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Ant, Roach, and Other Insect Infestations
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Summary: Ants, roaches, and other insects come indoors looking for food, water, or shelter. Find out what you can do to prevent them, and thousands of their relatives, from moving in. |
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What to look for |
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Store food appropriately. |
Proper food storage helps prevent infestations.
- Store food in metal coffee tins, glass mason jars with rubber seals, or airtight containers.
- Put away leftover food. Do not leave any leftover drinks in your cup or glass at the end of the day.
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Keep areas clean and uncluttered. |
Take these actions to prevent problems with insects.
- Keep sinks and counters wiped clean. Clean up crumbs and spills immediately. Remember to clean inside, outside, and underneath countertop appliances like toasters and microwaves.
- Keep refrigerators clean inside and out. Make sure the gasket on the door fits tight. This saves energy and prevents ants from getting in.
- Eliminate standing water in catch basins of water coolers, planters, or equipment.
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Remove recycling and trash immediately. |
- Rinse all recyclable cans, bottles, and plastic containers. Store them in a bin with a tight-fitting lid. Wash the inside and replace the liner each time the recycle bin is emptied.
- Keep trash cans tightly covered. If possible, move all trash, especially food scraps, to an outside dumpster at the end of the day.
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Check for entry points. |
Contact Housing Maintenance, (858) 534-2600 or Facilities Management, (858) 534-2930 if you discover insect entry points:
- Make sure that doors and windows seal airtight.
- Look for cracks in foundations, holes in walls, openings around plumbing or vents, or damaged areas leading into attics.
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Get rid of the pests. |
Use these instructions to eliminate the problem yourself.
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For more information, contact:
- Emergencies
- Environment, Health & Safety:
(858) 534-3660 weekdays, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Campus Police: (858) 534-4357.
- Non-emergencies(Typical response time: one working day)
- Campus and SIO facilities: Pest Management
- Healthcare facilities:
Healthcare Safety Office
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Notice: The UCSD Environment, Health & Safety Department does not provide pest control advice or help to individuals or agencies outside UCSD. Area residents should contact their local animal control agency or exterminator for assistance. |
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