Pest control do’s and don’ts for living in rented flats & apartments

Like it or not, pests and bugs are a part of our life, and while many people are fine with sharing with insects, you don’t really want them in your home. One thing to bear in mind when living in a flat or apartment is that you don’t have total control over the building, only your space within it.

While the management might have their own policy regarding pest control, there are some things you can do yourself to ensure that your space is not invaded by pests.
Maintain a high level of cleanliness. Never leave food out in the open, as this attracts a whole range of insects, especially ants. Keeping your flat clean sends out the right signal to pests, as they have nothing to gain from hanging around. If you can manage to find a company that provides effective electronic pest control‌, they will ensure that your living space remains pest-free.
Check for cracks. If the structure has cracks, then this provides a path for pests to move around. A crack in a ceiling might just be the way for termites or other damaging creatures to enter, and by asking your local handyman to pop round and fill any cracks, you are doing what you can to make your home a pest-free environment.
Don’t be complacent. You should always be aware that insects can make your home their home. Leaving windows open is an invitation for both flying and non-flying insects to enter your living space. There are a few more useful tips on how to keep your apartment pest free.
Don’t remain silent. If the worst happens and you are infested with insects, you should inform the management and also your neighbours. A group of unhappy tenants is the best way to make the management do something, which usually results in a professional pest control outfit being called in.
Do use products. There are, for example, electronic devices that repel certain forms of pest. These are tried and trusted ways to help keep your home pest-free. An online search will bring up a list of reputable suppliers and with a secure online payment, your device will be shipped to your home address.
Don’t wear your shoes inside. All it takes is a few ant eggs to start off a colony and shoes are also a way to bring particles of food into your home, which will feed any pests that happen to be there. This will ensure that your floors are always clean and you can have a special pair of house slippers sitting by the door, which you can wear as soon as you get home.
Whatever your living environment, keeping things clean will certainly not encourage any pests to move in, and should you hear from any of your neighbours that they have a pest problem, make sure that your apartment is pest-free by carrying out a thorough inspection.
 
*This is a collaborative post.