GUIDE: How to Get Rid of Condo Pests
Cleaning your condominium unit may not be enough to repel those many-legged freaks out of your place. When you live in one, you’ll likely encounter pests such as ants, cockroaches, flies, and rats skittering around. They are sneaky and can even enter through open windows and ventilation slats for AC units, as well as under doors without door sweeps. Potted plants, whether indoors or on a balcony, can also give them additional access. While it may seem like these pest problems are inevitable, you can take steps to prevent or limit infestations in the future. Here are some tips on how to get rid of insects and rodents quickly and effectively from your condo.
Keep your kitchen clean
IMAGE from Pexels
There is nothing pests love more than free food. In most cases, bugs and rodents come about because they get attracted to food. Keeping your appliances, sink, and stove tops clean is important to keep them at bay. Cleaning mold from your kitchen can also reduce their number, too, as mold attracts those critters. Fruits and vegetables attract fruit flies so keeping your fresh produce in the refrigerator is the way to go. Ensuring that your sink and counter is free of dirty dishes and leftovers goes a long way toward leaving pests with no easy food source in your condo.
Take out the trash regularly
IMAGE from Pexels
To pests, your trash is just as tasty as fresh food. Keep a tight lid on your bin and always remove it from your condo when full. If you let it overflow, bugs and rats are more likely to try to get at them. Also, make sure to clean your trash cans every now and then to get rid of any garbage left behind and prevent it from becoming a critter magnet.
Get rid of clutter
IMAGE from Pexels
Even if your condo is relatively clean, cluttered areas in the unit are perfect places for pests to hide. They love to hide out where they think they won’t be noticed. Organize your bathroom counter, make your bed, and sort that pile of laundry on the floor. Keeping your place clean and clutter-free should help keep bugs and rodents away.
Vacuum, sweep, and mop your unit
IMAGE from Pexels
Even if you keep your condo clean, there are still tiny specs of food and debris on the floor that you can’t see, but pests love. Be sure to sweep and mop the floor and vacuum the carpet as much as possible to reduce the chances of those critters moving in. Use a damp cloth or feather duster in cleaning corners, baseboards, and other hard-to-reach areas since bugs might nest in those spots.
Seal all cracks and openings
IMAGE from Pexels
The most effective way to stop bugs and rodents from entering your condo is to make it impossible for them to get inside. Seal up any cracks and openings to your unit to prevent easy access to your living space. This is especially important if you live in an old unit. When window frames age, they often split, providing insects entry points to your home. Old doors frequently have worn-out weatherstrips, allowing insects to squeeze their way inside through the tiniest openings. Close off gaps with caulk, an easy, affordable way to pest-proof your place.
Use insecticides
IMAGE from Pexels
If everything else fails, use insecticides. Spraying it in areas where pests can thrive like underneath or behind furniture, under the fridge, along the linings of the wall, and inside the cabinet will certainly keep them out of your home. Do note that insecticides should be used indoors only as a last resort. Make sure pets or small children are not around when you use it because breathing problems may occur if these chemicals are breathed in.
Lastly, be sure to ask your property management team about their pest control policy and how they would deal with pest infestations. After all, it is their responsibility to eliminate pests and maintain the residence. Make sure you know their routine pest control check when you move in.
