Call the Landlord, or Fix it Yourself? What to Do About Bugs

It’s not one of the more entertaining aspects of having an apartment. But sooner or later, you might find that you have…ugh…bugs. If you do, what’s the best solution: Call the Landlord, or Fix It Yourself?

It really depends on the situation. The call-or-fix-it dilemma is determined by what (or who) caused the problem.

Sometimes, bugs like cockroaches come into an apartment because the living is easy for them there. A not-so-tidy kitchen, for example, will attract bugs. Be sure to clean frequently—and not only the surface areas you can see, like countertops, but under the stove’s top as well. If it seems like a cleaner apartment would make the bugs go away, fix it yourself. Raid and other bug sprays (be sure to open windows when you spray!) along with more cleanliness will eliminate them.

But, there are other situations when the bugs might be part of a larger ecosystem. They aren’t attracted by conditions in your apartment, they are just…there. How do you tell the difference? Well, you might see a lot of them. (Ugh, I know.) Or you might see evidence of something dangerous: termite damage, dangerous spiders, or—if you have a patio—evidence of a wasp or hornet’s nest.

Infestation, termites, wasps, or hornets all fall under the category of dangerous, not just disgusting. Because of that, the call you make here is to your landlord. First of all, it’s his or her responsibility to keep an area free of insect infestation. (And by infestation, we mean large numbers living in a building, not just your sty of a kitchen.) Termites are dangerous to your landlord’s investment because they can damage the foundations of a building. Wasps and hornets can be dangerous to residents or guests.

Most importantly, be sure to take action as soon as you spot signs of either problem—a grunge-related invasion, or a structurally caused infestation. Delaying will only exacerbate the issue, not to mention make your apartment less than cozy in the meantime!

What have you done to address bug problems? Tell us about it in the comments!