In urban environments, pests can cause large-scale infestations extremely quickly. Pests tend to gravitate toward cities because of the sheer volume of food sources and shelter, and since pests can quickly reproduce, a small problem can rapidly become widespread. In a matter of weeks or even days, roaches, rodents, bed bugs, and other pests can infiltrate homes and businesses, maneuvering from one building to another with ease. Exterminators may need to employ urban pest control strategies to tackle widespread infestations for good, and city dwellers should take appropriate precautions to avoid severe infestations.
Navigating the Urban Jungle: Identifying Common Pests
Managing pests in urban areas presents unique challenges. Urban areas, especially in the Eastern U.S., typically have closely placed structures, which increases the likelihood of pests like cockroaches and rodents moving from one building (or unit) to another. And unfortunately, the kinds of pests that are most active in urban areas tend to pose the most serious health risks. Pests that thrive in urban environments include:
- Bed bugs. With their flattened, tiny brown bodies, bed bugs can hide in shockingly small spaces like mattress seams and furniture crevices. They emerge at night, leaving behind itchy bites in their wake. Bed bugs lay eggs at a rapid pace and are particularly challenging to get rid of once they establish a presence in a building.
- Ants. Attracted to sweet foods, ants often enter homes through cracks, leaving behind pheromone trails for their friends to follow. Pavement ants, odorous house ants, and carpenter ants are all commonly found in cities.
- German and American cockroaches. Cockroaches are notorious for their resilience and rapid reproduction, making them a persistent problem in many homes. They can carry disease-causing bacteria and thrive in human dwellings, seeking food and shelter.
- Fleas. Just like bed bugs, fleas are parasitic insects that bite humans and animals. These pests can rapidly reproduce indoors and can be difficult to control, especially if pets live in or near the infested building.
- Fruit and house flies. Fruit flies are commonly found indoors during the warmer months buzzing around rotting produce. House flies are attracted to various food sources, including fecal matter and other moist, decaying matter.
- Rodents. Rodents can cause significant damage to property by damaging electrical wiring and transmit various diseases through their rice-shaped droppings.
- And termites. While most large complexes are treated for termites, they can cause serious problems if termite inspections and routine treatments fall by the wayside. Termites are drawn to rotting wood and standing water, so units closer to the ground (or even underground) are more susceptible to these destructive insects.
Bring in the Pros If You Have an Infestation in Your Apartment
Despite our best efforts, sometimes pest infestations can still occur. When infestations happen, especially if you live in a major city, you should contact a professional pest control company or your superintendent immediately. We don’t recommend attempting interventions on your own — DIY methods are often ineffective, and failure to report an active infestation can lead to larger scale problems that extend beyond your property or even your neighborhood. An exterminator who specializes in urban pest control will be able to address your problem much more quickly than you can on your own, and your property manager should be able to help you get in touch with the right professionals.
Urban Pest Control Measures — Where Integrated Pest Management Shines
In urban environments, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies are crucial to treating any pest infestation. IPM standards were established to safely and economically control pest problems while protecting human and environmental health. In densely populated areas, if you have a pest issue, your neighbor more than likely has one, too. And when those problems spread, it can be costly and even potentially dangerous to attempt to treat the problem on your own. Most cities even have legal thresholds in place that dictate what kinds of interventions to deploy based on your unique scenario and what’s happening in your community.
Integrated Pest Management methods may include:
- Deploying pheromone traps or sticky traps to capture crawling insects like ants
- Utilizing tight fitting screens over windows to keep pests out and prevent future infestations
- Patching small holes that pests may use to infiltrate your living space
- Using approved chemical interventions only when necessary
Contact Us
How to Prevent Urban Pest Infestations
Like we always say, it’s always better to prevent an infestation than to address an active one. Doing your part as a resident doesn’t just offer you protection — it helps protect your neighborhood and community. By sealing entry points, keeping your home clean, and scheduling regular inspections, you can reduce your risk of an infestation, or at minimum, ensure your pest problems are less severe. And keep in mind, if you live in an apartment complex or high rise, your superintendent or property manager should always be informed if you spot any kind of pest activity or vulnerabilities.
Properly Seal Entry Points
Pests are opportunistic invaders, exploiting any available entry points to infiltrate our homes. Check for holes, cracks, and gaps around doors, windows, and trash chutes. Once identified, these entry points can be effectively sealed using materials like steel wool, caulk, and metal screening to prevent pests from penetrating our homes. Installing door sweeps or thresholds at the base of exterior doors can block crawling pests, while repairing damaged window screens can prevent flying insects from getting in.
Before you make a run to your local home improvement store or bodega — if you’re a renter, contact your superintendent! They may want to bring in the professionals to pest-proof your home, and you don’t want to get fined for potential damages.
Keep Your Environment Clean
The promise of readily available food and shelter attracts pests to our homes. By staying tidy, you can make your home less appealing to pests. Do your best to:
- Place dirty dishes in the dishwasher or hand wash immediately after use
- Regularly wipe down countertops to eliminate food residue
- Keep your kitchen garbage can clean and emptied
- Seal open food products using airtight containers
Schedule Inspections
Routine inspections and sprayings can significantly reduce the likelihood you experience a pest problem. If you live in an apartment complex, you probably already have inspections mandated by your building manager. But if you don’t already have routine pest control professionals at your home, you should make that a priority. The pros can spot vulnerabilities and provide recommendations so you can best safeguard your property.
Urban Pest Control Requires Taking the Right Approach — and We Do That at Dodson Pest Control.
If you live in a city, you’re probably used to encountering creepy crawlies everywhere you look, but your home should be comfortable and pest-free. Whether you’re looking for advice on keeping your home pest-free, or you’re experiencing an outbreak at your apartment, we’re here to help if you live within our service region. We service the Southeastern United States with offices across Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Reach Out Today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Bed bugs, rodents, and cockroaches are considered the most challenging urban pests to control. Flies, ants, centipedes, mosquitoes, and even termites can also be found in apartment complexes.
To prevent pests from entering your home, regularly inspect and seal cracks, crevices, and openings around windows, doors, pipes, and chimneys. This can effectively block common entry points for pests.
Property managers play a crucial role in apartment pest control by educating residents on prevention measures, implementing building-specific pest control practices, and promptly addressing residents’ pest issues with professional services. This ensures a proactive approach to pest management.