As Diwali approaches, households across India come alive with the annual ritual of deep cleaning and decoration, symbolizing not just preparation for the festival but also inviting prosperity, good energy, and positivity into the home. Besides enhancing aesthetics, this cleaning spree is essential for maintaining hygiene, especially with the increased frequency of guests. From decluttering rooms to scrubbing surfaces, here’s a guide to ensure your home is perfectly primed for the season — and free from unwelcome pests like cockroaches that can often emerge during this process. 1. Declutter and Organize Every Room Decluttering is the first step to creating a tidy and welcoming space. Begin with smaller areas, like hallways or guest rooms, and work your way up to larger spaces. Decluttering not only simplifies cleaning but also brings a sense of renewal. Consider donating unused items to share the festive spirit with others. Organize storage spaces like cabinets, closets, and drawers, which will give you more room for decorations and create a refreshed environment ready for the festive season. 2. Deep Clean Surfaces and Hidden Areas The kitchen and bathroom require extra attention, as these areas can harbour dirt, grime, and moisture that attract pests like cockroaches. Kitchens accumulate grease and food particles, especially in cabinets, drawers, and hard-to-reach corners, while bathrooms and drains are vulnerable to mould. Thoroughly cleaning these areas will not only brighten them up but also help prevent pests and create a more hygienic home environment. 3. Addressing Cockroach Infestations This Diwali, make sure cockroaches aren’t the guests that linger in your home. With visitors coming over, a cockroach-free house is essential for a warm and welcoming celebration. Moreover, cockroaches carry over 30 different types of bacteria, which can cause illnesses like food poisoning and dysentery. They can also trigger allergies and asthma attacks, especially in children and the elderly. According to Dr Samir Dalwai, a Prominent Developmental Pediatrician, “Cockroaches are more than just a nuisance; they are significant carriers of harmful pathogens and allergens. Cockroaches have been known to spread bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause severe gastrointestinal diseases like food poisoning, and typhoid. Additionally, cockroach droppings, saliva, and shed body parts contain allergens that can trigger or worsen asthma and allergies, particularly in children and the elderly. The Diwali cleaning season is an ideal time to target cockroach nests and eliminate these pests effectively, creating a safer and healthier environment for family gatherings. Solutions specifically designed to kill cockroaches on contact and prevent their return, are effective tools to control these infestations and safeguard your home. CRS: Centre Launches Mobile App for Birth, Death Registration Canada: Former Indian Foreign Secretary Responds to Amit Shah's Inclusion in Khalistani Kill Plot Amit Shah Turns 60: PM Modi Hails Him as an 'Exceptional Administrator'