Spring Tips: How to manage Pests

Nobody wants to share their living space with uninvited guests—especially the creepy-crawly kind. Whether it's ants in the kitchen, roaches in the bathroom, or a sudden invasion of fruit flies, pests can be a real headache when you're renting. The good news? You don’t need to own the place to take action. Here's how to handle pests like a pro while keeping your landlord in the loop—and your home pest-free.

Step 1: Know Your Rights (and Responsibilities)

First things first: check your lease. Most rental agreements include clauses about pest control. Landlords are typically responsible for pre-existing infestations or structural issues that lead to pest problems (like leaks or holes in walls). But tenants are usually responsible for keeping things clean and reporting issues promptly.

📝 Pro tip: Document the problem with photos and notify your landlord or property manager ASAP.

Step 2: Identify the Pest

Before you start spraying anything, figure out what you’re dealing with. Different pests need different treatments. Common rental invaders include:

• Ants (especially in kitchens)
• Cockroaches (like dark, damp spots)
• Fruit flies (attracted to food and drains)
• Mice (look for droppings or chewed wires)
• Bed bugs (usually come out at night)

If you're unsure, snap a picture and use a pest ID app like Picture Insect or consult your local pest control website.

Step 3: Clean Up & Seal Entry Points

Pests love clutter and crumbs. Here's how to make your space less inviting:

✅ Wipe down counters and floors daily
✅ Store food in airtight containers
✅ Take out the trash regularly
✅ Fix leaks and standing water
✅ Seal cracks around windows, doors, and baseboards

Step 4: Try These Tenant-Friendly Pest Control Products

You don't need industrial chemicals to make a big difference. These popular, easy-to-find products are safe for apartment use and get great reviews:

🐜 For Ants:

• Terro Liquid Ant Baits – A favorite because ants take the bait back to the colony.
• Raid Ant & Roach Barrier Spray – Great for creating a perimeter around windows and doors.

🪳 For Roaches:

• Combat Max Roach Killing Bait – Targets the colony with minimal mess.
• Harris Boric Acid Roach Tablets – Long-lasting and discreet.

🍌 For Fruit Flies:

• Terro Fruit Fly Trap – Looks like a little apple and works fast.
• DIY: A bowl of apple cider vinegar + a few drops of dish soap = fruit fly magnet.

🐭 For Mice:

• Tomcat Mouse Traps – Easy-to-set, reusable snap traps.
• Victor Electronic Mouse Trap – A cleaner, no-touch kill for the squeamish.

🛏️ For Bed Bugs:

• Hot Shot Bed Bug & Flea Fogger – Good for severe infestations (check with your landlord first).
• EcoRaider Bed Bug Killer Spray – Non-toxic and safe for use around beds.
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Step 5: When to Call in the Pros

If the infestation is serious or keeps coming back, it's time to escalate. Let your landlord know and request professional pest control. In many states, they’re legally required to address health and safety issues, including pests.

📬 Bonus Tip: Keep all your pest-related communication with your landlord in writing, just in case.



Dealing with pests in a rental can be frustrating, but you’re not powerless. A little cleaning, some strategic products, and quick communication with your landlord can go a long way. And remember: the sooner you act, the easier it is to stop the problem before it grows (or multiplies).

Got a favorite pest-fighting tip or product? Share it in the comments below—let’s help each other out!