Let’s face it, pests can be real pests. As much as we don’t like them, they are everywhere and have figured out how to live around us and constantly try to live with us. Bed bugs, mice, spiders, flies, cockroaches, all these critters can cause significant damage in your homes so we wanted to give you some tips on how to prevent them and get rid of them.
Empty Your Garbage Often
Do not allow garbage to build up in your garbage cans at home. Some people like to wait until it’s nearly full before they empty it, but the build up of garbage and decomposing food can lead to foul odours and can attract and cause the build up of pests.
Dirt and Clutter
Most pests are attracted to dirt or areas where they can easily hide. If you want to keep them away, keep your place clean and limit the amount of clutter since these create dark and hidden areas that these pests like to live in.
Storage spaces are a good hiding place for pests. Some units have indoor storage spaces while some properties have sheds our outdoor storage spaces too. Paying attention to what you store and how you store it may prevent your storage room from attracting pests like mice and rats. Balconies that have a lot of clutter may attract unwanted birds like pigeons, which attract mites and can leave bird droppings on your balcony. If you are going to be away from your unit for a long period of time, make sure you clear the clutter on your balcony because this is when the birds are most likely to come pay you a visit.
Food
Like most animals, pests go in search of food. If you can, keep food in airtight containers and in the fridge/freezer. Any food that is left lying around can attract pests. Appliances such as ovens, stoves, grills, microwaves and toasters can attract pests if food particles are not cleaned out on a regular basis, so make sure you keep them clean.
Manage Moisture
Certain pests are attracted to damp and moist areas and in some cases, excess moisture can lead to mold or certain components deteriorating, which leads to more areas where pests can hide and live. Where possible, keep the place light, airy and dry to ensure moisture does not build up.
Report Problems or Damage to Your Landlord Immediately
If certain pests become unmanageable or seem to persist, be sure to inform your landlord as soon as possible. The sooner you identify a problem and resolve it, the better off you’ll be, because small issues can become big issues if they aren’t dealt with quickly. And in some cases, these pests will require a pest control expert or fumigation and need to be dealt with immediately.