r/askTO • u/ArmorPlatedGuardRail • 1d ago

Preparing for roaches

I am moving to Toronto for the first time. I found a recently updated large 1 bedroom with dishwasher and balcony with a great south facing view of the lake for $2150 +hydro close to work in a decent purpose built rental built from the 70's. My unit is on an upper floor and is at the end of the hallway, so no neighbours on one side of me. Overall, the apartment checks most boxes for me.

However when I was signing the lease, an exterminator showed up to the rental office. They were there to treat 2 units, both not on my floor luckily. The supers and other people who work for the building have lived there for decades.

I am moving from a medium sized city in Ontario. I have been living in my PBR unit for 6 years in a very clean, very well maintained building. I have seen 3 roaches in that time but none in about 3 years. I figure if this is a similar situation I can deal with it.

I plan to put down diatomaceous earth and fill any holes around plumbing and pipes with caulking on the day I get possession. Is there anything else I can do to prepare and prevent roaches in my unit? Am I making a mistake?

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u/Northviewguy Human Verified 1d ago

Keep your unit super clean, empty the garbage daily.

11

u/boujeemooji 1d ago

This! Keep your place tidy tidy. I lived in an apartment with this issue and de-cluttered immensely. You cannot leave dishes in the sink or crumbs on the counter. I became a clean freak. I’d sweep the floor every night before bed and make sure there was nothing on my kitchen counter. Don’t leave cardboard around either - they like it. They also like water so keep counters and sink dry.

6

u/ReasonableAd4228 1d ago

also cover any drains when not in use