DIY Pest Control for Renters – Safe Solutions Without Landlord Hassle
In the case that pests have entered the property, factors such as the weather, nearby properties, and the general cleanliness of the tenant all come into play. Furthermore, there is a risk that more food cooked and stored at home could serve as an additional attraction for pests, as more people prefer to live inside their houses and flats.
These factors often lead to miscommunication and disagreements between landlords and their tenants on who is liable for pest removal. While moderate to severe infestations may require the use of exterminators and the associated expenses, tenants who find themselves sharing their apartment with a few uninvited visitors in the form of bugs may find solutions. Click here to find out how you can also make your home pest-free by contacting a pest service provider.
Solutions to make your rental home pest-free
When it comes to pests or rats in the house, the adage “an ounce of prevention is equal to a pound of cure” could not be more accurate. Finding pests in your house is not pleasant, but you can avoid a full-blown infestation by taking simple steps to keep pests away.
An infestation can be drawn by food that is made available through open pantry items or residual leftovers on dirty dishes, so be sure to clean your kitchen completely every day. Make sure that your belongings are clutter-free; organize toys, storage goods, and other stuff that would otherwise accumulate. Clutter can act as an ideal habitat for insects and spiders who seek a warm, untouched environment to call home.
Natural Ways for Getting Rid of Pests
If a renter has a few pests, you can use common household items to get rid of them.
- Essential Oils
To make a spray that will serve as a cockroach deterrent, try mixing 1.5 tablespoons of tea tree oil with a cup of water. Simultaneously, rodents who are sensitive to odors can avoid a scent produced by carefully placing cotton balls soaked in 20–25 drops of peppermint essential oil. Adding 25 drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to one cup of water can also keep ants away.
- Herbs & Spices
Using common materials to repel ants, such as coffee grounds, chili pepper, or cinnamon, by spreading them near the entrance. Furthermore, some plants can be purchased to keep pests away. For example, tiny planters filled with citronella, lavender, peppermint, and rosemary can keep mosquitoes away as you enjoy your porch or balcony. Sage or rosemary placed on your grill’s embers during summer cookouts will both repel insects and give taste to your burgers.
Who is responsible for the extermination?
If you find that the rental is actually infested, you will need a professional to totally eradicate the pest issue.
There should be clear provisions in lease agreements about pest control and who is responsible for it. Tenants and landlords often find themselves confused about who is in charge of selecting and paying an exterminator when the pest invasion falls into a gray area.
In order to make sure that the rental is legally livable, the landlord usually has a reason to protect the home and quickly fix the problem. However, this does not relieve a careless rental of responsibility. You may be held financially liable for the costs of extermination, and your security deposit could be affected if you, as the tenant, refuse to maintain the property properly (in turn inviting an infestation) or if your pet brings bugs into the house.
Expert exterminators are often capable to confirm the type of infestation and determine whether your actions have attracted pests. If the real reason cannot be identified, keep in mind that it is beneficial for you and your landlord to get rid of the issue as soon as possible, so be ready to make compromises (such as dividing the expense of hiring an exterminator).
