OSRS Strength Training Guide (60–99):Pest Control Method

Pushing Strength to 99 in Old School RuneScape can feel like a long journey, but one activity consistently praised for both efficiency and fun is Pest Control. From levels 60 to 99, this cooperative mini-game offers reliable experience, minimal resource consumption, and a fast-paced combat environment that keeps players engaged.

Below, we'll break down why Pest Control is such a strong choice for Strength training, how to get the most out of each match, and what challenges you'll want to be prepared for.

What Makes Pest Control Effective for Strength Training

Located at the Void Knights Outpost, Pest Control is a team-based mini-game where players must defend the Void Knight while destroying the invading portals that spawn pests. Because each match includes a wide variety of enemy types and constant combat, it becomes a surprisingly efficient way to train Strength.

Here are the main reasons players choose this training method:

1.Strong XP per Hour

Combat in Pest Control is nonstop. There's always a pest to attack, so you're rarely idle. When you participate actively-attacking high-HP pests and staying on task-your Strength XP rates can be very competitive with more conventional methods.

2. Automatic Resource Restoration

After each match, your:

Hitpoints

Prayer

Run energy

…are all fully restored. This means you can focus entirely on outputting damage without worrying about food or prayer upkeep between games.

3. Reward Points and Profit

While Pest Control isn't a direct money-making activity, it provides reward points that can be exchanged for resources or equipment like Void gear. Some players also offset training costs by using gold they've earned in-game or purchased legally through reputable services.

4. Group-Based Gameplay

If you enjoy cooperative content, Pest Control is ideal. Matches involve real teamwork-defending, clearing pests, and coordinating portal destruction. This gives Strength training a refreshing change of pace compared to grinding solo in a dungeon.

How to Prepare for Efficient Pest Control Training

Success in Pest Control depends on your build and readiness. Use the best gear and supplies you can afford to maximize your contribution in each game.

Recommended Gear

Your focus should be on high damage output. Many players use Dharok's set for powerful low-HP hits, but you can also bring any melee setup that prioritizes Strength bonus.

Alternatives include:

Obsidian armor set with Berserker Necklace

High Strength gear like Bandos pieces or Fighter Torso

Dragon or higher-tier weapons depending on Attack level

Inventory Tips

Bring:

Super Strength or Super Combat potions

A few pieces of food (Sharks, Karambwans, etc.)

Optional Prayer potions if you're using offensive prayers

Since your stats refill after every match, you don't need to stock up heavily.

Team Considerations

The bigger and more coordinated the team, the faster your games will be. Runs with 20–25 players are significantly more efficient than minimal-player matches.

To improve your experience:

Join Pest Control-focused groups or clans

Look for active PC worlds

Queue with players who understand scoring mechanics

Dealing With Pest Control's Challenges

Pest Control isn't completely effortless. Difficulty scales with team size, and random groups sometimes struggle with OSRS gold coordination.

Here's how to overcome common pain points:

Communicate Frequently

Quick directions like “focus east portal” or “defend the knight” can rescue a failing match. Teams that communicate almost always perform better.

Stay Mobile

Watch the minimap, respond to new threats, and help hold lanes where pests overwhelm teammates.

Adapt Your Approach

If rushing portals isn't working, shift focus to defending or clearing specific pests. A flexible team is a successful team.

Patience helps too-queue times and inconsistent teammates can be frustrating, but well-organized lobbies make Pest Control extremely efficient.

Why Pest Control Stands Out from 60 to 99 Strength

For melee players, Pest Control offers an appealing mix of:

Continuous combat

Competitive XP rates

Zero supply drain

Group gameplay

Useful reward points

If you're looking for something more interactive than stationary training spots-and cheap OSRS gold you don't want to burn through food or prayer potions every hour-Pest Control is one of the best options in the game for mid- to high-level Strength training.

Gather your team, gear up, and dive into the Outpost battles. With steady participation and a good group, you'll not only push your Strength levels higher but also build up valuable rewards that will benefit your progress throughout Gielinor.