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Perhaps one of the questions asked frequently when the process of pest control takes place is simply: how long will this last? It should be stated at the outset that there is no single answer to this query, as it would depend largely on the nature of the pest, method of control, and location of treatment, but generally, standard treatment in Malaysia lasts between 30 to 90 days. Here's why this happens.
General Pest Treatments: The 30- to 90-Day Range
The residual spray used on insects such as ants and cockroaches and also the perimeter spray has a period of efficacy ranging from 30 to 90 days. This is because in applications where the spray is applied inside the wall cavity and beneath the appliance, they are able to last for up to 90 days because they are not exposed to elements such as sunshine and rain. But outdoor sprays degrade quickly and last for 30 to 60 days.
Cockroaches: Why One Visit Rarely Finishes the Job
Cockroaches serve as an excellent illustration of why a single application is insufficient in many cases. An egg case of a German cockroach contains up to 40 eggs; however, since the eggs are contained inside the case, the first attempt to kill the pests using the bait will be unsuccessful due to this fact. Hence, the eggs will hatch, and the newly-born nymphs will consume the bait themselves, which will ultimately kill them. As a general principle, wait two weeks after applying the bait in order to see the result of the treatment, as increased activity observed after two days does not mean that the attempt was unsuccessful.
Termites: An Entirely Different Timeline
The process of termite treatment is completely different from the 30 to 90 days process. The termiticide barriers that are treated in liquid form should be long-lasting because of their nature. They should last for many years ranging from one to five, based on the type of chemical used. It is the reason why most termite professionals provide warranties that run from one to five years. If you're not sure whether you're dealing with termites in the first place, our guide on spotting termite warning signs covers what to look for before booking a treatment.
Bed Bugs: Why Multiple Visits Are Standard
The elimination of bed bugs is also an area where multiple visits are needed because of their reproductive nature, whereby they lay their eggs in crevices and cracks on furniture and mattress seams. Therefore, the process of eliminating the bed bugs normally takes two to three visits with an interval of about two weeks between each visit so as to kill all the stages of the life cycle. Omission of these follow up visits is the most frequent cause why bed bug problem seems to recur.
Mosquitoes: The Shortest Window of All
Generally, mosquito treatments will be among those that offer the least period for effectiveness in comparison to other types of pests, with most only offering about 30 days before requiring re-application. This is due to mosquitoes being able to multiply very fast in stagnant water and also the fact that outdoor treatments are more vulnerable to weather conditions such as rain than indoor treatments. The case in Malaysia, monsoon season causes the period to be reduced further.
What Determines Your Ideal Repeat Visit Schedule
There are some common things that determine the frequency of pest control on a property besides the regular schedule:
Level of Risk
Properties that are located close to sewers, markets or construction areas, or have had a previous infestation will usually need more frequent visits compared to those with low risk levels.
Type of Business
Commercial properties will generally need to be serviced at least once a month, while food and beverage businesses will usually need visits at least fortnightly or even once a week to maintain the hygiene regulations.
Original Infestation Severity
Properties that begin with a severely infected state will require monthly visits at first, reducing them to quarterly after controlling the problem.
Structural Changes
This includes renovation works, creation of new openings in screens or seals, or construction work around the property.
How Asteric Can Help
As opposed to adhering to a generalized timetable, we evaluate your particular situation to determine a more realistic treatment timetable, rather than guessing. Our residential pest control services are based on this sort of individualized scheduling, while our commercial pest control services are in order to account for the more stringent timetables that are required of commercial establishments, particularly F&B outlets.
