Ants are attracted by food especially sweet substances so do not leave any of these in the open. Also remember to treat all entry points to your home with the insecticide.

Cockroaches hide in warm and damp areas such as those found in kitchens and bathrooms. They usually come out in the night and are attracted to rubbish and food.

Pesticide sprays and powders are effective in getting rid of cockroaches. Cockroach baits are also available and can be placed in the kitchen, bathroom or other affected places to attract the pests to take the poison and kill them.

Mice and rats can spread disease through their urine and droppings and when feeding on uncovered food, they may contaminate the food. In addition, they can chew through electrical cables and damage other furnishings.

Preventive measures against mice and rats include ensuring that entry points such as doors, window, drains, pipes and vents are sealed. No food should be left lying around unattended. You can get rid of these pests by using traps or poison available from most hardware stores.

As pests generally like to feed on scraps of leftover food, be sure to clean up all spilled foods and clear the garbage regularly, putting them out properly in sealed bags or bins. Make sure that your home is kept clean, especially the kitchen area, and store all foods in sealed containers.

When using poisons or insecticides, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep them out of the reach of children and pets. If the infestation is serious, call a pest control company as they have specialised knowledge and equipment to deal with various types of pests.