to have regular pest control. This should also be practised in all offices and commercial spaces. Proper pest control, and help from professionals when needed, can ensure you have a clean and pest free environment.

Implementing effective pest control measures is crucial. Here are some practical tips to help you deal with pests in your commercial building:

1. Conduct routine inspections to identify their hiding spaces. Watch out for signs of pest activity, entry points, and potential breeding areas.
2. Clean common spaces, including kitchens, restrooms, to eliminate potential food sources for pests.
3. Dispose of trash regularly, and keep waste areas clean
4. Store food items in airtight sealed containers and clean up spills
5. Eliminate clutter to reduce hiding areas for unwanted pests
6. Train staff about pest prevention measures, including proper waste disposal and reporting any signs of infestations
7. Have regular inspections from pest control professionals that specialize in commercial spaces. These experts have necessary equipment to identify pests hiding areas, safely eliminate them and prevent any future infestations.

Even though you might not realise it, there are plenty of reasons for pests to want to come into your office building. Sometimes, the employees might leave snacks on their desk that can draw the pests. There could be items in the pantry, the garbage cans, and other areas that will do the same. Proper housekeeping, which is simply making sure that there is no food left out and that everything is properly cleaned, can make a big difference.

Employees should be aware that they need to clean up their desks and areas where they eat, and that they should all make sure the pantry is clean and that any drink spills or food crumbs are promptly cleaned.

In addition, a proper housekeeping staff that comes in and cleans, and that takes out the trash, can help to keep the pests under control. If you are lax in this, it is only a matter of time before the pests start to take root.

Pests can spread disease, and in the case of rodents, they can even cause damaging to the wiring in the building, and the wires to computers and other office equipment. You should always make sure you have a good pest control company that can come and examine your property and provide you with the extermination services that you need to have a clean and healthy environment. They can also provide exclusion services that will help to keep the pests from returning.

Many condominiums in Singapore have full facilities, which means there are many different places for pests to roost such as swimming pools, BBQ pits and function rooms.

Table of Contents

• Why Condos Need Pest Control?
• How Infestations in Condos Arise
• Swimming Pools
• Gyms and BBQ Pits
• Function Rooms
• Preventing Infestations: Tips for Condo Tenants

Pest control in condominiums is essential to ensure a clean, healthy, and comfortable living environment for residents. Here are some reasons why is it important to implement pest control measures in condominiums:

• Condos have shared spaces, i.e. walls, floors, and ceilings, so an infestation in one unit can quickly spread to others, making proactive pest control crucial to prevent widespread issues.
• Dense living conditions in condominiums can lead to increased waste generation, which attracts more pests like rodents, insects, and bedbugs.
• Food sources in kitchens and dining areas can also attracts more pests.
• Hidden, crawl spaces, and common areas that pests can use as breeding sites and hiding spots.
• Pests like termites and carpenter ants can damage the structural integrity of the building over time. Routine pest control in condominiums helps prevent costly structural repairs.
• Pest infestations can negatively impact the resale value and reputation of a condo complex.
• Condos may be subject to local regulations and health codes that require effective pest control measures to ensure a safe living environment.
• Diseases can spread from a pest infestation, and proper pest control safeguards the well-being of condo occupants.

Infestations in condos can arise due to a combination of factors unique to shared living environments. Shared spaces and walls make it easy for pests to move between units. Neglected condo maintenance, sanitation issues, and improper food/waste management create attractive environments for pest infestation. Pests can also spread from neighboring units, common areas, or due to structural vulnerabilities.

Swimming pools are attractive to pests because of the water and possible fungal growth. Midges are a common threat.

A small bug that resembles a mosquito, midges lay their eggs in the water and live for a period of time in their aquatic habitat.

They often emerge in large swarms, and can be hard to detect until they start to fly. Chemicals should not be used to remove them as they are also poisonous to the people who would swim in the pool.

Instead, condominiums should practice proper pool maintenance. A pool skimmer should be used to clean the top and remove any bugs or larvae. Chlorine should be added on a balanced schedule, and filters should be activated and cleaned regularly.

Other parts in the condominiums where pests can manifest are the gym and BBQ pits.

Gyms, already ripe with bacteria and damp from sweat, have lots of hiding places for pests, especially in locker rooms and under mats. BBQ pits, where people make food and eat, can attract pests as well.

As with most places, proper sanitation and hygiene are crucial for keeping bugs and animals out. Residents should clean up any wrappers, crumbs, and leftovers they might have with them. Food should not be brought into the gymnasiums, and workers should clean the floors each night. Residents should keep their lockers clean.

If ants are a problem, the employees should spray ant hills and dispose of the chemicals properly. However, if there is an infestation, it is recommended that professional pest control providers such as Killem pest should be called to prevent further infestation.

As with gyms and BBQ pits, the same rules to Function Rooms. Residents and employees should make sure any food is covered and properly stored or disposed so pests are not attracted to it. Crevices and entryways into buildings should be properly sealed and sprayed if pests continue to find their way in.

Residents, when going in public areas, should make sure their bags are clean and check for bugs if returning from a garden, long-grassed area, or woods. As with other places, if there are pipes through which water is transported, they should be checked for leaks and repaired as soon as possible.

Finally, the owners of the condominium should make sure these public areas are cleaned frequently by experienced staff who will scrub the rooms.

Condominiums are one of the most likely places to become infested because they are so populated. When people come into contact frequently, it is easier to spread communal pests. Disease spreads quickly, meaning pests should be removed as fast as possible. Due to the size of the buildings, there are lots of locations for them to live.

Pest control providers such as Killem Pest should be engaged at least on a monthly basis to ensure that condominiums are kept pest free. For more information on how we can help visit our residential pest control page.

Condo tenants can take several proactive steps to avoid infestations and maintain a pest-free living environment:

• Regularly clean living spaces, wipe down surfaces, and promptly dispose of food scraps and waste.
• Store food in airtight containers and keep countertops clean to eliminate food sources that attract pests.
• Properly seal and dispose of trash in designated bins, keeping them clean and free of leaks.
• Minimize clutter, as piles of items create hiding spots for pests.
• Seal gaps, cracks, and openings around doors, windows, and pipes to prevent pests from entering.
• Notify property management about any maintenance or pest concerns promptly.
• Thoroughly inspect secondhand furniture, clothing, or items before bringing them into the condo.
• Regularly clean and unclog drains to prevent stagnant water that can attract pests.
• Keep outdoor areas tidy to discourage pests from breeding nearby.