I’ve gained some unpleasant inhabitants in my apartment — ants! I think they’re coming from my next-door neighbor’s place, which is not terribly tidy. I don’t want to accuse her, but I’m getting very weary of finding these creatures marching through my kitchen. —Ruiz C., Williamsburg
Although their journey may begin next door, those little creatures wouldn’t spend much time in your home if there weren’t something attracting them. Begin by investigating where they’re headed. It’s likely they’ve found something that’s caught their interest: a leaky sack of sugar, a drippy bottle of syrup or the like. Eliminate that sweet spot and then put out some traps. If you can tolerate their presence for a while until they “take the bait,” I think this problem could vanish. If the matter persists despite your best efforts, approach your neighbor innocently: “I’ve been finding ants in my kitchen . . . have you been having a problem, too?” If there’s a larger infestation underway, the two of you should have a word with building management.
The owner of the garden apartment in my brownstone puts a kiddie pool out for the summer. Although his children get lots of enjoyment from it, I’m really worried that it’s also a breeding ground for mosquitoes. How can I address this without insulting him — or ruining his children’s fun? —Janelle K., Hell’s Kitchen
Standing water is the answer to a prayer for mama mosquitoes, who will get more use out of a kiddie pool than a splish-splash-loving toddler ever does. As a result, this plastic piscine should be fully emptied after each use and turned upside down so it doesn’t collect rainwater. Because mosquitoes are carriers of disease, their presence around your building is more than a hassle — it’s a health hazard. Have a gentle word with your neighbor, and express your feelings from a place of concern — not just for yourself, but also for his family.
My building pays an exterminator to come to the building once a month to keep the “unwanted creature quotient” to a minimum. Because I have a dog, I don’t like the idea of traps or poisons being used in my home. Still, my neighbors are constantly pressuring me to participate in the program, saying the exterminator’s efforts are for naught if everyone doesn’t take part. —Peter G., Battery Park City
How ironic that your neighbors are pestering you about the perils of pests! I’d begin by speaking with the exterminator about pet-safe solutions that can be used in your apartment. The “green” extermination business has come a long way in the past decade. Tried and true steps such as steel wool to fill any orifices in your floors or walls can help, too. The fact of the matter is, there are solutions that can keep your dog safe while helping to keep bugs and rodents at bay, too . . . it’s not an all-or-nothing equation.
Next up: Bicycles!
Got a question? E-mail me at
testingthemarketnyc@gmail.com or post at facebook.com/
MisterManners.