Do you live in a rental? Perhaps an old Queenslander with plenty of charm but no means of keeping those buzzing insects out? Just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to eat without flies swarming around your bangers and mash!
Here are our top tips for keeping pests at bay for renters without fly screens.
So how’s your relationship with your Landlord?
There’s always the option of asking your landlord to install fly screens. If your interaction with your landlord is mediated by a real estate agent, then sending in a maintenance request is the best way to go about it. Increasing the value of the property is in your landlord’s best interests, however, depending on where you are situated, might not be worth the cost for them. Just be aware that you may be landed with a rent increase if they are installed!
Cost-effective alternatives
So your landlord won’t install fly screens? No worries! There are a few temporary, nifty ways to keep pests out.
1. Magnetic fly screens
Magnetic fly screens work much like your average tent fly net, but with the bonus that you don’t have to fiddle with a zipper every time you come in and out of the doorway. There are magnets sewn into the split down the middle of the curtains so that when you burst through the screen in a blaze of glory, the curtains will simply snap back together behind you. No more pesky flies sneaking in as you exit!
The curtain itself hangs on velcro in your doorway for easy installation and no-mark dissembling when you move out. You can pick them up from Bunnings for as little as $10!
2. Boho beaded curtains
Beaded door curtains aren’t just for Byron Bay surfers, clairvoyants and hippies. They actually serve a purpose other than adding a little whimsey to your home. While not as efficient as a fly screen, they still make it difficult for insects to fly into your house.
Get creative and make your own or find one that fits the decor of your home. Just remember to keep some ribbons handy for tying up in windy weather otherwise they’ll get tangled and are a major pain to unknot! Head over to Pinterest for some inspiration.
3. Barrier sprays and natural repellents
Barrier sprays can be efficient to a certain degree when trying to deter pests such as cockroaches, spiders and other crawling bugs. Spraying the base of your doors and points of entry to your home every week will often keep these little guys at bay.
If you have pets that like to lick every inch of your space, however, you may like to try natural alternatives. Lightly spreading cinnamon near cracks in your windowsills or benches will avert ants. There are also certain herbs that can be planted in pots on windowsills and near doors, or boiled and used in sprays that will deflect a variety of pests. Read more here.
For more serious infestations
If none of these implementations work then you may have a serious pest infestation. Always call a professional rather than attempting to deal with it yourself – especially in a rental where you could be held liable for damages to the property! Contact your real estate immediately to notify them of the problem. If they don’t have a permanent contractor on-hand, suggest a professional pest control company such as Cure All. We have years of industry experience and proven results in exterminating pests for good!
