Everyone deserves to have a safe, warm, and dry home. But when it comes to bugs, you don’t want them taking up residence in your home. Yet sometimes, those little insects make their way in no matter how hard you try. And once they’re in, they can be hard to get out.
This article will provide the best tips to keep those bugs out of your apartment.
Tips to Bug Control in Your Apartment
There’s just one place that bugs shouldn’t be: in your home, where you eat, sleep, and relax after a long day’s work. The last thing you want to do is run around your apartment with a fly swatter or paper towel, trying to eradicate one bug after another.
Unfortunately, bugs have an uncanny way of knowing when your apartment is ripe for the pickings—literally and figuratively. They’re attracted to dirty dishes that might have been left in the sink, spilled food not cleaned up adequately from the floors, and crumbs not wiped away from the counters. All of these things create quite the welcoming smorgasbord.
But thankfully., there are things you can do to keep those bugs away. Here’s what you need to do.
Keep Your Kitchen Clean and Sanitized
Maintaining a clean and sanitized kitchen is one of the most effective ways to keep bugs out of your apartment. Bugs are attracted to food residue and crumbs, so wipe down kitchen counters and eating surfaces after every meal.
Wash dishes immediately or at least rinse them and place them in the dishwasher. Pay attention to the stove, microwave, and any other areas where food particles might accumulate.
Seal Gaps and Repair Screens
Bugs can enter your apartment through the smallest of gaps and cracks. Check your window screens for any holes or tears and have them repaired or replaced if necessary. Additionally, inspect doors and windows for any gaps where bugs could enter.
Use weather stripping or caulk to seal these openings. If you’re renting, inform your apartment maintenance team about any issues so they can address them promptly.
Use Bug Traps and Sprays
Even with the best preventive measures, bugs can still find their way into your apartment. Keep a few bug traps or insect repellents handy to deal with any intruders. Many traps and sprays are available, including natural options like citronella candles or essential oil-based sprays. Regularly check and replace traps as needed.
Dispose of Garbage Regularly
Garbage is a significant attractant for bugs, mainly if it accumulates in your apartment. Make it a habit to take out the trash regularly, ideally every day or every other day. Buy a garbage can with a tight-fitting lid to prevent bugs from getting inside. Periodically rinse the garbage can to remove any grime and spills that might attract pests.
Eliminate Standing Water and Moisture
Many bugs, especially mosquitoes and roaches, are attracted to moisture. Check your apartment for leaks or standing water, such as under sinks, around the bathtub, or in your laundry area.
Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels low, particularly in basements or other damp areas. Make sure to fix any plumbing issues promptly and immediately wipe up any spills or puddles.
Need Help with Apartment Pest Control?
If those bugs keep returning despite your best efforts to follow our suggestions, it’s time to take action. Contact A&M Pest Control, which serves residential and commercial properties in Cape Cod. We’re experts in pest control and can help you keep bugs where they belong—outside—and not in your apartment.