After many a weekend spent on apartment viewings, emotionally draining negotiations and the accompanying stress involved with moving homes in Hong Kong, there’s no better feeling than lying on your couch and putting your feet up while you look around the room, completely satisfied with your new set up and surroundings. Unbeknownst to you, however, is that some of the property’s former residents have decided to stay – and they’re ready to defend what is “theirs”. They are the roaches in your pipes, the ants in your cupboards and all the pests in between.
This article aims to provide a brief overview of common pests in Hong Kong houses and apartments and the remedies to rid your home of such unwanted guests.
Cockroaches
With the arrival of summer and Hong Kong’s hot, humid conditions, conditions are now ideal for roaches to re-emerge from their underground lairs and the crevices inside your home. Aside from the debilitating presence they have on those with katsaridaphobia, roaches can carry germs that can lead to food poisoning, nausea, rashes and sneezing.
There are a few common types: The American cockroach (the largest and most independent with the ability to fly), the German cockroach (who like to hang out in clusters) and the Oriental cockroach (who prefer the outdoors). Precautions can be taken to keep these bugs at bay, but as with many pests, some just don’t want to leave. To prevent any infestations it is advisable to:
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Maintain a Clean and Tidy Living Environment - Store food properly, take out the garbage in a timely manner (daily if possible) and cover trash cans with a lid.
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Demolish Their Homes - Minimize places where they may choose to reside such as old newspapers and magazines, false ceilings and wire ducts. Install a wire mesh in drain holes and line the sides with Vaseline to stop them from coming in.
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Build a Line of Defence - Prepare traps such as roach motels (available at your local supermarket) or create your own if you are looking for a fun rainy day activity! Keep a can of insecticide on hand and spray directly on any suspect areas, taking into account safety instructions.
- Call in the Experts – If the problem persists, call in the professionals and sit back and relax as you recolonize your home from the sanctuary of your sofa.
Ants
Quick to appear on kitchen countertops and bathroom sinks, there are a reported 190 ant species in Hong Kong. While not an outright pest, these little critters will eat and contaminate food that is not properly sealed and it is never ideal to find yourself biting into a sandwich with an extra, living ingredient. Depending on the type of ant, they may also bite back!
Locating the entry point is key to dealing with ants. Pending this you may apply the following solutions to stop them from coming back:
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Seal Off Points of Entry – Restrict access by tracing them to their source and blocking off passage where possible.
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Remove the Scent Trail – Ants follow a trail and simply wiping down surfaces may be sufficient. Spray a mixture of white vinegar and water along these paths, or use a little Dettol to help further dilute their scent.
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Kill the Queen – For particularly determined populations, leave poisoned bait for ants to carry back to their nest and Queen to commence a miniature re-enactment of the Battle of Troy.
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Use Deterrents – Ants detest pure lemon juice, cucumbers, cayenne pepper, baby powder, bay leaves and cloves. Place or sprinkle your “repellent of choice” at major access points and watch the ant numbers dwindle.
- Keep it Clean – Mop floors with hot soapy water, wipe down counters on a daily basis and ensure food is not left out as a source of temptation.
Mosquitoes
Waking up to the high-pitched sound of a mosquito around your ear, alongside the potential threats of severe itching and dengue fever, should be adequate motivation for you to wage war on these insects. With the hot and humid weather associated with Hong Kong’s subtropical climate, it is not easy to prevent all appearances but one can try to minimize these with a few helpful tips:
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Remove and Prevent Stagnant Water – Regularly clear and change water in flower vases and saucers of potted plants, clean air-conditioner drip trays and tightly cover any water containers.
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Keep Them Out – Affix mosquito nets on windows to prevent them from getting inside your home while ensuring ample ventilation.
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Use Fire to Your Advantage– Burn mosquito coils or citronella candles when attempting to enjoy yourself outdoors, whether it be on your balcony, terrace or rooftop. Apply insect repellent as an added protection.
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Grow a Plant – Some plant species including lavender, basil and catnip are thought to repel mosquitoes so growing these in your home could prove beneficial. One should, however, bear in mind that growing these species may attract other types of animals or insects.
- Adopt a Predator – For those with fish tanks or ponds, it is worth trying to incorporate a species of mosquito larvae eating fish. Bats (yes, we do have them in HK!) are another animal that might be beneficial having around in this regard. Some species are able to eat more than 600 mosquitoes in an hour so constructing a bat house might be an idea – barring the many complaints from your fearful neighbours.
Mice and Rats
A rarer occurrence inside Hong Kong homes, mice and rats can be found lurking in alley ways and rumbling through trash bags left out at night. For the most part, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s Pest Control Advisory Section does a good job in keeping rodents in check with regular inspections of problem areas and the implementation of disinfestation or prevention measures.
As with the above mentioned pests, good hygiene and proper disposal of garbage is key. Should you be unfortunate enough to receive such a visitor, it is advisable to call a professional pest control service to handle the situation.
Guests
Hong Kong is a great tourist destination and friends and family from all over the globe will be tempted to visit, thinking that they’ll have a place to say. Unlike other countries, Hong Kong’s expensive rentals and lower than average apartment size, make it rare to have a guest room. This means any visitors will likely be staying in your living area, and while it’s nice to have them around for a while, we all know that one friend who continues to stay beyond their welcome period. To prevent this from happening, direct them to a local property agent or simply share this article to show them what else might be living in your home! (They may even get the hint!)
