Dealing with pests and mould

Mould and insects are a health issue. Don't endure them — report them.

Mould

• The cause is damp — condensation, leaks, poor ventilation.
• Ventilate often, especially after cooking and showering.
• Use a dehumidifier or moisture absorbers, and pull furniture slightly away from walls.
• If a leak is the cause, tell the landlord or building office immediately — it may be their duty to repair. See landlord-dispute.
• Mould causes respiratory illness. If it is severe, see a doctor.

Insects

• Cockroaches — seal food away and block drains and gaps.
• Fruit flies — take food waste out frequently. See food-waste.
• Ants and silverfish — reduce damp and crumbs.
• Bed bugs — suspect them if you wake with lines of bites. Professional treatment is needed.
• Mosquitoes — check window screens and remove standing water.

Requesting pest control

1. Tell the landlord or building office first — it may affect the whole building.
2. Apartments often have scheduled pest control. Check the timetable.
3. Ask your community centre about local pest control information.
4. In severe cases, call a professional firm and compare quotes.
5. Who pays depends on the cause — check the contract.

Where to go

• Landlord or building office (first)
• Community centre (local pest control, complaints)
• 120 and other local call centres
• 1339 Korea Disease Control Agency (infectious disease)
• 1372 consumer counselling (disputes with pest control firms)

Questions people ask

My landlord blames me for the mould. With a leak or structural cause, it can be the landlord's responsibility. Photograph it and consult 132. See landlord-dispute.

I'm in a semi-basement and the mould is bad. Ventilation and dehumidifying are essential. If it is structural, tell the landlord. If your health suffers, keep medical records.

I think I have bed bugs. Professional treatment is needed — this is hard to solve alone. Tell the building office or community centre at once.

Can I spray a lot of insecticide? Ventilate while using it and take care around children and pets. Excessive use harms health.

Take care

The longer mould and insects are left, the harder and costlier the fix. Report as soon as you notice and keep photographs — they become evidence if restoration costs are later demanded of you. Use insecticides and mould removers with ventilation, and store them out of children's reach. See poisoning.

Related

landlord-dispute · monsoon-typhoon · garbage-rules · repair-services · move-out-deposit

Source

Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency www.kdca.go.kr / As of 2026-08