Waking up to ants in the kitchen or spotting a cockroach scurrying across the floor is never a good start to the day. Bugs are sneaky, and once they settle in, getting rid of them can feel like a never-ending battle. The trick is stopping them before they make themselves at home.
Stop the Welcome Mat Approach
Bugs don’t knock—they slip through cracks, crawl under doors, and take advantage of any tiny opening they can find. The easiest way to cut down on pests is by making sure they can’t get inside in the first place. Check around windows, doors, and baseboards for gaps. If light can get through, so can bugs. Weather stripping around doors helps, and a little caulk around windows or baseboards can seal up those tiny entry points.
Kitchen vents and bathroom exhaust fans can also be an open door for pests. A fine mesh screen over these areas helps keep uninvited guests out while still allowing airflow.
Take Away Their Free Buffet
Bugs don’t move in just because they like the layout. They’re after food and water. That means a few crumbs under the toaster or a leaky sink can turn your apartment into prime real estate for roaches, ants, and other pests.
Keeping food sealed is a game-changer. Bags of flour, sugar, and cereal might as well be bug magnets. Transferring dry goods into airtight containers makes it a lot harder for pests to sniff them out. Pet food is another easy meal for bugs. If there’s a bowl of kibble sitting out all day, it’s an open invitation. Storing pet food in a sealed container and only putting out what’s needed can help keep critters away.
Water sources are just as appealing. A small drip under the sink or a damp sponge on the counter can provide enough moisture for pests to thrive. Fixing leaks and keeping things dry makes a big difference.
Trash: The Ultimate Pest Magnet
Garbage is a buffet for pests. Leaving food scraps in an open trash can overnight is practically rolling out a red carpet for bugs. A trash can with a tight-fitting lid helps, and if possible, taking out food waste daily cuts down on unwanted visitors.
Recycling bins aren’t off the hook either. That empty soda can with a little leftover liquid? Bugs love it. A quick rinse before tossing recyclables in the bin can help keep things pest-free.
Keep Things Clean, But Make It Unpredictable
Bugs love a mess. Piles of clothes, stacks of newspapers, and cluttered countertops all give them places to hide. Regular cleaning helps, but switching up routines can also throw pests off.
If roaches always find crumbs behind the microwave, but that spot is only cleaned once a month, they’ll keep coming back. Changing up cleaning habits—like vacuuming under the couch one week and deep-cleaning kitchen corners the next—makes it harder for bugs to find a steady food source.
Plants and Pests: A Tricky Balance
Houseplants bring life into a space, but they can also be a cozy home for bugs. Fungus gnats love damp soil, and spider mites thrive on indoor greenery. Overwatering plants is an easy way to attract these pests. Letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings can help keep things under control.
If pests are already making a home in your plants, a simple solution like a mix of dish soap and water sprayed on the leaves can help. Some people also swear by a thin layer of cinnamon on the soil to deter bugs.
The “One Bug Means More” Rule
Seeing a single cockroach, ant, or any other bug isn’t something to ignore. Where there’s one, there are usually more hiding out of sight. Acting fast makes a huge difference.
Sticky traps can help figure out how bad the problem is, and store-bought bait stations work for smaller infestations. But if bugs keep showing up, it might be time to bring in backup. That’s where a service like Pest Share can step in, offering professional help without the hassle of a full exterminator visit.
Neighbors Matter More Than You Think
Apartments mean shared walls, and pests don’t care about property lines. If a neighbor has a problem, it can quickly become your problem too. A single roach or mouse in one unit can turn into a full-building issue fast.
Talking with neighbors about pest problems might feel awkward, but it’s better than dealing with an infestation alone. If multiple units are seeing bugs, property managers need to know so they can take action before it spreads.
Natural Repellents That Actually Work
Some smells send bugs running. Peppermint oil is a big one—spiders and ants hate it. A few drops mixed with water in a spray bottle can be used around windows and doors to keep pests away. Bay leaves in cupboards can help deter roaches, and a sprinkle of diatomaceous earth near entry points can stop crawling bugs in their tracks.
These methods won’t wipe out an infestation, but they can help keep new pests from moving in.
Know When to Get Help
DIY methods work for small problems, but some pests need a stronger approach. Bed bugs, cockroaches, and certain types of ants can be incredibly stubborn. If bugs keep showing up no matter what, professional treatment is the best option.
That’s where Pest Share comes in. Instead of paying for expensive exterminator visits, residents in supported apartments can request service through Pest Share and get expert help without the stress.
Keeping bugs out isn’t about one big fix—it’s about small habits that add up. Sealing entry points, cutting off food and water, keeping things clean, and acting fast when bugs appear all make a difference. With the right approach, pests won’t stand a chance.
