Source :World Of Buzz

Image Source: SCMP & CNN

Disclaimer: The right featured image is for illustration purposes only. 

The last thing anyone would want to see while on a long-haul flight is a huge infestation of insects. Sadly, that’s exactly what these poor passengers who were on flights to China experienced recently.

Last Friday, it was reported that passengers on two international flights bound for Kunming, China, had the shock of their lives when they stumbled upon a huge cockroach infestation while in the air!

Nope, nope, nope. 

Although the country of origin, flight dates and airlines were not clarified in local news reports, it appears that one of the planes involved was a local Chinese airline, based on a photo taken by quarantine inspectors.

Image Source: SCMP

As soon as the planes landed, pest control staff arrived at the scene to remove all of the cockroaches and fumigate the planes.

The cockroaches have since been identified as German cockroaches, or Blattella germanica, according to the South China Morning Post.

Now, the cockroaches are being examined for pathogens by Kunming Changshui International Airport’s Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau.

The airport’s authorities have since urged the airline to improve the hygiene of all its planes, especially those flying in and out of the country.

For the sake of future passengers, we hope this airline listens to the airport’s advice and maintains the cleanliness of its planes before something even worse happens!

It could require quite an energy to spot a termite-infested homes by looking for the signs through the floors or the walls and the poles on its early stage. Normally, the symptoms includes soft bouncy floors, filled with empty, hollow spaces. Mud-like tubes will be spotted around the house, on the walls and even the ceilings. These mud-like tubes are not only meant to help termites to travel around the house easier, protecting them from the danger of human interference, but it also meant to keep them dehydrated, for these pests thrive to live in a damp, and moist environment.

Thus how does termites invade your home without your knowledge?

How termite got here

Most often, people didn’t know that these creatures came through right after rain by flying. This is why sometimes, you’ll see numerous insects after raining seasons flying around the lights or bright objects that the next morning, there will surely be a lot of wings on the floor.

So do they walk back home without their wings? False.

They took over your home instead.

Termites built new nests in the rain, as they are fragile creatures that needs adequate amount of moisture, protection, and temperature to live. Rainfall are major regulator of soil moisture and temperature and this affects termites activities as well. Other than that, flying termites mate during warm weather, and since water can be damaging to homes, that factor may attracts termites and other pests too.

Factors that invites termites

Winged termites are called alates – scientifically.

They thrive in moist soil and newly dampened ground, as it is an environmental cure for alates to being their mating process. Once they’ve mated, they will shed off their wings and burrow underground to begin their own nests.  Newly dampened ground, or moist soils are not only caused solely by rain but also by leaking pipes or flooding through the house itself.

Spotting signs of termites

Searching for the symptoms of termites invasions are not as difficult as what it might seems as the damage is visibly shown.

a) Wood damage

b) Mud tubes

c) Sticking doors and windowsill

d) Unexplained sands

Sand coming out from the cement wall.

e) Spongy floor

f) Cracks on wooden walls, windows or doors

What can you do?

If you have encountered any symptoms of termites as shown previously, you might need to call the pest management professional immediately. This is to minimise the damage done by termites as they are one of the most difficult pest to be getting rid of, including the major damage they can do. Unlike ants or silverfish, termites problem has to be treated from the root of the issues which can be in the insides of your walls and anywhere unreachable.

Extra Info

Ridpest’s Termite Management Professional is offering our respected customers with an Extended Warranty up to 3 Months, worth more than RM188 for termites treatments. Request quote by using the promo code: Save188.

Termites get that special title widely known as ‘silent killers’ because of their ability to destroy things so quickly, and yet undetectable. By the time the homeowner realizes it, the damage are mostly already severe to the extent that it is impossible to be repaired.

Lucky for you, we know our pests and the way to get rid of them for good.

What are termites?

Just in case you haven’t encounter one yet, termites are small pests that feeds on cellulose-based plant materials. These materials that we’re talking about are referring to wooden items that includes the furniture, ceilings, floors and even wallpapers in your house. Unfortunately, all homes can provide this cellulose food for termites infestation. Thus, beware.

Termites has three level of castes namely the workers, the soldiers and the reproductives. Be aware that these three castes has their own role among the colony:

1. Workers – To gather food
2. Soldiers – To build shelters
3. Reproductives – To reproduce another colony of termites

Identifying termites in the early stages are important, and it eliminate the risk of being heavily infested by them. Make sure to look for mud tunnels or mud tubes around the house, on the window pane, door sill and also the walls of your house.

How to prevent termites?

Identifying termites are the first step into getting rid of them. The next step would be to minimize or get rid of the ideal habitat of termites. You can do this by eliminating moisture around your house. Eliminating moisture means to:

1. Keep your gutters and downspout clean
2. Repair any broken or faulty faucets, water pipes or air-conditioner unit
3. Divert water from foundation in case your house tends to collect puddles (mostly happens when your house is on a slope or has a failed drainage system)

These should keep termites away from harboring themselves to your house.

What to do when the house is infested?

It doesn’t matter what season it is, termites will come to your house by crawling or flying. At some stage of their life cycle, termites develop wings and travel in a group. They’re mostly attracted to lights and when the ‘wings’ season is over, they’ll leave their wings behind and starts to look for shelter. Your house could be a target.

Should you come across termites in your house, please call the Pest Management Professional for an immediate attention to the termites issues. Know that to get rid of termites are not just a one-time event, it would take an all-year process to completely eliminate the termites, and to ensure that you and your household live in a safe environment with the comfort of your own home – without termites intervention.

Ridpest’s Termite Management Professional is offering our respected customers with an Extended Warranty up to 3 Months, worth more than RM188 for termites treatments. Request quote by using the promo code: Save188.

Bed bugs are parasite insects that live near or inside beds and bedding or other sleeping areas. Unlike active insects like mosquitoes, bed bugs are dormant creatures which means that they will only show up from their hiding place when it’s dark or when they feel safe. Despite being dormant, it cause problems to humans for the irritation on the skin that follows after its bite that can lasts up to two weeks or more. It’s best for everyone to prevent bed bugs before they infest your home severely by.

Travelling

When travelling, some hotels, motels or even home-stays might have bed bugs problem. Know that bed bugs are hitch hikers, crawling with their 6 legs (they do not have wings to fly nor long legs to jump) and embed themselves on your bag or luggage or on your sleeves when you’re travelling. Note that they’re so good at hiding themselves, away from human sights that you might have to be extra sensitive when it come to bed bugs inspection.

Best advice? Check your hotel room before you crash on the bed. Examine the bed, closet door, sofas, and even the curtains. Typically, bed bugs tend to stay at the corner or on the ends and seams of the fabrics and furniture. You should be looking for a live bed bugs, eggs, black stains(almost moldy), and shed skin as that could mean that bed bugs are around.

Coming home after holidays

You’ve taken the necessary steps to prevent bed bugs from tagging along with you. Next step is to take further precaution to avoid the unwanted ‘souvenir’ from spreading in your home. Transfer your clothes first in a black bin liners and never place the clothes you use for travelling scattered around the house upon arrival because that’s how bed bugs spread. Wash your travel clothes in hot water preferably at 60^oC because adult bed bugs and their eggs can be killed completely in this temperature. It is advisable to put your luggage under the sun immediately even if you have taken careful steps in preventing bed bugs from sticking on your travel bags. Keep in mind that bed bugs HATE the blaring sun or any open space thus that should get rid of them. Overall, if you have encountered bed bugs in your homes, you can get help at Ridpest.

Special Promotion Available till 31st October 2017

Use the promo code: BB Save 100 to receive RM100 off

*for bedbug treatment service only

Call Now 1 800 88 1777 or Request for Quote today!

Growing up in the city, we are so used to the ordinary chemical-based repellents like the aerosol sprays, mosquito’s coil and electronic vape burner as it is the easiest alternative for mosquitoes repellent. It’s our natural reflex to grab on the bottle of aerosol and press away to the air hoping we get rid the mosquitoes that has been bothering us for a while.

But it doesn’t always end up them being dead.

All we did was, (1) spray out the chemical-based mosquitoes repellent in the air, (2) repel the mosquitoes for a short period of time (not dead), and (3) when the chemical loses its strength we started to re-spray to keep the mosquitoes away ignoring the fact that the chemicals could disrupt our health when being used too frequently. Often, we never really take the matters seriously due to our busy schedule, plus, the mosquitoes repellent had been approved by the KKM (Ministry of Health). So what could possibly go wrong?

Is chemical-based insect repellent harmful?

Imagine spraying it around the house and we have no idea how it’s going to affect our health. Most bug sprays contains DEET aka diethyltoluamide, is an extremely efficient chemical that repels mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and other flying pests. A study documented that DEET poses risk to kidney and liver damage as well as possessing risk for birth defects and developmental progress. It also potentially causes neurotoxicity, irritation and sensitivity.

However, another studies show that DEET does not pose significant health risks to consumers but it still can interfere with the activity of enzymes that are vital for our nervous system to function properly. Nevertheless, when it comes to chemical products, we can never be too sure if it is 100% safe.

How does this chemical affect our health?

• Affect your family through inhalation and skin absorption.
• Overexposure to aerosol sprays can cause a person to feel drowsy for several hours.
• In extreme cases, the bug spray can cause nausea, vomiting and confusion.
• Repeated use can cause damage to certain brain area known as the hippocampus, which controls memory. This may lead to difficulty learning new things or carrying on a simple conversation.
• Inhaling a high amount of aerosol can also damage myelin, a brain tissue that facilitates the passing of messages through nerves.
• All in all, not all aerosol products are the same. Read the label on the can before use; follow the precaution measure and its specific safety direction.On top of that, only use aerosol sprays in well-ventilated areas. Yes, it’s a lot to cover for just spraying a bug and do REMEMBER that specific brand name does not guarantee better protection; it only provides longer protection time.

How does it affect our environment?

Whenever chemical spray is being used, it indirectly effects our environment as well. This semi-direct effect contributes to smoky haze as well. If you’re thinking a small amount of aerosol you spray in your room will not give much affect, think about a thousand of other user who is spraying at the same time. That’s a ton load of aerosol right there!

Nevertheless, since there are no specific instruments to measure aerosol within clouds, we’ll never know for sure how much of chemical are we breathing right now.

Why We Should Go For Natural Repellents

Doesn’t it just made you feel relieved at the thought of ‘natural’ methods? Not only it is naturally harmless, it also provides these advantages:

• Works better and comes with additional perk: smell better too.
• Natural repellent means chemical free! Completely safe for a home with children and on top of that, free from mosquitoes!
• 0% toxic: means we can maintain our health and most importantly, prevent DENGUE!
• Save us bucks & consider ourselves responsible in protecting Earth as well.

Studies by Pahang Health Department

Newsflash: The Pahang Health Department had identified plants that can effectively repel mosquitoes. Studies on both of these Malaysian well-known plants had started since 2010 and this can be our next weapons against dengue. Since the mosquito’s seasons are 12 months a year in this country, we definitely need these two:

1. Geranium or Citronella plant with scientific name of Pelargonium Radula aka Jeremin or “pokok halau nyamuk” or “pokok jari lima

It is long known as mosquito’s repellent since the old days. The plant releases tiny dusts that mosquito hates which made it clear on how it got its name. Despite its lack of capability to live under direct sunlight, it is definitely one of the plants that are easy to maintain. Best to place it indoor, this way no mosquitoes shall enter!

No doubt our ancestor definitely knows best from experiences far before science interferes and confirms it.

2. Lantana camara or “bunga tahi ayam”

Originally from south America, is a floral plant that produces bright and striking flower. It is also called “tahi ayam” by the local, which literally means chicken’s poop due to its stinky smell. Probably the main reason why it repels mosquitoes! But the flower is definitely ain’t poop, its beauty is one of the main reasons it is usually grow for the gardens or yards decoration. It is easily maintain as well but perhaps not indoor unless you don’t mind its odour, though it’s absolutely depends on your sensitivity. The unpleasant smell also occurs if you crush its leaves and stems.

Other non-toxic mosquito’s repellent plants!

If you can’t get your hands on neither Geranium or Lantana Camara, there are other natural repellents plants that can be found in Malaysia. Some of the easy maintenance plants are:

• Marigold
• Catnip
• Lemongrass
• Basil
• Garlic plant
• Mint

Before we go…

“When you have your health, you have everything. When you do not have your health, nothing else matters at all.”— Augusten Burroughs.

Let’s end this with a friendly reminder that your health is extremely important; in case you hadn’t heard that. Know that it is the only thing that you need in order to function the way you were supposed to be—physically, mentally or spiritually. Using aerosol spray or any other alternative methods that is chemical-based are undoubted an easy way to get over pests problems but that only means that you are taking your health for granted.

You can avoid that by choosing a natural-based mosquito repellent instead to keep you and your household safe from not only mosquitoes but from possibly harmful chemicals. Things may be convenient and efficient now using aerosol sprays, but would it be worth it in the long run? Think about it.

So if you’re looking for a safe mosquito repellent, the best choice that we would like to recommend to you is RIDMOZZIE, a new way to eliminate mosquitoes.

Do not worry if your house does not have any mosquito’s repellent plant as above because RIDMOZZIE is a special environment-friendly formulation that turns plants to mosquitoes killing machine.

RIDMOZZIE uses plant based organic formulation and has long-lasting protections (up to 28 days).

For more info, visit http://caring.ridpest.com/mosquito-control-in-malaysia

Dengue fever is no shocking news but once in a while it hits the national TV and shockingly killed thousands of people. Even every now and then we may come across a reminder to prevent dengue and be extra cautious but usually we only take action when the damage is done. So we heard the terms of prevention is better than cure however are we aware that the main idea is to take precaution before it actually happen? These are some easy steps you can remember to have a dengue-free home before it’s too late!

• Keeping it dry—literally!

Watch over your kitchen territory and avoid stacking up your sink for too long. Look after the bathroom area especially the sink and the floor to prevent any water accumulation. Let’s not forget if you own a garden, pots and vases are few objects that stock up water so toss them out at least once a week. Clear out gutter and check the drain nearby to prevent any blockage. If you are storing water for future use, make sure you kept it closed with tight lids. Waters are essential for mosquitoes to breed and grow so a dry area is a safe area!

• Clean it up!

Put up a reminder and spare some time for weekly or monthly cleaning session around the house. You may never know if there are any parts of the house clogged up or any trash stacking up somewhere. Clear out the trash can or place it far from home and make sure it is covered. Constant cleaning routine should keep the mosquitoes away so get everyone at home involved and do it together!

• To repel or not to repel?

Keep your door and windows shut at night or use netting for convenience. Be it natural or chemical repellent; always use them before going to sleep. Other recommendations include growing plant that naturally repels mosquitoes or put on a repellent lotion. It requires extra effort but hey, if it works, it helps. An early prevention is always a good idea and early consultant with pest-control experts definitely won’t bite.

These quick tips are not as simple as it sounds but it is definitely easier once it is done! For what is worth, always look out to find more tips to get rid of mosquitoes at home and it sure will keep your head off the dengue issue now that your living place is a dengue-free zone.

Source :Pest World
The video below was shown:-