6 Tips to Help Property Managers Deal With Pest Issues

1. Keep an Open Path of Communication

If a tenant suspects they have a pest problem or just wants to report they've seen a bug or rodent, they should have a way to do so immediately. Having multiple paths of communication can help as well.

In the most ideal situation, a tenant can send a text, make a call, drop an email, or fill out a complaint form on a website. Even a complaint box at the office can come in handy.

2. Update the Tenants on Preventive Procedures

Let tenants know the policies and rules in place to help prevent pests. Simple tips like not leaving garbage around, avoiding clutter, and not letting food sit too long on surfaces can help.

You can send these tips out as quarterly or yearly reminders. General cleanliness goes a long way to keep various types of pests away.

3. Maintain Your Routine Inspections

Property managers should never let up on their inspections, no matter their frequency. Whether quarterly, bi-yearly, or yearly, inspections should include a search for places where pests can easily come into an apartment.

For example, holes, cracks, and openings between apartments should receive sealing where applicable. Also, those doing the inspections should actively look for anything that might seem like a sign of a pest infestation of any type.

A tenant may miss something, but an inspection may find evidence. With that evidence, a property manager can proactively start to investigate and deal with the problem.

4. Consider All Pest Complaints Credible

When you or your team receives a pest complaint, you should follow up with the tenant as soon as possible. Even if this complaint comes from a tenant you feel isn’t a reliable source on the issue.

Always take pest complaints seriously. The one time you skip over a complaint can become the one time when you have a real pest issue. You don't have to call in the professionals for every complaint, but if you see a pattern or you see the evidence yourself, then contact a pest removal service.

5. Use Professional Prevention

Having tenants practice preventive measures is good, but you should also contract with a pest control service that has a pest maintenance program. Proactive steps of pest control throughout the property can help mitigate the risk of potential pest problems.

In addition, professional prevention services will have a better chance of spotting hidden infestations and dealing with them before they become a problem for tenants. These services can also help deal with multiple potential threats rather than just one or two. This can be important, as pests can become problems in several ways.

Where one insect might follow the scent of food, another may nest because of the warmth they feel from an apartment. If you prevent one type of infestation, that doesn't always mean another type won't happen.

6. Inform Tenants of Your Efforts

Property managers shouldn't hide their efforts to prevent pests or deal with them. Tenants will appreciate your efforts and feel at ease knowing you take the potential of a pest infestation seriously.

Your initiative will keep the property free of pests and will keep tenants happy. To start with pest prevention or to deal with a pest issue already in full swing, contact American Pest Professionals today.