Troubleshooting: Bugs & Pests

dealing with UNInVITED GUESTS?

I’m looking for something else.

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ANTS ARE PRETTY COOL (WHEN THEY’RE OUTSIDE).

Ants have been around for about 140 million years, so they’re probably not going away anytime soon. However, they don’t have to live in your home. Continue below to learn how to get rid of them.

Ants:

How to get rid of ‘EM 

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBJa32lCaaY[/embedyt]

1. Clean thoroughly and often

Ants, like most critters, go where there’s food. Keeping your home clean, especially in the kitchen where food scraps can fall on the floor, will avoid attracting ants in the first place. Sweep and mop floors and wipe down all surfaces with a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water at least once per week.

2. put pet food away

If you have pets, put their food dishes away in a sealed container when they’re not eating. Pick up any pieces of pet food that gets dropped on the floor. Just one piece can be enough to attract a line of ants.

3. Seal trash bins and empty them regularly

A trash bin full of food scraps is irresistible to ants and other critters. Make sure to have a tight-fitting lid on your trash bin and empty it regularly. Never leave trash bags sitting out.

Important Notes:

  • If a breaker continues to trip frequently, it may indicate an underlying electrical issue, and you should notify your Property Manager.
  • Never force a breaker into the “on” position if it resists or if there is an unusual smell or signs of burning. This could be a sign of a serious problem that must be referred to your Property Manager.

4. Poison them

Harsh, but if you’ve tried everything above and still have ants it may be time to get more aggressive. Commercial ant bait stations can be found in most supermarkets and home improvement stores. These contain slow-acting poison that ants carry back to their colony, effectively eliminating it.

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cockroaches

Cockroaches, like most unwanted pests, are attracted to food sources. Consistent home hygiene practices and vigilant maintenance are key to preventing cockroach infestations in your home.

cockroaches:

how to get rid of ‘EM 

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBJa32lCaaY[/embedyt]

1. clean regularly

Keep your living space clean by wiping down surfaces, sweeping floors, and promptly cleaning up food crumbs or spills. Like most pests, cockroaches go where there’s food. A clean home will force them to look for food elsewhere.

2. store food properly and don’t leave dirty dishes out

Store food in airtight containers and avoid leaving uncovered food out for extended periods. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink or lying around as cockroaches and other pests are attracted to food. Also, be sure trash bins have a tight lid and empty trash regularly.

3. seal entry points

Identify and seal cracks, gaps, and openings in walls, windows, and doors to prevent cockroaches from entering your apartment. You may need to check with your Property Management company before using products such as caulk or weather stripping.

4. poison them

Cockroaches can be difficult to get rid of and it might be necessary to kill them using bait stations or other products. Place cockroach bait stations in areas where cockroach activity is noticed as these can help eliminate an infestation or prevent new ones from forming.

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Mice & Rats

Mice and rats, like most unwanted pests, are attracted to food sources. Consistent home hygiene practices and vigilant maintenance are key to preventing cockroach infestations in your home.

mice & rats:

how to get rid of ‘EM

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBJa32lCaaY[/embedyt]

1. identify and seal entry points

Inspect your home for possible entry points. Mice can enter through small gaps, cracks, or openings. Seal these entry points with steel wool or caulk to prevent further access.

2. remove food sources

Keep food stored in airtight containers, and clean up crumbs and spills promptly. Mice are attracted to easily accessible food.

3. maintain a clean environment

Regularly clean and declutter your home. Remove potential nesting sites by organizing storage areas and eliminating piles of paper, cardboard, or other materials that mice may use for nesting. Take out the trash when full and be sure your trash bin has a tight-fitting lid.

4. consider bait traps

Set up mouse bait traps in areas where you’ve seen mouse activity. Position traps perpendicular to walls, as this is where mice typically run. Place them in areas where you’ve seen droppings or evidence of activity. Be sure to check traps regularly and replace as necessary. If you prefer a non-lethal approach, consider using live or humane traps. Once caught, release the mice far away from your home.

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other critters

The first steps in getting rid of outdoor pests like raccoons involves a combination of deterrents and removing things to which they’re attracted.

other critters:

how to get rid of ‘EM

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBJa32lCaaY[/embedyt]

1. secure garbage bins

Raccoons are attracted to garbage, so use bins with tight-fitting lids and consider attaching bungee cords or locks to prevent them from getting into trash. Never leave bags of trash sitting out.

2. Clean outdoor spaces

Regularly clean outdoor areas, including decks and patios, to remove food scraps and spills that may attract raccoons. Avoid leaving pet food or birdseed outdoors, especially overnight. Raccoons are opportunistic feeders, and removing food sources reduces their attraction.

3. leave the porch light on

Raccoons are nocturnal, and they often prefer dark areas. Leaving outdoor lighting on, or installing motion-activated lights, can startle them and make your property less appealing.