Pest Causes & Common Nigerian Home Pests
• Excess Moisture & Humidity: Leaking pipes, standing water in air conditioner drain lines, and undrained kitchen sinks attract cockroaches, mosquitoes, and drain flies.
• Structural Crevices & Openings: Unsealed wall cracks, gaps under doors, damaged mosquito nets, and open soakaway chambers allow rats, snakes, and lizards inside.
• Clutter & Food Storage: Open food containers, unwashed dishes, and accumulated cardboard boxes create breeding grounds for bed bugs, rats, and houseflies.
Chemical Cost Breakdown in Lagos Retail Markets
Chemical / Product Type Target Pest Estimated Cost Range (NGN)
Dichlorvos / DDVP Concentrates (Industrial) Cockroaches, Flies, Mosquitoes ₦4,500 – ₦9,000 per Liter
Synthetic Pyrethroids (e.g., Cypermethrin 10%/25% EC) Crawling & Flying Insects ₦5,000 – ₦12,000 per Liter
Imidacloprid / Fipronil Gel Baits Cockroaches & Ants (Spot Treatment) ₦3,500 – ₦8,000 per Syringe/Tube
Bifenthrin / Termiticides Termites & Wood Borers ₦12,000 – ₦28,000 per Liter
Zinc Phosphide / Wax Block Rodenticides Rats & Mice (Bait Stations) ₦2,500 – ₦6,000 per Pack
Safety Warning: Avoid using banned DDVP/Sniper formulations indoors or on food surfaces. NAFDAC strictly restricts high-concentration organophosphates to registered professional applicators due to severe respiratory toxicity.
Service Cost Guide (Professional Labour + Chemicals)
Property Size / Scope General Pest Control (Roaches, Ants) Bed Bug Eradication (Heat + Chemical) Termite Proofing & Soil Drenching
1-Bedroom Flat ₦15,000 – ₦25,000 ₦25,000 – ₦45,000 ₦60,000 – ₦100,000
2–3 Bedroom Flat ₦25,000 – ₦40,000 ₦40,000 – ₦70,000 ₦90,000 – ₦160,000
4–5 Bedroom Duplex ₦45,000 – ₦80,000 ₦70,000 – ₦120,000 ₦180,000 – ₦350,000+
Exit Time, Re-Entry Protocols & Safety
• Standard Exit Duration: Vacate the premises for 4 to 6 hours minimum following standard fogging or misting.
• High-Risk Individuals: Asthmatics, pregnant women, infants, and pets should remain away for 12 to 24 hours.
• Post-Fumigation Entry Protocol:
- Open all doors and windows for 30 to 45 minutes to vent out residual chemical vapors before settling back in.
- Wash food contact surfaces (kitchen countertops, dining tables) with warm water and soap. Do not wash floors with heavy detergents for 48 hours to preserve the residual chemical barrier.
Structural Blocking & Long-Term Prevention
[Exterior Perimeter] ---> Seal foundation cracks & soakaway covers with concrete
[Entry Points] ---> Install door sweeps (bottom rubber seals) & 1mm wire mesh on vents
[Kitchen & Pantry] ---> Store dry foods in airtight glass/plastic containers
[Wet Zones] ---> Repair pipe drips & maintain grease traps to deny water access
• Door Sweeps & Window Screens: Install rubber door sweeps on exterior doors and replace damaged wire mesh screens on windows and kitchen vents.
• Drain Cap Installations: Fit screw-cap floor drains (Gully Traps) in bathrooms and kitchens to stop sewer rats and roaches from climbing up plumbing lines.
• Soakaway & Pipe Sealing: Ensure the soakaway pit cover is completely sealed with cement. Apply wire mesh or steel wool around pipe openings entering wall structures.