If you live in an apartment, a condominium, or any kind of unit in multi-family housing, there are special measures that you should consider taking to prevent or solve pest problems. For an approach that is suitable for your home, consider the following:

• To keep pest numbers down, each resident needs to do his or her part, keeping individual apartments clean to discourage pests throughout the building.
• Housing managers bear significant responsibility for keeping pests out of properties through inspection and maintenance.
  • If you see pests in your home, let your housing manager know right away so that they can respond appropriately.
  • They may have to look in your apartment and neighboring apartments to find the problem, but a long-lasting solution will probably be worth this inconvenience.
•  See the general tips for residents.
•  Read the Do's and Don'ts of Pest Control. 

Pest Management Roles for Residents

Controlling pests in multi-family housing requires cooperation between residents, housing managers, housing staff, and pest management professionals (PMP).

The resident's role encompasses these responsibilities:

• Prepare your unit for visits from the PMP or exterminator.
• Follow your lease regarding:
  • Housekeeping
  • Sanitation
  • Trash removal and storage.
• Report the presence of pests, leaks and mold.
• Monitor common areas for problems.
• Help neighbors with these tasks.
• Learn about the roles of housing managers, staff, and the PMP.

The results of this team approach:

• An inspection and monitoring system that finds pests.
• A reporting system that identifies areas of improvement.
• Units that are prepared to get a least-toxic treatment.
• Communication that empowers all.
• Fewer pests and a healthier environment.

More information for dealing with pests in multi-family housing:

The National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) has a Web page on integrated pest management in affordable housing Exit.