6 Apartment Pest Management Tips for Property Owners
Property owners of any kind have a plethora of responsibilities when it comes to property maintenance, repairs, and tenant turnover. Throw in the additional burdens of apartment building ownership like pool maintenance and community events, and it’s no wonder apartment pest management is easy to overlook.
While it may seem frugal to bypass regular pest control services, the cost of emergency pest issues is far more daunting than any monthly program. Instead, follow these tips to maintain a property that serves as a happy home for humans, not pests.
5 Prevention Tips for Apartment Pest Management
Pest maintenance in a single-family home can be challenging… throw in dozens more units with unique families and the risk of developing a pest problem skyrockets. Use these six tips for a pest-free apartment property year-round.
1. Prevent Standing Water
From ants to rodents, almost all pests begin their search for a new home by identifying water sources. Keep areas known for collecting water (like bathrooms, utility rooms, kitchens, and laundry facilities) free of excessive humidity and standing water. Be sure to regularly check for leaks in these areas as well to prevent an unexpected onslaught of pests.
2. Follow Regular Cleaning Schedules
Even if a pest doesn’t find your property to be the ideal home on its first attempt, it will return for multiple showings. Property owners must commit to keeping common spaces, food preparation areas, trash areas, and utility spaces clean daily.
3. Routinely Monitor Cleaning Processes
Ensure that all cleaning processes are followed and cleaning staff are informed of proper cleaning protocol, as well as how and where to report any pest problems they may encounter. Documenting such processes is also helpful for identifying which pest control methods work best for your property and which don’t.
4. Adhere to Routine Pest Control Service Schedules
Partnering with a pest control company that specializes in apartment pest management is a savvy choice for property owners. They’ll help monitor your property for signs of pest intrusion and assist in documenting prevention and elimination methods.
5. Treat Adjacent Units to Prevent Spreading
Pests are persistent. If an outbreak does occur, be sure to treat all units adjacent to the ones affected. This cuts off potential escape routes, making the survival of even one single pest much more difficult.
6. Keep Residents Informed and Cooperative
Of course, no property owner wants word of a pest infestation getting out. However, in-the-know residents can be a great first line of defense against pest problems. Online portals where residents pay rent, submit work orders, and manage other apartment-related activities are a great place for general pest information. You may also consider hosting community learning sessions and posting relevant signage in common areas. You’ll build trust with your residents and significantly reduce the likelihood of a pest outbreak at your property.
Maintaining clean apartment units and regularly monitoring for pest activity is critical in preventing pests from taking over your property.
With over 80 years in the pest control biz, we know just how to approach apartment pest management…
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