Recent studies have shown that an average of 3 million people live in apartments across Australia. For many, this is hugely convenient as it’s cheaper than living in a stand-alone house and also puts them within proximity to all the modern amenities that make city living fun. In addition to this, there’s no seasonal roof maintenance and plumbing issues are usually someone else’s problem.
Despite these advantages, apartment dwellers will still have to deal with the occasional insect problem. While it’s always a good idea to make use of the pest control Melbourne locals rely on for all types of bug problems, there are also a few steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of pests in your apartment.
Apartment Buildings Aren’t Free of Pests
Whether you live in a small-one bedroom apartment or a larger, more luxurious complex, the reality is that you will have to deal with pests at some point. This is largely because not everyone in your apartment building may have the same care and concern for keeping bugs at bay.
That means you have no control over what your neighbour is doing to keep pests away. Some of the more common reasons why your clean apartment may still be getting infected with cockroaches and ants include the following:
- Shared spaces such as vents, plumbing systems and walls can make it easy for bugs to get into your space.
- Living near garbage bins and communal areas where food scraps can be found.
- Proximity to open fields and bushlands will make it easy for pests living there to relocate to your building.
With these factors in mind, it can often be challenging for pest control services to locate the root cause of the problem and treat it effectively. To help with this process, our pest control experts recommend using our list of tips to reduce the likelihood of pests invading your space.
1. Understand Your Role in Pest Management
Apartment buildings usually have a long list of rules and regulations advising what you can and can’t do in specific areas of the building. This often leaves tenants thinking that everything is the landlord’s or apartment management’s problem to fix. It’s essential to know what you’re responsible for, especially when it comes to pest control.
Take the time to read through your lease agreement and be sure to ask clarifying questions if you’re unsure of a specific regulation. Rules typically vary between buildings, but pests inside of the apartment is usually our responsibility.
If you’re using a pest control service, be sure to notify all your neighbours (even the ones on the floors above and below you). This is because some treatments are toxic and can seep through vents and walls into someone else’s space.
2. Maintain a Clean Apartment
Apartments are generally smaller than stand-alone houses which means they should be easier to keep clean. That said, pests such as cockroaches, ants, and rodents will be less likely to invade your space if it’s clean.
Here are a few tips to help you reduce the likelihood of pests being attracted to your space:
- Keep your space crumb and food-scrap free as the smallest morsel can attract a wandering cockroach.
- Wash sinks, counters and floors with a cleaning agent that contains citrus or eucalyptus oil as these are believed to discourage pests.
- Store left-over food, cereals, and fruits in airtight containers to keep insects away.
- Ensure that your indoor garbage bin has an airtight lid and is emptied regularly. Be sure to wash it with bleach to eliminate odours.
- Add fly screens to windows and doors that lead to the outdoors as these will help keep flying pests out.
- Keep your apartment dry as moisture often attracts pests.
3. Opt for Professional Pest Control
No matter how small you think a pest issue is, there’s always the risk of it getting out of hand. When you discover a potential issue, be sure to speak to your landlord and if the responsibility falls on your shoulders, opt for professional pest control.
Avoid DIY pesticides as these can be toxic, especially when constantly being sprayed in a small space with limited ventilation. You also don’t want any toxic fumes to seep through windows and air vents. Pest control experts use environmentally safe solutions that are safe to use in an apartment building.
If you have recurring issues in your space, it’s recommended that you invest in annual or biannual preventative pest control. This will ensure that your apartment is inspected and sprayed to prevent future infestations.
Final Thoughts
Keeping a clean space and investing in professional pest control are two of the most effective ways to keep your apartment pest-free. In addition to this, refer to external issues to your landlord before they become a huge problem.
You can also invest in potted plants that deter pests which can easily be placed in window sills. Your pes controller will provide you with a list of tips for your specific space and location. Combined with the ones we’ve shared, your apartment will be pest-free in no-time!
