Pest Prevention – Helpful Tips

Put Away and Seal Food

Many different types of pests are drawn to food -- cockroaches, ants and mice, to name a few. Don't tempt them by leaving out last night's leftovers because you're too tired to clean up. Put away all food as soon as you're finished chowing down, making sure everything is well-sealed

Pick Up Clutter

Bugs and critters love clutter. Rodents, for example, like to nest in piles of clothes or papers. One of the easiest ways to keep pests at bay is simply to keep your room tidy

Wash and Dry Dirty Dishes

Dirty dishes have food stuck to them -- everything from large chunks to small particles to residue you don't see -- and guess who finds your leftovers, no matter how miniscule? Ants, mice and a gazillion other icky creepy crawlers, that's who!

Get Rid of Any Standing Water or Moisture

Lots of bugs and rodents like water. Cockroaches seek out standing water, along with warmth, darkness and spoiling food. Silverfish, which look like hairy centipedes, are especially attracted to moisture in rooms that are 70 to 80 degrees.

Vacuum and Dust Regularly

If you vacuum often and dust regularly, you'll cut down on the possibility of hosting unwanted guests in your dorm room. Vacuuming will get rid of crumbs and other tasty morsels that may lure in undesirable company, plus may eliminate insect eggs, webs and other accoutrements necessary to their survival and propagation.

Empty the Garbage

Your mom always told you to take out the trash, and for good reason. A loaded garbage can is not only unsightly and possibly smelly, but it's yet another attraction for insects and unwanted critters.

Keep Suitcases and Backpacks Off Your Bed

In case you haven't heard, there's a wee bit of a bed bug problem all around the world these days.

The best way to guard against unleashing them in your dorm room is to keep all suitcases and backpacks off your bed.

Seal Any Holes in Screens

Do your window screens have a few little tears or holes in them? Don't think it's no big deal, and too minor of a thing to bother contacting your R.A. or dorm maintenance crew. Leaving just one small hole in your screen is like flinging your door open to the entire insect world, as they can easily crawl inside.

Hang Up Wet Towels and Clothes

Many pests love water and moisture, plus piles of clothes or papers, which they can use as a nice, snug nest. They've hit the jackpot if you're the kind of person who tosses wet towels and duds on the floor, on the counter or even over a chair, as they can create a nice, moist home in all of these situations. So hang up your towel immediately after showering, along with any hand towels or washcloths you used.