How To Get Rid of Pests at Home

Say goodbye to pests!

Pests are called so for a reason - they bring nothing but trouble to your home! Beyond being unpleasant to look at, these unwelcome intruders can cause significant and costly damage to your property, create unhygienic conditions, and even pose health risks to you and your family.

Before you scream SOS and reach for your local pest exterminator’s number, save yourself the unnecessary costs and try these DIY tips to stop them in their tracks!

1. Termites

Got plenty of wood in the house? Then your home is the perfect destination for terrible termites! These pests are incredibly common in Malaysia and infest to destroy wooden furniture, structural timber, wood flooring and sometimes even your most prized possessions like books and wood-based musical instruments.

How to spot them

The first step to getting rid of termites is to recognise the signs of infestation early on. If you notice small mud-like tubes running along walls, termite pellets (which look like mounds of sand), discarded wings, sagging floors or tiny holes in beams or door frames, you most likely have termite problems.

Another often ignored sign is ‘termite sounds’, which can be rather quiet and inaudible when your fan or air conditioner is running. Turn these off and listen closely for the sound of gentle ‘hacking’ inside your walls; if you can hear it, termites might be eating bits of your home away.

DIY fixes

Use fragrant oils: For wooden furniture, expose affected pieces to sunlight from time to time and wipe them down with fragrant oils like citron or lemongrass. Then (with gloves on) spray a mild boric acid solution on suspected surfaces. Do note that boric acid is toxic, so follow instructions carefully or avoid using it if you have young children or pets in the home.

Try a termite baiting system: Baiting systems can be purchased locally online for approximately around RM60 to RM200, but the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the severity of the infestation.

2. Ants

An infestation of ants in the home can be tough to deal with - these pests bite, swarm your food and are even capable of causing damage to wiring and appliances.

How to spot them

Unlike termites, ants are easily visible, thanks to their trail-like movements along walls, corridors and floors. However, ants are almost as difficult to get rid of as termites. This is because these little pests are able to re-tunnel to new areas in your home when you have identified their previous entryways and applied repellent.

Another reason why ants are tricky to control? They tend to forage for food in your kitchen, pantry or cupboards. Thus, if you apply strong chemicals to get rid of them, you could possibly contaminate your food as well.

DIY fixes

Apply this non-toxic repellent you can find in the kitchen: Mix white vinegar with water (or lemon juice), soak a kitchen towel in the solution and wipe down countertops, food cupboards and the sink area regularly. The scent will work as a deterrent. You could also sprinkle paprika, pepper, peppermint, or cayenne powder along wall corners where ants travel.

Use petroleum jelly: Since ants are often on the hunt for food, a commonly forgotten source is your pet’s feeding bowl. Be sure to dab petroleum jelly underneath the bowl to keep ants away. The slippery surface makes it difficult for ants to climb up and maintain their path, disrupting their access to the food while also discouraging them from returning.

3. Cockroaches

Cockroaches are said to have been around since before the time of dinosaurs, so you know how resilient they are. Still, since cockroaches can be bad for health in terms of possible food contamination, learning to live with roaches in the home is not a healthy or practical option.

How to spot them

So how do you know if you have a roach infestation? You’ll be able to see them ‘roaching’ around, especially during the day; you may also spot egg casings and faeces in dark corners of your home, like the bathrooms or drawers. You might even smell them as they emit a sweet, sulphuric odour (a bit like garbage) that they use to communicate with other cockroaches.

DIY fixes

Use these natural ingredients/household products: Place dried bay leaves near your food storage areas and sprinkle their powder in crevices of cupboards and along the corners of walls. Other ingredients that will repel roaches include cayenne pepper, antiseptic mouthwash, and lemon juice (or peel).

Use scents cockroaches hate: In bathroom areas and non-food prep or storage spaces in your kitchen, use a water and ammonia solution to clean hard surfaces. The smell of ammonia is a strong deterrent for roaches. You can also steam mop your floors with vinegar as cockroaches dislike its strong scent too.

4. Flies

Flies are another common household pests in Malaysia due to the warm, humid climate that allows them to breed year-round. Common types like houseflies and fruit flies are often attracted to uncovered food, garbage bins, drains, and waste areas. Besides being a nuisance, they can also spread bacteria and contaminate food surfaces, posing potential health risks.

How to spot them

Spotting them usually comes down to noticing their behaviour and where they gather. You can see them repeatedly hovering around kitchen counters, rubbish areas, fruit bowls, or pet feeding areas. Another clear sign is the presence of small dark specks (fly droppings) on surfaces near windowsills or food prep areas. Fruit flies, in particular, tend to appear in clusters near overripe fruits or fermenting liquids, while houseflies are larger and more active, often seen buzzing between indoor and outdoor spaces.

DIY fixes

DIY fly traps: You can create simple DIY traps by using apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap or overripe fruit covered with perforated plastic wrap to lure and trap fruit flies. For larger flies, use a jar filled with sugar water or honey mixed with vinegar topped with a paper funnel, or hang sticky strips in problem areas for an easy fix.

Keep drains clean: Fruit flies often breed in drains, so consider pouring boiling water down the sink daily for a few days, then follow up with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar before flushing again. This helps break down organic buildup where they tend to lay their eggs.

Use natural repellents: Certain scents can help deter flies and reduce their presence indoors. Try placing basil, mint, or bay leaves near windows and entry points. You can also use cloves, lemons, cinnamon, or essential oils like eucalyptus and lavender around the home. While they won’t completely eliminate flies, they can help keep them at bay.

5. Rats

If you live in an old home or densely populated properties with poor waste management, chances are there are rats in your home. They are highly adaptable and can squeeze through very small gaps to access kitchens, storerooms, and ceiling spaces. Beyond being unsettling to encounter, they can contaminate food and surfaces and are known carriers of diseases.

How to spot them

Droppings are one of the most common indicators of rat problems. They are usually small, dark, and pellet-shaped, often found near food sources, along walls, or inside cupboards. You might also hear scratching or scurrying sounds in ceilings, walls, or under floors, especially at night when rats are most active. Other warning signs include gnaw marks on food packaging, furniture, or wiring, as well as greasy rub marks along walls where they frequently travel. In more active infestations, you may even detect a strong musky odour in enclosed areas.

DIY fixes

Keep food and waste properly stored: Exposed food scraps and overflowing bins are common reasons rats stick around, so avoid leaving unfinished snacks on the counter or pet food out overnight, and empty rubbish bins regularly. Store pantry items in airtight containers or properly sealed packaging to keep food smells from attracting them.

Use natural deterrents and traps: Place peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls near suspected entry points, as rats dislike the strong smell. You can also buy rat traps and set them along walls, behind appliances, or near dark corners where droppings are commonly found.

6. Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes, especially Aedes mosquitoes, are another common problem in Malaysian households. It thrives particularly during the rainy season when stagnant water easily accumulates in places like drains, flower pots, and discarded containers. They can multiply rapidly, especially where water is left standing for just a few days. Aside from being a persistent nuisance due to their bites, they also pose serious public health risks by spreading diseases such as dengue.

How to spot them

Mosquitoes tend to be most active during the evening, and you may hear a faint buzzing sound near your ears when they are close. They also love hiding near dark, humid or empty corners of your home.

DIY fixes

Eliminate stagnant water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so even the smallest puddles can become a problem. Empty plant saucers, buckets, and bins regularly. If you live in a landed home, make sure drains and gutters are clear and flowing. Refresh water in vases or pet bowls every few days. If you skip this step, the rest of your efforts won’t be nearly as effective.

DIY mosquito traps: You can easily make a simple mosquito trap at home. Cut a plastic bottle in half, then mix warm water, sugar, and a little yeast to produce carbon dioxide, which attracts mosquitoes. Place the top half upside down into the base to form a funnel. While it won’t eliminate them completely, it can help reduce their numbers indoors.

Use simple natural repellents: Certain scents can help deter mosquitoes. While not foolproof, they’re a helpful addition. Try burning citron or lemongrass candles, or use diluted essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or lemongrass as a spray. You can also place basil or mint plants near windows to help keep them at bay.

7. Geckos/lizards

Geckos/lizards are generally harmless and can even be helpful, as they eat mosquitoes and other small insects. However, many people find them irritating to have around the house, as they tend to leave small droppings, which can be a hassle to clean up.

How to spot them

Geckos/lizards are usually easy to spot, as they can often be seen crawling on walls, ceilings, and around light sources where insects gather. Another clear sign of their presence is their droppings, which are typically small, black, and may have a white tip, often found near corners, window frames, or behind furniture.

DIY fixes

Reduce insect food sources: Geckos/lizards are usually attracted to homes because there are plenty of insects to feed on. Keep your space clean by wiping down surfaces, disposing of food waste properly, and controlling other pests like flies and mosquitoes. With less food available, they are less likely to stay.

Use natural deterrents: Strong scents can also help discourage geckos from lingering in certain areas. Try placing peppermint oil, garlic, or onion near corners, windows, and behind furniture. You can also use diluted essential oils as a light spray in areas where they are commonly seen.

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