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Keeping Pests Out of Your Apartment

Jul 2, 2019

Live in an apartment? It’s probably a cozy little place in a multi-unit building, and you may not be in direct control of the day-to-day pest control measures. As a result, it has both benefits and drawbacks when it comes to pests.

The benefit is that your unit may not be on the ground, and if it is, it still may not have direct access to outside, allowing pests an easy way in. On the other hand, multiple units make it easy for pests to spread if you aren’t diligent. 

Here are some tips you can use to keep your apartment pest free! 

Look Over Used Furniture Carefully

Living in an apartment often means you’re trying to save money and may be looking for used furniture to decorate your space. However, getting that killer sofa or armchair from the secondhand store – or even from your neighbor – comes with risks.

You could be bringing all kinds of pests in your home. This is especially true if you grab a great piece of furniture off the curb. Because it sat outside, it could have all kinds of bugs.

Be sure to carefully look over and clean a piece before you bring it in your home. You’ll avoid a lot of headaches and reduce your need for pest control. 

Look That Box Over

Getting a package is exciting, but before you bring it in and tear it open, be sure to make sure there aren’t any unwelcome visitors hitching a ride. Normal packages can have a variety of pests that happen to love cardboard or inadvertently ended up on the box.

Food deliveries, however, are especially prone to pests. If you have dinner delivery or have groceries delivered to your home, check everything over carefully before bringing it in – especially if it’s been sitting outside for a little while.

It doesn’t take long for bugs to find the smell of food and investigate. Make sure they don’t stow away into your apartment, or you could be calling for pest control help.

Check Pets Regularly

If you’re fortunate enough to live in an apartment that allows pets, you may have a furry friend or two that lives with you. Pets are amazing for a variety of reasons, including companionship, fun, and simple personality. 

However, they can also bring in pests very easily. Whether you walk a dog regularly, let your cat outside sometimes, or recently took your ferret to visit a friend, you need to check for fleas, ticks, and other problems.

As wonderful as animals are, they can cause serious pest problems.

Did You Just Get Home?

While you don’t need to be paranoid every time you go to work, coming home from a hike in the park or a road trip can be a different story. Being outdoors is wonderful and allows you to connect with nature – sometimes too closely.

Check for ticks, beetles, even caterpillars or other bugs before you come in and change clothes. It helps to have a friend who can double check for you and see places you can’t easily view, as well. Bugs and other outdoors animals belong outdoors! 

You should also take care if you return from a trip away for a few days. Unfortunately you can bring in bedbugs from anywhere, including a hotel, a friends house, or even an airplane or rental car. You can even pick them up in a movie theater. Bed bugs are a serious pest control issue and hard to get rid of. Be sure to look over your clothes and vacuum your suitcase before putting everything away.

Call Pest Control Services if You Need Them

Sometimes you can count on your landlord to handle pest control if you report a problem, but not always. If you need to take matters into your own hands, don’t hesitate. You can contact West anytime, and we’ll be happy to help. 

A pest free apartment is a happy, comfortable place to live!

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