Bug Out!

In an effort to improve quality of life for residents, NYCHA is launching a new exterminator protocol this month.

NYCHA’s new exterminator program is a comprehensive solution to a decades-old problem.

In an effort to improve quality of life for residents, NYCHA is launching a new exterminator protocol this month. Every apartment in every development will undergo a routine exterminator examination every three months for nine months. At those visits, the exterminator will treat the kitchen and bathroom and inspect the rest of the apartment for insects and other pests. If additional extermination work needs to be done, it will be taken care of immediately. 

The fourth visit of the year will be dedicated to a building cleanout in which exterminators will treat apartments and all common and work areas, including basements, garbage areas and boiler rooms. 

An adult (age 18 or older) must be at your apartment at the time of your appointment. If you cannot be home, make special arrangements with your neighbor or the Property Management Office to let the exterminator into your apartment. 

The four visits each year should keep apartments pest-free and clean. We need your help to guarantee that our efforts don’t go to waste. No matter how many times an exterminator visits, if you don’t take precautions to keep your home pest-free, you will continue to have vermin in your apartment. 

Every Day Pest Management 

Here’s what you should do on a regular basis. 

Keep your home clean and dry, especially the kitchen:

• Keep food in sealed containers. 
• Keep counters and sinks free from food residue. 
• Reduce clutter. 
• Recycle piles of newspapers, paper bags, and cardboard. 
• Don’t leave pet food out overnight. 
• Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink. 

Manage your garbage:

• Keep garbage in sealed bags or containers. 
• Rinse recyclables before throwing them out in designated bins. 
• Take garbage and recycling out of your apartment every day. 
• Do not feed the birds on development grounds. 

If you have a trash compactor in your building:

• Bag and tie garbage before sending it down the chute. 
• Leave larger bulk items at designated areas. 
• Do not overstuff chutes. 
• Place recyclables in designated bins, not down the chute.
• Do not leave bagged garbage on the floor in compactor rooms or in front of buildings.
• Do not throw liquids or sharp items down the chute.
• Clean up any items you dropped after placing bags in the chute. 

Work with Pest Control Professionals and Property Management Staff

• Report pests, water leaks, holes, and other conditions that attract pests to NYCHA’s Customer
• Contact Center (CCC) and contact the CCC to schedule an exterminator visit. 
• Make sure you or an adult (age 18 or older) are home for the appointment to allow pest management professionals access to your apartment for pest inspections and services. 
• Let pest management professionals know if there are children or pets in the home. 
• Follow the pest management professionals’ advice on preventing pests. 
• Use only pesticides that have manufacturer labels and are marked for consumer use. Make sure to read and follow label instructions. 
• Use bait stations and gel for cockroaches and ants. 
• Use traps for mice. 
• Use fly traps for flies. 
• Never use illegal pesticides such as Tres Pasitos.

Getting Ready for a Routine Extermination

• Cover all open pots and pans and seal all food containers. 
• Remove all items from medicine cabinets in bathrooms. 
• Tell the exterminator if you have any allergies or asthma prior to any treatment. 
• If you need special assistance preparing for the appointment, please contact your Property Management Office.

Preparing for a Building Cleanout

• Clear all infested areas to have them ready for inspection. 
• Empty all kitchen cabinets, closets, and under sink. 
• Cover all open pots and pans and seal all food containers. 
• Remove all items from medicine cabinets in bathrooms. 
• Empty clothes from closets if insects, rats, or mice have been seen there. 
• Clear the living room and bedroom(s) for treatment. 
• Inform the exterminator if you have any allergies or asthma prior to any treatment. 
• If you need special assistance preparing for the appointment, please contact your Property Management Office.