Managing Termites at Your Apartment Complex

The good news is that you and those who live on your property do not have to live with termites. This guide aims to show you exactly how to fight back against termites at your apartment complex.

Instruct Tenants About Termites

Termites are not a minor nuisance; they are actually capable of destroying your property. For this reason, you are wise to instruct your tenants about spotting and reporting problems with termites. A handout passed to each apartment regularly can provide helpful information that will help your residents understand the risks of termites.

First, your tenants need to know that termites thrive in warm weather. Spring and summer are good times to be on the lookout for termites that might try to turn your apartment building into their lunch.

Next, your tenants also need to know where termites make a home. Termites not only live in the walls of a home but also look for comfortable spaces to reside in furniture, ceilings, and doors. Any area with warmth and moisture is ideal for termites, so instruct your tenants not to look only outside.

Third, make sure your handout includes information about identifying termites on sight. You might even include a photo for reference. Termites look similar to ants in terms of size, but they come in several different colors. Residents should also look for signs of insect wings, especially near windows and other entry points. If tenants spot any termites or signs of termites, they should keep their windows closed until they contact you.

Unfortunately, people typically see the devastation left behind rather than the termites themselves. For a landlord, this can be frustrating.

So ensure that your residents know how to report structural damage to management. If your tenants feel that the wooden structure (including posts and support beams) has been compromised, they should be able to tell you right away. They should also report excess moisture, broken tiles, and wet wood of any kind.

Focus on Maintaining a Pest-Free Environment

Even if you or your tenants do not see any termites around the apartment complex, any landlord or apartment management company benefits from ordering maintenance treatments. A professional will help you determine the best schedule for treating your complex for bugs, including termites.

Preventative methods are also good for keeping termites away.

One way you can prevent termites is by sealing up any cracks that would allow pests to work their way inside. For example, you can seal up cracks found in the foundation of your building or entry ways near windows.

You can also remove wet wood, including old tree stumps, that would attract termites to the area. If you find that termites are attracted to areas of a home with exposed wood, you might also have these areas repaired and assess whether your buildings are becoming damaged by water.

Pest Control Is One Phone Call Away

Treating termites at your apartment complex is a key step in ensuring that your residents and your building are safe from pests. A professional can provide a good assessment of what your apartment complex needs.

American Pest Professionals handle all sorts of pest problems, including termites. Call our office today to discuss pest treatment options for your apartment building. You can ask about various treatments that may be safe to pets, humans, and the environment.