Pest Control Tips

Nobody imagines living with tiny creatures who aren't our pets, but with high rent costs and low housing availability, some of us have no choice. Under the Landlord Tenant Act it is the legal responsibility of the landlord to keep the rental unit to provincial/federal health and safety standards and that means pest and vermin free. Some landlords are negligent and some neighbours are messy so here are tips on how to help control pest within your home.

Tip 1.  Maintenance Requests

​Contact your landlord about the issue. If you submit a maintenance request, the landlord should pay to have a professional come and treat the infestation.

If the landlord is not working to resolve the problem, then document requests for pest control and take video/photos of the pests as proof of the infestation. You will want records if you take the landlord to the Landlord and Tenant Board (an adjudicated tribunal that resolves disputes or sue them in small claims court.

Tip 2. Cleaning Regularly

Small insects are more likely to be attracted to the kitchen and bathroom so it's important to keep up on the dishes, keep spaces dry and use the drain plug to prevent roaches, ants or other creatures from creeping into your home. Cockroaches, for example, love humid environments and leftovers. Even if your apartment is clean sometimes our neighbours aren't and pests infiltrate.

​Deep clean once in a while. Move out the stove and fridge and clean those hard-to-reach areas. Pests may be hiding there and you could find them before a bad infestation. Taking out the garbage as often as possible will help maintain a clean space and prevent attracting bugs.

Ants are the dominant insects of the world… [they] make up two-thirds of the biomass of all the insects.” – E. O. Wilson (Entomologist)

Tip 3.  Traps and Pest Devices

Over my many years of living with cockroaches and small red ants I have found it extremely beneficial to use small sticky strips and ant traps. Insect powder can be swept under small cracks and baseboards getting into small crevasses we can't clean. I will link the insect powder product I use below.  

Tip 4. Small changes that go a long way

​Don't let them in! One of the perks of renting is sending in a maintenance request and having someone else do the job. But in some instances you might want to consider caulking small holes that you notice. Take a look at the baseboards, kitchen sink, windows, and plumbing for entry points. This will prevent pests from inviting themselves into your space.

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child-friendly and pet-friendly