When pests like cockroaches, rodents and bed bugs invade an apartment complex, it can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, you can take steps to prepare your apartment before West Palm Beach pest control services begin.
The first step is to inspect your home for any signs of infestation. Look in dark corners, along walls and under furniture.
Check for Infestations
Before you sign the lease on an apartment, it’s important to do a thorough inspection to make sure there are no pest infestations. If you spot any signs of a pest infestation, you should notify the landlord immediately so they can schedule a pest control treatment.
There are many common types of insects that can infest apartments, including cockroaches, bed bugs, and mice. Luckily, there are a few warning signs that a place may be infested with pests that you can look for during your tour of the property.
Cockroaches are among the most annoying of all pests to have in your home or apartment. They’re notoriously sneaky, so it’s important to take a close look at potential apartments before you sign the lease.
Roaches can hide just about anywhere, so it’s important to check popular hiding places such as the kitchen and bathroom for roaches during your tour of the apartment.
Another way to tell if there’s a pest problem is by checking the apartment for droppings and feces. Most cockroaches leave a strong, oily or musty odor behind their droppings.
These rotting droppings aren’t discreet, so they’re usually out in the open and can be found on floors, counters, and around furniture. They’re also commonly found in cabinets, inside appliances, and in small nooks and crannies where cockroaches like to nest.
If you’re looking for a new apartment, check the cabinets and under the sink for pest control products that might have been used. It’s a good sign if the previous owners or renters have used these products in order to combat pests, and it can serve as an opportunity to start a conversation about any pest issues you might have with the property’s owner or agent.
Remove Infested Items
Before pest control professionals can begin treatment, it is important to remove any infested items from your apartment. This will help them locate and treat the infestation more effectively. It also makes it less likely that they will transfer the pests to another area.
Bed bugs are highly invasive and can spread quickly throughout an apartment building. They can easily enter apartments through light switches, electrical outlets and essentially any cracks or voids that they can squeeze into. They can then travel along electrical wires and plumbing pipes to reach other rooms or even other apartments.
It is especially critical to remove infested furniture and appliances before pest control professionals can begin treatment. Carpets, couches and upholstered chairs are often a favorite hiding place for bed bugs, so vacuum these areas thoroughly before they can be treated.
Be sure to double-bag and discard the vacuum bags outdoors so that any bed bugs caught in the vacuum cannot reintroduce themselves into the home. This will also make it easier for the pest control professional to properly inspect and treat these furniture items.
Likewise, dispose of any infested clothing, towels and linens that you can no longer use or have to throw out. Washing them at high temperatures (about 60°C) will kill all stages of bed bugs, but putting them in plastic bins or bags is safest.
Be sure to get rid of all infested items from the apartment, no matter how difficult or expensive it might be. Discarding infested bedding and other belongings may be tempting, but it can spread bed bugs to new locations in the home. If it is not possible to discard the item, seal it in a plastic tub and store it until you can launder it.
Clean Up
If you’re a homeowner, you know how important it is to keep your home clean. A thorough vacuuming can remove a lot of dust, and it’s also a great way to spot pests before they have a chance to invade your living quarters.
If your budget allows, consider having a professional pest control service come to your home and perform a deep cleaning of the major areas. This will give you a better chance of preventing future infestations, and you’ll save yourself a lot of time and effort in the long run.
It’s a good idea to follow the instructions from your service provider and wait for them to call before you go cleaning your home, as they may have a special tool to use in the job. They’ll tell you how long it will take before the chemicals they use will have any effect on your home, and this will give you a better chance of getting the most out of your cleaning budget. They also might mention that they’re a bit spooked by the sight of a lot of people in one area, so don’t be afraid to ask them for a little advice before you tackle your cleaning challenge.
Relocate Pets
If you’re about to relocate, it’s important to plan ahead so that your pets will have a smooth transition. This will ensure that they don’t exhibit bad behavior, such as sulking under the bed or barking and destroying items in your new home.
Apartments are often crowded spaces and may be difficult for animals to get used to, especially if they’re accustomed to their own house. Make sure you have plenty of pet beds and toys to help your furry friend feel more comfortable in their new surroundings.
You should also visit your new rental unit more often to allow your pet to adjust. This will help them to become familiar with the sights, smells, and sounds of your new home.
It’s also important to keep your dog’s rabies vaccine up to date. You can check this with your vet or the local animal shelter before moving in.
If you live in an apartment, it’s essential to maintain cleanliness and minimize clutter. This will reduce the amount of places for pests to hide and breed in.
Moreover, avoid leaving food out where they can find it easily. This will also prevent cockroaches, mice, and other pests from invading your home.
In addition, it’s important to keep your apartment well-lit so that pests can’t hide. You can do this by installing sufficient lighting in all corners of your apartment.
Before the service technicians arrive, it’s important to ensure that your apartment is clean and tidy. This will ensure that exterminators are able to treat your home efficiently and safely. It will also ensure that your pets’ safety is protected, as they should be kept away from the exterminators while they are working.
Inspect the Area
Before pest control inspectors arrive at your apartment, make sure the area is clean and clear. This means that the areas they need to get access to, like attics and crawl spaces, are clear of clutter and debris.
Then, it is time to start checking for signs of pest infestation. This includes spotting signs of rodent or insect activity such as droppings, feces, nesting materials, and food scraps. Often, these pests like to hide in dark and secluded places. To assist in this inspection, your technician will bring with them a flashlight and an extendable mirror.
They will also take pictures of any areas they find that need attention. This is important so that your inspector can easily illustrate their findings in their reports. It will also help them to better understand your concerns and provide you with the most accurate information possible.
After they have inspected the area, your pest control company will come up with a customized plan to eliminate any current or potential infestations. This plan will include how to exclude points of entry, eliminate conducive conditions, and create a personalized pest control management plan that will keep your home safe for you and your family.
In addition to the above, your inspector may want to inspect storage bins and utility lines for any evidence of pest activity. These spots are particularly popular hiding spots for roaches and other critters. To avoid this problem, try to store your food products in sealed containers and organize your boxes as neatly as possible.
Your inspector will likely need to access the attic or crawl space for this inspection. This will require a ladder so it is essential that you have a clear path to the top and bottom of the structure for him or her to work from. It is also a good idea to remove any furniture and other items from the areas they need to access.