Just like single-family homes and businesses, apartments can develop pest problems — and sometimes they can prove challenging. The presence of multiple residents living in close proximity to one another can lead to the unwitting introduction of pests that tenants would prefer to keep far away. Fortunately, Smithereen knows not only how to deal with pest issues, but to do so in a way that minimally impacts tenants’ lives.
Where Do Pest Control Companies Spray in Apartments?
Many tenants find themselves worried about coming in contact with toxic substances, something we understand at Smithereen. Though we are Green Shield Certified and always strive to use non-toxic, environmentally friendly options, exercising caution always makes sense. When technicians visit your apartment, you can expect them to spray around:
- Baseboards
- Entryways
- Cracks and crevices
- Gaps between walls and cabinets, appliances (e.g., stoves), or other furniture
Why do our techs spray in these apartment areas? They have two goals. First, they want to eliminate any pests already in your property. Second, they want to practice good exclusion practices. This means keeping pests from getting in. This is also why you may see your tech laying out bait packets or examining external areas.
Who is Responsible for Pest Control in a Rental Property?
While responsibility for pest-control services may vary from state to state and municipality to municipality, the duty generally falls to landlords. Most laws and statutes require the landlord to keep the premises habitable, and an infestation of ants, cockroaches, bedbugs, or rodents can soon make a particular location impossible to live in. That being said, a landlord may find himself off the hook for pest control for apartments in one specific situation: when a tenant’s lifestyle or personal choices have directly led to the pest problem.
What does this mean for a tenant? Well, renters should take a few simple steps to make sure that they don’t cause a pest problem. Those steps can include:
- Washing and putting away dishes after use
- Wiping counters and tables after meals
- Sweeping and mopping regularly
- Eliminating clutter where pests could hide
- Report any leaks such as dripping faucets, sweating pipes, or leaky seals around windows or doors
To learn more about how to prevent pests in your apartment, read the EPA fact sheet “Preventing Pests at Home.”
Do Apartments Really Need Monthly Pest Control?
How often should an apartment to get treated for pests? The answer is, “It depends.” Some units may need monthly treatment if facing a particularly bad infestation. However, this usually is a short-term provision lasting no longer than six months.
In general, Smithereen recommends either quarterly treatments or treatments every two months. You won’t normally need more service than that.
Can I Refuse to Have My Apartment Treated for Pests?
Opinions vary about whether or not a tenant can refuse to have their apartment treated. However, most agree that the only reason why tenants can legitimately keep out a pest-control technician is if they have legitimate health concerns. As mentioned above, landlords have a responsibility to provide a habitable living space for tenants, and refusing to allow techs in means that can’t happen.
What might happen if you don’t allow a technician to have access to your apartment? That varies from case to case. Sometimes a lease may allow a landlord to charge the cost of the treatment to the tenant — or to even evict the tenant.
Smithereen Pest Management Services has more than a century of experience managing creepy, crawly critters of all stripes. Not only do we eliminate pests, we do so in a safe, environmentally conscious way. Reach out to us at (800) 336-3500 to learn more about our services and how you can safeguard your apartment.