8 Common Pests in NYC and How to Handle Them Pet Safe

Living in New York City has its perks, but sharing your home with unwanted pests isn’t one of them. From ants marching through your kitchen to the dreaded cockroaches, these critters can be a nuisance. The good news is that there are ways to handle them without compromising the safety of your beloved pets. In this guide, we will explore eight common pests found in NYC and provide pet-safe solutions for each.

1. Ant Invasion Alert

Ants may be tiny, but they can cause big headaches when they invade your space. To combat these little invaders without harming your pets, consider using solutions like white vinegar or lemon juice, which ants despise. These natural remedies can be sprayed around entry points and work wonders without posing a risk to your furry friends.

Keeping your kitchen counters and floors clean is paramount. Ants often invade looking for food, so make sure to store your edibles properly and wipe down surfaces regularly. For a long-term solution, sprinkle diatomaceous earth around baseboards and entry tiles. It's non-toxic to pets but can effectively dehydrate ants, keeping them at bay.

2. The Dreaded Cockroach

Cockroaches are more than just creepy; they can carry diseases. For a pet-safe deterrent, try a mixture of baking soda and sugar. The sweet scent will attract the roaches, while the baking soda effectively eliminates them. Also, keeping your home dry and free of crumbs can deter these resilient critters.

Seal any cracks or small openings in your home’s foundation and walls. Cockroaches thrive in dark, moist environments, so fixing leaks and using a dehumidifier can create an unsuitable living space. Using traps can also be effective; just place them outside the reach of curious pets to prevent any accidents.

3. Spider Sightings and What to Do

Spiders may be beneficial in controlling other pests, but not everyone wants them inside. Peppermint oil is a natural and pet-safe repellant that you can use. Simply mix a few drops with water and spray it in places where you've seen spiders or where they might enter.

Clutter tends to encourage spider webs, so maintaining a tidy environment will help in keeping them away. Vacuum corners and crannies regularly to remove webs and eggs. Install door sweeps and window screens to block their entry points effectively.

4. Mice Mayhem Managed

Mice are common intruders in NYC, especially in the colder months. Steel wool is an effective and pet-safe way to block their entry points. Additionally, setting up traps in secured areas where pets cannot access is another approach to consider.

In addition to physical barriers, natural repellents like peppermint oil can work wonders. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in cupboards and around suspected entry points. The strong smell deters mice but is perfectly safe around pets.

5. Keeping Bed Bugs at Bay

Bed bugs can cause sleepless nights. To tackle them safely, use heat treatments such as a steam cleaner on carpets and upholstery. Regularly washing bed linens in hot water also helps to keep bed bugs under control without endangering your pets.

Consider encasing your mattress and pillows in protective covers to minimize the places these pests can hide. Decluttering your room reduces potential hiding spots and makes treatment more effective.

6. Stop Silverfish Infestations

While silverfish are pretty harmless, they are unwelcome house guests. To deter them naturally, try using dried bay leaves, which can be placed in cupboards and storage areas. Silverfish find their scent unpleasant, but your pets will not be affected.

7. Mosquito Management

Keep mosquitoes at bay by making your property less appealing to them. Ensure there is no standing water in or around your home. Use pet-safe repellents like citronella and essential oils like neem oil, which repel mosquitoes effectively.

8. Tackling Termite Troubles

Termites can cause significant damage before you even notice them. Try using orange oil, a natural product that is effective and safe for pets. Regularly inspect wooden structures in your home and keep them dry to help prevent termite infestation.