Almost everyone has lived in an apartment at one time or another. The idea of less maintenance, convenient locations, and shared amenities appeals to many people. However, apartment life often means living in close quarters with neighbors – and we all know, you can’t pick your neighbors! Shared buildings make ideal pest habitat, and uninvited critters are the worst kind of neighbors.
The good news? You don’t have to just accept bugs and rodents as a regular part of your household. With the right prevention strategies and plant-powered products, you can reclaim your space naturally and effectively—no harmful chemicals needed.
Let’s take a look at why pests are drawn to apartments and what you can do to send them packing.
What Causes Pests in Apartments?
If you’re dealing with pests in your apartment, you’re definitely not alone. U.S. Census Data reports that approximately 14 million people reported seeing a pest in their home in the last 12 months. These tiny invaders are always on the lookout for food, shelter, and moisture—and apartments can offer all three, often without you even realizing it. Leftover crumbs on the counter or dirty dishes in the sink can be an open invitation to ants, cockroaches, or even mice. Cluttered corners, piles of laundry, or stacked boxes create the perfect hiding spots for bugs to settle in. Then there are the little cracks and gaps around windows, doors, or pipes, those sneaky entry points pests use to get inside. Add a leaky faucet or a damp bathroom to the mix, and you’ve just created an ideal home for moisture-loving insects like silverfish or roaches.
And here’s the kicker: even if you keep your own apartment spotless, pests can still wander over from neighboring units. In shared buildings, one tenant’s problem can quickly become everyone’s problem. That’s why staying proactive with pest prevention is so important—it’s not just about keeping things clean, but also about blocking access and making your space as unwelcoming to pests as possible.
Common Pests in Apartments
Apartment pests come in all shapes and sizes. Here are the most frequent invaders, and how to identify them:
- Cockroaches: German and American cockroaches are most common. They thrive in dark, damp spaces like under sinks or inside cabinets. Learn more about signs of cockroaches in your home.
- Fruit Flies: These tiny flies swarm around overripe produce, trash bins, and even drains.
- Carpenter Ants: Larger than typical ants, they can cause damage to wooden structures. Look for visible trails and signs of sawdust.
- Mice: House mice and deer mice are both common in apartment buildings. They sneak through gaps as small as a dime. Find out how to know if you have a mouse in the house.
- Silverfish: These silvery, slithering insects hide in humid spaces like bathrooms, closets, and basements. Silverfish are considered nuisance pests and are generally harmless.
- Spiders: Spiders are drawn to apartments in search of food (other bugs) and shelter. Here’s how to get rid of spiders naturally.
- Bed Bugs: Especially common in multi-unit housing, bed bugs hide in mattresses, bed frames, and furniture seams.
Signs of These Pest Problems
Sometimes the signs are obvious, like spotting a mouse dart across the kitchen floor, but more often, the clues are subtle. You might notice tiny droppings along baseboards, inside cabinets, or on countertops. Or maybe there’s a musty smell coming from a closet or behind furniture that just doesn’t go away. If you’re waking up with unexplained bites or rashes, that could be a red flag for bed bugs. And if you catch movement out of the corner of your eye—ants marching in a line, a roach skittering into the shadows, or even spider webs in corners—it’s time to act. The sooner you spot these signs, the easier it is to prevent a small issue from turning into a full-blown infestation.
What to Look for When Touring an Apartment to Rent
Prevention really starts before you even sign the lease. When you’re touring an apartment, it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to look for potential pest problems. Start by checking the corners of rooms and under sinks for any droppings, chew marks, or odd smears. These can be signs of a past (or current) pest problem. Look at the baseboards, windowsills, and bathroom corners to see if everything looks clean and well-sealed. If you catch a whiff of something musty or unpleasant, that could point to a hidden pest issue or moisture problem. Also, keep an eye out for traps, poison, or DIY pest control products left behind—they can be a clue that pests have been a recurring issue. And don’t hesitate to ask the property manager about their pest control policies or if the unit has had any past problems. A little detective work now can save you a lot of stress later.
Natural Ways to Prevent Pests and Bugs in Your Apartment
Keep a Clean Space
- Clean up crumbs, spills, and dirty dishes right away
- Vacuum regularly and wipe down countertops
- Store food (including pet food) in airtight containers
- Take out trash and recyclables frequently—don’t let them sit in your apartment
Organize Your Belongings
- Organize Your Belongings
- Use sealed bins instead of cardboard for storage
- Avoid piles of laundry, paper, or boxes that create hiding spots
Use Nature’s Most Powerful Ingredients
EarthKind® offers botanical pest prevention pouches that are fast-acting, long-lasting, and a no-kill alternative. Whether you’re dealing with mice, ants, spiders, or cockroaches, there’s an EarthKind solution made just for you.
- Fresh Cab Rodent Repellent is proven to keep mice out
- Place Ant & Cockroach deterrent pouches in kitchens and bathrooms
- Use our botanical spider deterrent in quiet, undisturbed corners
Each product is designed to bio-collaborate with your environment—no traps or harmful chemicals required, and all are 100% money-back Guaranteed when used as directed.
Seal Entry Points
- Use weather stripping and caulk to seal gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards
- Only open balcony doors if screens are in place and secure
- Inspect vents and utility entries for gaps and seal as needed
Read more about how to keep mice off your balcony or garden
Keep Moisture in Check
- Report and repair leaks in kitchens and bathrooms immediately
- Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements or laundry rooms
- Wipe down wet surfaces and avoid overwatering indoor plants
Keeping Pests Out of Apartment Storage Spaces
Storage areas are often forgotten—but pests love them. Here’s how to keep storage zones secure:
- Inspect regularly for droppings or nesting material
- Store clothing, papers, and keepsakes in sealed plastic bins
- Avoid stacking cardboard boxes, which can attract silverfish and mice
- Use EarthKind products in storage to maintain a protective barrier
Learn more in this guide on mice in storage spaces
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, even the best prevention plan isn’t enough—especially in shared buildings where infestations can spread. Know when to escalate:
- You see multiple pests over several days
- You find a nest or large number of droppings
- DIY efforts haven’t worked within 2–3 weeks
- You’re dealing with bed bugs or an active mouse infestation
Professional pest control companies can help remove pests and identify how they’re getting in. It’s also important to notify your property manager so they can take action in shared spaces or neighboring units.
Preventive Measures for Long-Term Pest-Free Living
Prevention isn’t a one-time fix—it’s a lifestyle. A few habits can go a long way toward long-term success:
- Do a monthly inspection of common pest areas (under sinks, storage spaces, entry points)
- Continue using EarthKind products as part of your regular cleaning and organizing routine
- Report issues like leaks or cracks to your landlord promptly
- Stay proactive and don’t wait for a problem to escalate
With smart prevention, consistent habits, and safe, effective pest repellents, apartment living can be peaceful, pest-free, and chemical-responsible.
