The 5 Most Hated Pests You’re Likely to See in an Apartment

Key Takeaways

• Why it matters: Shared walls and varying resident habits make multifamily properties a paradise for pests, creating unique control challenges.

• By the numbers: Pests are a huge problem for renters. 85% saw a pest in the last year and 60% will move out if the problem isn't fixed.

• The big picture: While flies are the most common pest renters see, bed bugs are the ones that cause the most anxiety and send them packing.

• What's next: Your best defense is a proactive offense. Prioritize facility management, train your staff and educate residents to prevent costly infestations and keep your tenants.

Pests are more than just a nuisance in multifamily properties. They can carry and spread diseases, contaminate food and even cause expensive structural damage. Unfortunately, apartments have all the elements necessary to create a perfect pest storm: varying resident lifestyles, lack of uniform cleaning standards and close proximity of units.

According to a survey of apartment renters across the United States conducted by Orkin Pest Control and the National Apartment Association (NAA), 85%have encountered a pest in their apartment in the past 12 months. Orkin also found that recurring pest issues cause 60%of apartment renters to look for a new place to live. To help property managers have a better understanding of tenant attitudes toward pests, Orkin aimed to answer the questions, “Which pests are most common within apartments,” and “Which pests would renters least like to see?”

Pests Renters Least Like to See:

• Bed Bugs 39%

• Rodents 28%

• Cockroaches 26%

• Ants 2%

• Flies 1%

• Other (Moths, Spiders, Stink Bugs, etc.) 4%

The results showed that while bed bugs are the most feared of all pests, flies are the most common pest problem in apartment units, followed by ants, cockroaches and rodents. Bed bugs generated the most angst among apartment renters, with 39%saying it is the pest they would least like to see in their apartment. Perhaps they are so feared because they can hitch a ride home in luggage, personal belongings or even furniture—and once they’re inside, they can be extremely difficult to treat.

How Can Property Managers Help Prevent Bed Bug Infestations?

Catching bed bugs early helps reduce the chances of a massive, costly infestation spreading from unit to unit. Educate your staff and residents on what to look for and where to find them.

Signs of Bed Bugs:

• Black or brown stains on surfaces, especially mattresses

• Adult bed bugs (about the size of an apple seed)

• Molted skins

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?

• Mattresses, box springs, headboards and footboards, bed frames and any furniture within 5–8 feet of beds

• Cracks and gaps behind wall outlets

• Floor, window and door molding

• Where carpet edges meet the wall

Encourage residents to report any signs of potential bed bug activity right away, and call your pest management provider immediately to properly assess the situation.

How to Help Prevent Rodents, Cockroaches, Ants and Flies in Apartments

Rodents and roaches are high on your tenants' radar. Keeping them out requires a proactive, facility-wide approach. Here is how you can help protect your property and keep your inspection scores high:

• Seal the exterior: Inspect your building's exterior for cracks and crevices. Seal any gaps and install weather-stripping and window screens to block potential entry points.

• Manage the landscaping: Keep shrubs and branches trimmed. Create an 18-inch buffer between ground vegetation and the building's exterior to remove easy pest bridges.

• Secure your waste: Proper sanitation is critical. Indoors, ensure trash cans are lined, sealed and emptied at least once a day to restrict access to rotting food. Outdoors, keep dumpsters tightly covered and locate them as far away from the building as possible.

• Educate your community: Host training sessions for your maintenance staff and distribute educational materials to your residents. Only 25% of apartment renters currently receive pest prevention tips from management, yet 66% of renters actually want this information.

When it comes to commercial pest control, generic solutions won't cut it. By implementing a customized, rapid-response pest management plan, you can protect your property, ensure regulatory compliance and keep your residents happy.

Don’t wait for complaints or costly infestations to take hold. A proactive inspection can help identify vulnerabilities, stop pest activity early and keep your residents satisfied. Contact Orkin today to schedule a free inspection and get a customized pest management plan built for your property’s unique needs.

Additional FAQs: Pests in Apartment Buildings

Why are apartment buildings more susceptible to pest problems than single-family homes?

Multifamily properties present unique pest management challenges because units share walls, plumbing lines, utility pathways, and common areas. Pest activity in one apartment can quickly affect neighboring units, making early detection and community-wide prevention especially important.

Can vacant units contribute to pest activity?

Yes. Vacant apartments can provide pests with undisturbed harborage areas where infestations may go unnoticed. Regular inspections of empty units can help property managers identify and address pest issues before new residents move in.

What should property managers do when residents report pest activity?

Property managers should document reports, investigate promptly, and communicate next steps to affected residents. Quick response times can help prevent minor issues from spreading throughout the property and demonstrate a commitment to resident satisfaction.

How can resident behavior influence pest pressure?

Everyday habits such as food storage practices, waste disposal, housekeeping routines, and clutter management can affect pest activity. Consistent resident education can help reduce conditions that attract and support pests.

More Resources

Three Tips for Managing Bed Bugs in Apartments

Bed bugs spread quickly in apartments, so property managers should watch for signs like dark stains, isolate affected units and prepare them for treatment by moving furniture and cleaning key areas.

Year-Round Pests in Multifamily Properties

Pests vary by season, with rodents common in winter and fall and insects more active in spring and summer, so year-round prevention is essential.

6 Things You Wish Your Residents Knew About Pest Control

Poor sanitation and excess moisture attract pests like rodents, flies and cockroaches, while issues like bed bugs can occur regardless of cleanliness and spread between units.

Top Apartment Amenities Might Also Attract Pests

Common apartment amenities like parking lots, pools, fitness centers and recycling areas can attract pests by providing food, moisture, and shelter.