How To Handle Pests And Other Unwanted Critters

Living in a rental property can be somewhat challenging, especially when it comes to maintenance repairs. In areas such as the Midwest region of the country, a Northern Kentucky termite or a Cincinnati termite can cause a variety of problems to the tenants and the landlords. Usually, the landlord will state in the lease what he/she is willing to take responsibility for. State law may also dictate what is the landlord's responsibility and what is the tenant's responsibility in terms of maintenance. Most states dictate that landlords are supposed to keep the property up so as to maintain a good living condition for the tenant. Some states are stricter about this type of law than others. This article outlines some tips for keeping critters away.

1. For mice, it is important to always keep a clean house. Now, just because a home or apartment is clean does not mean that mice will leave you alone. They only want to find a nice, warm place to sleep. One thing that should keep them away, though, is the smell of peppermint. Peppermint oils, sprays, and candles should make them turn around in another direction if they get a whiff of it. If you do find a mouse in your apartment or rental home, it is a good idea to call maintenance or the landlord to have an exterminator set up traps. Unfortunately, mice reproduce early and often, so if there is one mouse there are probably more either on the way or already there. It is important to take care of this issue quickly because they do reproduce often.

2. Cockroaches are usually found in the Southern parts of the United States; however, they are everywhere. As with the mice, it is a good idea to go ahead and call an exterminator. Cockroaches can be a major health concern since they carry many germs and bacteria into the home.

3. Occasionally, tenants may have issues with wasps' nests. In this case, there is not a lot a landlord can or will do for this problem. You want to either try to spray the nest with a wasp killer spray or you just have to make sure any holes that lead into your rental property are closed off. Wasps normally make nests by a window or on the ceiling or very top of a building. The good news is, wasps are not nearly as germ ridden as mice and cockroaches so as long as you have a good wasp killing spray, you should be OK.

If you live in a rental property you should not be afraid to ask your landlord or your maintenance crew for assistance with any critter or pest issues. Most states have laws in place to protect tenants against landlords who do not take good care of their property. It always best to communicate any pest control issues with the maintenance workers and the landlord as clearly and as efficiently as possible. Of course, you should always try to do your part to keep pests away by keeping with cleaning and paying attention to any holes that may allow unwanted guests into the home.

Connor R. Sullivan read recently of a Northern Kentucky termite problem which is causing damage to area homes. He had heard that certain neighborhoods had a Cincinnati termite problem.