Controlling Pests in an Apartment

Pest control in an apartment can be a real challenge.  You are at the mercy of factors beyond your control.  

For example, you don't control the construction quality of your building. If the builder left gaps that bugs can get through, your options are limited. 

You also don't have any control over the behavior of your neighbors.  If they leave doors open without screens, bugs can crawl or fly right in.  If they have poor hygiene and kitchen cleaning habits, bugs will be there to take advantage of the situation.

By Amada44 (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Fortunately, there are a few things that ypu can control:

First, you can make your own environment less attractive to bugs by keeping your kitchen clean and sanitary.  Every night you should make sure that the dishes are washed, food is put away, and counters are clean and wiped down.

Second, you can keep doors and windows closed.  If you plan to open windows, you can make sure that they fit properly and are in good repair.

Third, you can have pest control visit your apartment on a regular basis.  In some states, the law requires landlords to provide pest control.  It's good to be home when pest control comes so that ypu can discuss pests you've seen and problem areas.

Fourth, you can supplement pest control with your own efforts.  You can sprinkle diatomaceous earth in locations that people and pets do not access. For example, you can sprinkle the white powder behind the refrigerator.  You can also use roach and ant traps or even spray yourself.