Take precautions before apartment receives pest control

Found a roach in your apartment and not sure whether to call pest control or your management office?

In Houston, apartment owners are required to make reasonable efforts to keep pests out of apartments.

Most apartment communities proactively provide preventative pest control treatments. When you get a notice that your apartment is going to receive one, follow these steps to maximize its effectiveness but remain safe:

Remove all food, utensils, glasses, dishes and food containers from countertops and floors. Remove everything from cabinets if you want them to be treated.

Remove all animals and their food bowls from the treated area and keep them away for at least 30 minutes after the pest control treatment is complete — this gives time for the chemicals to dry and for any odor to dissipate.

Professional pest control applicators are licensed, and only use chemicals that have been specifically approved for indoor use, but it’s still a good idea for you and your pets to be out of the apartment during the treatment to avoid the fumes.

Don’t rely solely on these treatments for pest control. It is a shared responsibility between the owner and the resident. Here are some things you can do to help keep your apartment free from pests between the treatments:

Don’t keep brown paper grocery bags around. Roach eggs can thrive in the dark folds of paper bags. Don’t leave food out and uncovered. Clean up spills and crumbs promptly and sweep, mop and vacuum regularly.

Don’t leave out dirty dishes. Clean them after use, or at least put them inside the dishwasher and keep it closed until you have a full load.

Take trash to the property dumpster regularly — at least every other day.

If you like keeping your windows open, make sure the screens are in place and intact.

If you have a pet, store its food in well-sealed containers, and be sure to clean the water and food bowls at least once a day, and clean up any spills promptly. Keep in mind that “wet” animal food attracts pests much quicker than “dry” food, so don’t overfill the bowls.

If you experience pest issues despite treatments and keeping your apartment clean, notify your management in writing.