Short answer: Most pest problems are prevented, not sprayed: seal gaps and holes where mice and rats enter, remove food and water sources, keep trash in lidded cans and clutter out of basements, and inspect every unit at turnover. When you see droppings, live insects or bed bug signs, call a licensed pest control company.
The prevention basics
- Seal entry points: CDC advises sealing holes inside and outside the home to keep rodents out, including gaps around pipes, vents and doors.
- Remove food and water: store food in sealed containers, fix leaks and don't leave pet food out.
- Manage trash: lidded cans, kept away from the house, out to the curb on time.
- Cut clutter: basements, garages and yards full of stored items give pests cover. A cleanout helps.
- Trim the outside: keep shrubs and woodpiles away from the walls.
This approach is called integrated pest management (IPM). The EPA describes it as using prevention, monitoring and targeted control together, rather than relying on routine spraying.
Detroit rules landlords should know
- Rental inspections: item 13 of Detroit's 15-point Certificate of Compliance checklist requires buildings to be free from rodent or insect infestation, and defines infestation to include any presence of rodents, bed bugs or roaches in a residence.
- Owner's duty: Detroit City Code Sec. 8-15-105 says premises shall be ratproofed and kept free of rodent harborage, and that the owner is responsible for exterminating rodents that are found.
- State law: Michigan's MCL 554.139 requires landlords to keep residential premises fit for their intended use and in reasonable repair.
Turnover checks for landlords and hosts
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | Droppings in drawers and behind appliances, gnaw marks, roach egg cases |
| Bedrooms | Bed bug signs on mattress seams and headboards: dark spots, shed skins, live bugs |
| Basement and utility areas | Gaps around pipes, foundation cracks, nesting material |
| Exterior | Burrows along the foundation, holes under siding and doors |
For Airbnb hosts, a quick bed check at every turnover catches bed bugs before the next guest does. The EPA's bed bug pages explain what to look for.
When should I call a pro?
Call a licensed pest control company if you see live rodents or droppings, signs of bed bugs, or recurring insects after you've sealed and cleaned. In Michigan, applying pesticides for hire is regulated by the state, so use a licensed company. Our pest control service is performed by a licensed partner, Earthy Pest Control. We can pair it with a cleanout or turnover.
Sources
- CDC: How to Seal Up to Prevent Rodents
- U.S. EPA: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles
- U.S. EPA: Bed Bugs
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development: Pesticide licensing
- City of Detroit: Rental Ordinance 15-point Inspection Checklist (PDF, Apr 2025)
- Detroit City Code Ch. 8, Art. XV, Div. 3, incl. Secs. 8-15-103 and 8-15-105 (Municode)
- Michigan Legislature: MCL 554.139 (fit and in reasonable repair)
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the official sources above before you rely on them.
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