Few things can wreck your chill faster than a surprise bug sighting in your apartment. One second, you’re watching TV. The next? You’re Googling, “Why do I have gnats in my house?” while side-eyeing the plant you just bought. Whether you’re dealing with ants, roaches, or something that looks straight out of a sci-fi flick, apartment pests are never fun—but they can be handled.
In this how-to guide, we’ll cover what types of bugs can live in an apartment, why they show up in the first place, and what you can do to evict them—no lease termination is required.
What Types of Bugs Can Be in an Apartment?
Apartments offer the perfect environment for bugs: warmth, food crumbs, and cozy hiding spots. Here are the usual suspects:
Cockroaches
The unofficial mascot of apartment pests, roaches love moisture, darkness, and leftovers. If you’ve seen one, chances are its friends are nearby—and they didn’t come empty-handed.
Gnats
If you’re wondering, “Why do I have gnats in my house?” it’s likely due to overwatered plants, rotting food, or trash sitting too long. These little guys breed fast and swarm together.
Flies
Fruit flies, drain flies, house flies—oh my. They’re drawn to food, dirty dishes, and even the inside of your drains. Spot them in the pantry? You’ve most likely got Pantry Moths.
Spiders
They’re not here for your snacks—but they are here for the other bugs. While they help with pest control, it’s totally fair if you don’t want to share your space with them.
Bedbugs
These are tiny vampires that don’t sparkle like Edward Cullen. Bedbugs hide in furniture and love to hitchhike from hotels or secondhand items. Once they move in, they’re hard to kick out.
Ants
These six-legged scavengers follow food trails like it’s their full-time job. And if they find sugar? It’s game over.
Carpet Beetles & Fleas
Ever asked yourself what types of bugs could be in apartment carpet? You’re probably thinking of fleas or carpet beetles—especially if you have pets.
How to Get Rid of Bugs in Your Apartment
You know the suspects. Now, let’s talk solutions. Some pests require elbow grease on your part, others will require you to call for professional backup. Here’s how to handle the most common ones:
How to Get Rid of Gnats in House
First, find the source: Check your trash, houseplants, or sink drains. Remove anything rotting or overly moist.
Quick fixes:
- Pour apple cider vinegar into a bowl with a few drops of dish soap. Watch the magic.
- Don’t overwater plants.
- Take out the trash regularly.
How to Get Rid of Flies in House
Flies love food and filth. Deep clean your kitchen, cover trash, and scrub your drains.Try this:
- DIY fly traps with vinegar and cling film.
- Essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint to repel them.
- Keep windows and doors screened.
How to Get Rid of Spiders in Your House
You don’t have to burn it all down. Keep things tidy and seal off entry points.
Tips to get rid of spiders:
- Vacuum corners, closets, and under furniture.
- Declutter storage spaces.
- Use natural repellents like citrus or peppermint sprays.
When to Call the Bug Pros
If you’ve tried everything and bugs keep showing up, like uninvited party guests, it might be time to bring in pest control. Especially for:
- Bedbugs
- Persistent cockroach infestations
- Fleas or carpet beetles that keep coming back
Pro Tips for Keeping Your Apartment Bug-Free
With these simple tips, you may be able to keep pesky pests at bay for good–or at least reduce the number of unwanted houseguests you have.
- Store food properly: Crumbs and open bags are a buffet for bugs. Use airtight containers and wipe down counters.
- Take out the trash often: Overflowing bins are insect amusement parks. Keep them sealed and emptied.
- Reduce moisture: Look for leaky faucets and avoid overwatering plants. Bugs love damp spaces.
- Seal cracks and entry points: Use caulk or weather stripping to block tiny gaps in windows, doors, and baseboards.
When all else fails, contact your landlord or apartment manager for assistance.
Say Goodbye to Bugs — and Hello to a Better Home
Tired of battling bugs in your apartment? Sometimes, no pest control can make up for an old building, or inattentive management ignoring your repairs. And let’s be real—sometimes the issue isn’t even you. In apartment living, what your neighbors do (or don’t do–if its dishes) can affect your pest problems, too.
If your living situation has become unbearable, ApartmentSearch can help you find a cleaner, pest-free home that fits your budget and lifestyle. Use our advanced filters to browse apartments with professional maintenance, pest control services, and updated units—so you can move into a space where you feel comfortable.
Start your search today and say goodbye to bugs for good!
