How to Clean a Vacant Apartment of Pests | Total Guide You Need to Know
How to Clean a Vacant Apartment of Pests | Total Guide You Need to Know
See, empty apartments are always prone to pest infestation. This is why it is important to deal with the pest problem before moving in: failure to clean the apartment may mean inviting cockroaches, rodents, ants, and spiders, among other pests While understanding the ways of cleaning a vacant apartment of pests may seem irrelevant for many, doing so is important since it guarantees the clean new home you expect when you move in.
This complete checklist will provide you with a step-by-step guide to pest control and cleaning so that the apartment becomes pest-free and sterile when occupied by the new tenant.
Why do pests invade vacant apartments?
Pests invade vacant spaces due to several factors, including:
Lack of human activity: It is well known that pests nest in areas where they will not be disturbed or killed while breeding.
Accumulated dirt and debris: Consumed foods and leftovers together with food crumbs are a source of pests such as insects and rodents as well as organic matter and trash
Access to water: Every breeding site or container containing water offers an opportunity for pests to locate water which is very important to them for their survival.
Open entry points: Gaps, and crevices at door or window surfaces offer an opportunity for pests to invade a given building.
If these factors are well dealt with under cleaning and control measures against pests, no pest will infest the apartment. In this article to cover full process of How to Clean a Vacant Apartment of Pests
Measures of Eradicating Pests in a Given Uninhabited Apartment
1. Conduct a Detailed First Review
However, to embark on cleaning it is essential to carry out an assessment of the apartment first. This aids in understanding the almost pests in your compound and also the severity of the problem you facing.
Look for pest droppings: Droppings that can be associated with the displayed traffic belong to rodents and insects.
Check for nests or shelters: Most pests prefer secrecy and seclusion, some can be found in the corner of a room, under furniture, or in cupboards.
Examine for entry points: Interior and exterior check by reviewing windows, doors, vents, and Pipes for spaces where pests may likely be used as an entry point to the apartment.
Identify odors: Any types of smells, especially musty ones, or any bad smells that might be felt are good indicators that the house might be infested with rodents or insects.
When the type of pests is known, the cleaner or the pest removal expert can have a more effective manner of removing them.
2. Remove All Clutter
Junk accumulation renders a home a perfect place to hide and breed for pests. Cleaning should begin with the elimination of clutter in each and every room in the apartment.
Clear out old furniture: The furniture left behind could also mean an infestation of the house by bedbugs, rats, or even cockroaches.
Dispose of trash: Using old bags for garbage or any containers that hold leftover foods will attract ants, roaches, and flies.
Remove items from closets: Silverfish and moths are the pests seen to be attracted to old clothes, boxes, and papers.
Clear cabinets: Remove all objects in a kitchen as remains of old foods can attract insects.
reduce many areas where pests can breed or in other words, take out clutter and you drastically reduce the shelter that pests can use.
3. Deep Clean the Apartment
That way a thorough cleaning can be made after the clutter has been dealt with the way it has been. This will help clear the surfaces correcting cobwebs and the existing accumulation of dirt, leftover food, as well as the likes of rats and cockroaches.
Kitchen Cleaning
They infest the kitchen most especially because of food and moisture. Follow these steps:
Wipe down counters and appliances: When cleaning counters, stoves and appliances, use a strong cleaning solution. there should not be any remaining food particles, or grease left behind.
Clean inside cabinets: Clear all contents from cabinets and clean with disinfecting solutions. It is especially important to pay attention to those corners where crumbs tend to fall.
Scrub floors and behind appliances: Take kitchen utensils such as refrigerator and stove, and also clean the area at the back of the utensils. Since pests tend to seek shelter in those obscure regions, this was ideal for them.
Disinfect the sink and garbage disposal: Scrape off any food stuck onto the sink and wash with soap and water when none is visible. Rid of the stinking smell and the pests the drain should be striped with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.
Bathroom Cleaning
Bathrooms also comprise another potential spot conducive to pest invasion due to the presence of moisture, which includes mold, an insect favorite.
Disinfect surfaces: Employ a bathroom cleaner to clean as well as prevent the formation of bacteria On sinks Countertops and Toilets.
Clean drains: Many people also use hot water and baking soda solutions for unclogging drains; additionally, this remedy works as an effective method to prevent pests as well.
Check for leaks: Inspect all pipes for leaks. Water from breaks can lead to the attraction of roaches, ants, and other small insects.
Scrub tiles and grout: Tiles and grout should be clean to avoid the formation of crevices that are ideal breeding grounds for mold that in return attract silverfish.
Bedroom and Living Room Clean
Vacuum thoroughly: The carpet and rug should be vacuumed well to wrench out dust, dirt, and any pest eggs and larvae.
Dust surfaces: Use dust in all areas, passing through corners and behind furniture.
Wash curtains and linens: You should clean cloth items like curtains and bed linen because they can harbor pests that are dust mites and moths.
Clean under furniture: To get rid of a space for pests to nest, don’t just move the furniture–remove any debris you find underneath and give it a good clean.
4. Seal Entry Points
Once the cleaning is done, it’s best to seal off any potential entry doors.
Caulk cracks and holes: Fill up any cracks, spaces, or voids in walls, floors, or windows with either caulk or sealant.
Install weatherstripping: Seal off the gaps around the doors and window with weatherstripping.
Install mesh screens: Placing mesh screens over windows and vents removes a major fly and mosquito vector from your home.
Seal around pipes and wires: Often, pests enter plumbing and/or electrical entry points, make sure these are properly sealed.
5. Use Pest Control Solutions or choose Traps
Once you’ve closed entry points, it’s now time to eradicate any remaining pests. Here are a few common pest control approaches:
DIY Pest Control
Bait traps: If signs of pest activity begin, set out bait traps for ants, roaches, or rodents in these isolated areas. By these traps, pests are attracted and are then destroyed.
Natural remedies: Creating your own repellents is easy with vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus to keep pests away.
Diatomaceous earth: This natural, non-toxic powder can be sprinkled in areas where pests are found. Once it dries it will kill ingredients such as roaches and ants.
Professional Pest Control
If the infestation is severe, then you’d need to hire a professional pest service. Safe and effective methods of pest control are available for use by pest control experts which can help prevent future infestations of them.
Fumigation: In heavy infestations fumigation may be necessary. So, this is a process of sealing up the apartment and killing all pests with chemicals.
Rodent extermination: Professionals will set the traps and use bait stations to get rid of the rodent problems.
Tips for preventing future infestations: Health and Safety
Cleaning a vacant apartment of pests certainly doesn’t sound like fun, it is also not as clean and healthy as cleaning your own home. Here’s how to stay safe:
Wear protective gear: When working with pest droppings, wear gloves, long sleeves, and a mask to avoid contact.
Use eco-friendly cleaners: If you’re sensitive to harsh chemicals, consider using eco-cleaners designed to be effective, yet safe for you, your health, and the environment.
Dispose of waste properly: Pest droppings and nests should be sealed in plastic bags for throw away immediately as they can spread bacteria.
When to Call a Professional
You may be able to handle the pest problem yourself, but in some cases, the problem is too large or too complicated. Call a professional if:
The infestation is severe: If you can, if you see multiple types, multiple species of pests, or large infestations of rodents or insects, then you may need to contact professional exterminators.
You can’t find the source of the infestation: A professional can help find hidden nests or entry points that aren’t seen.
You’re dealing with hazardous pests: For example, certain pests, such as bed bugs, termites, or rodents can be treated in particular ways by only specialized people.