Roaches are the most common pest for any apartment dweller. These bugs are attracted to the scent of food, and building living is a haven for roaches, who go from apartment to apartment, nesting and procreating. Of course, these bugs are unsightly and gross most people out - this is because they crawl on food and can spread disease. Unfortunately, in such close quarters it may be difficult to contain a widespread roach infestation, as it largely also depends on the cleanliness of your neighbors and what steps they’ve taken to eradicate the infestation, if any. 

The best thing you can do if you spot a roach or find many roaches is notify the property manager and see if you can get a professional exterminator, like the ones at Eagle Pest Services, who will come and do an initial free inspection before spraying for roaches. 

Once you’ve gotten rid of the infestation, you must take steps to prevent it from coming back. Here are our best tips for preventing roaches in apartments.

Keep it Clean

Cleanliness is the most important thing to prevent roaches. If you’re always leaving out food, failing to clean up crumbs, or have a large mess of clothes and papers, it is inevitable that you will find roaches. They will continue to come back to your apartment as long as there is a source of food, water, and dark spots to hide. The first thing you should do is make sure there is no food left out, and you have a good cleaning system that will get rid of crumbs and other falling food bits. This part can be difficult for pet owners who leave food and water out for their animals all day, but a good idea is to train your pet to eat at certain times and then place the food into the refrigerator or airtight container. If you have a well-stocked pantry, make sure that any items normally kept in bags are sealed well, or placed in plastic tupperware or tubs. This will prevent roaches from getting into it and feasting. 

Don’t forget that roaches can live in books, closets, and even electrical outlets, so it is important to keep the whole apartment clean and clutter-free.

Seal Up Holes and Baseboards

Roaches can enter your home through the tiniest spaces. You can either ask your landlord or buy sealant from the hardware store and go around the apartment checking for any holes that pests can climb through. This may include sealing holes around where the floor meets the wall, any moldings, and even old baseboards. You should also check for any holes around the doors or windows as roaches can easily come from a neighboring apartment right through the front door. 

Control Moisture and Get Drain Covers

Roaches also need water in addition to food to survive. Many individuals notice that roaches will be near drains in the bathtub, bathroom, or kitchen. They may also be hiding under the sink, especially if you have any leaks. Make sure you keep your kitchen counter dry as much as possible. You can also buy drain covers to prevent any bugs from coming in through the pipes.