Pest issues are one of the most common maintenance requests in student housing—and the good news is that most of them are easy to prevent. Ants, fruit flies, and other unwelcome visitors show up when they find easy access to food, crumbs, or trash.
Why it happens
Open snack bags, dirty dishes, sticky counters, and forgotten produce are all magnets for pests. Even a small amount of food left out overnight can attract them.
How to prevent it
- Wipe up crumbs and spills right away.
- Store all food in airtight containers.
- Keep food off the floor and off windowsills.
- Take out trash and recycling regularly (don’t let it pile up).
If it happens
- Clean thoroughly—wipe down counters, sweep or vacuum under furniture, and remove any possible food sources.
- Take out all trash and recycling immediately.
- Submit a CruzFix request so maintenance can provide professional pest control if needed.