General Sanitation and Vector Control

Rats and mice

Rodents can damage property and spread disease.
Prevention Tips:

• Store food in sealed containers
• Keep garbage covered
• Reduce clutter
• Seal holes and cracks

Flies

Flies are attracted to garbage and waste.
Prevention Tips:

• Dispose of trash regularly
• Clean food areas
• Remove pet waste promptly

Cockroaches

Cockroaches can spread bacteria and trigger allergies.
How to Prevent and Control Cockroaches

• Store food in tightly sealed containers
• Clean crumbs and spills daily
• Take out trash regularly
• Reduce clutter and cardboard
• Fix leaks and remove moisture
• Seal cracks and crevices
• Use baits and traps instead of sprays
• Follow all pesticide label directions

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on human blood. They are active mostly at night and hide during the day. Anyone can get bed bugs, and they are not related to cleanliness. Hide in cracks and seams near where people sleep or rest.
What Are Bed Bugs?

• Small, flat, reddish-brown insects
• About the size of an apple seed as adults
• Do not fly or jump; they crawl
• Hide in cracks and seams near where people sleep or rest

Where Bed Bugs Are Found

• Mattresses, box springs, and bed frames
• Couches, chairs, and fabric furniture
• Cracks in walls or furniture
• Luggage, backpacks, and clothing

Signs of Bed Bugs

• Bites on skin, often in lines or clusters
• Small blood stains on sheets or mattresses
• Dark spots (droppings)
• Shed skins or eggs in hiding areas

Prevention Tips:

• Inspect mattresses and furniture
• Wash bedding in hot water
• Reduce clutter
• Contact licensed pest control if suspected

While there are no current regulations for mold or mildew, below are tips regarding mold/mildew.

Mold and Mildew

Mold grows where there is excess moisture. It can damage buildings and may worsen allergies or asthma. Controlling moisture and improving ventilation are the best ways to prevent mold.
Prevention Tips:

• Fix leaks promptly
• Use exhaust fans
• Keep humidity below 50%
• Dry wet areas quickly

heavy infestations

For heavy infestations of insects or rodents, it may be necessary to hire a licensed pest control company. However, application of pesticides or poisons is only a temporary solution to a vector problem without the basic community sanitation practices listed above.

Complaints

Environmental Health Specialists from the Community Environmental Protection Division are available to investigate complaints regarding solid wastes (garbage, sewage, plumbing deficiencies, animal feces). They also investigate vector complaints and work with the property owners to eliminate breeding places and sources.