There is a lot to say about living in downtown Tacoma, with its waterfront views, urban convenience, and robust arts scene. However, one common pitfall for apartment dwellers is pesky guests. Whether it’s the older buildings around the theater district or newer complexes along Pacific Avenue, apartments in the area are highly susceptible to infestations due to wall sharing, restaurants nearby, and the mild Pacific Northwest climate that leaves pests active year-round.Â
With the proper steps taken, it can all be prevented. Although DIY methods can help at times, even the most innovative pest control services may not keep your premises pest-free.Therefore, make sure you speak to professionals, such as ones from Saela Pest Control.Â
8 Tips to Prevent Pests In Downtown Tacoma
Seal Entry Points Around Windows and Doors
The cute little historical buildings in downtown Tacoma? They typically fall into gaps and cracks that pests prefer. Inspect window frames, door sweeps, and baseboards. Even tiny gaps count, since a mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime.
Manage Your Trash Properly
Tacoma has upwards of 200 restaurants in its downtown core, and food waste is pest bait within minutes. Keep your rubbish in sealed containers, take it out daily, and clean your bins every week.
Control Moisture Levels
With Tacoma averaging 38 inches of rain per year, there are plenty of moisture-loving pests that thrive here. Repair leaking taps, use dehumidifiers in bathrooms, and wipe down sinks after use. Both cockroaches and silverfish infest damp conditions.
Store Food in Airtight Containers
Pantry pests do not require much of an invitation. Place cereals, grains, and pet food in airtight containers. Removing food sources with this one easy step makes your apartment much less appealing to ants and roaches.
Declutter Regularly
Cardboard boxes, newspapers, and unnecessary items create ideal hiding places for pests. Always keep storage spaces neat and avoid overcrowding, particularly in closets and under sinks. Pests are like untroubled places in which to build a nest.
Inspect Secondhand Items
Tacoma has great vintage shops and thrift stores, but make sure to check any used furniture before you bring it home. Bed bugs and other pests often ride on upholstered items. Inspect seams, corners, and crevices closely.
Clean Kitchen Surfaces Daily
Pests are greeted with food sitting around. Wipe down counters and sweep behind and under appliances. Be sure to put away pet food bowls after meals; crumbs and spills can really add up.
Report Issues to Building Management Immediately
In apartment living, your neighbours’ pest issue could easily become yours. Data show that multi-unit buildings make up an estimated 45% of downtown Tacoma housing. If you see pests, notify your property manager immediately so the problem can be treated throughout the building.
Seeking Help From Professionals: Is It Needed?
Even with your best prevention efforts, pests sometimes slip in. This is especially true when you live in an apartment where you cannot control what is happening in other units or in the common areas. You need professional pest control when infestations escalate, you are handling potential health threats such as roaches or rodents, or you try a DIY approach and it fails.
For example, Saela Pest Control provides services only for the residents of apartments in Tacoma. They understand the challenges of multi-unit housing and can work with property management to address issues holistically. In fact, their technicians know the local pest patterns, such as the fact that ant activity in this region increases in the spring and that rodent pressure climbs near the waterfront during the heated winter months.
The key is acting quickly. Delaying is not good; infestations are becoming increasingly difficult to manage by the day. Getting professional help is not throwing in the towel; it is using wisdom to safeguard your home and health when pests are just part of city life.
