3 weeks after tenant move-in, mouse issue

General Landlording & Rental Properties
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3 weeks after tenant move-in, mouse issue

Monica Evans
Bucks County, PA · Member since 2017 · 23 posts · 4 votes

Hi BP,

My husband and I just had tenants move into our first rental property on May 1, and just received the below email from them. We are looking for guidance from other landlords on how to handle this situation. Do you typically take care of pest issues? If not, would you make any kind of exception since they have only been there for 3 weeks?

Also, my husband and I have never seen a mouse at the property during the last year of renovations (and we were there almost every day of the week for 11 months). However we realize that there could still have been an issue that just never happened to see.

We would appreciate any advice and guidance from current landlords, thanks so much!!

Email from tenant:

So, we're in need of an exterminator ASAP. Walking through the kitchen last night, I noticed a mouse trotting towards the back of the refrigerator.

I've laid store bought traps through the kitchen area, but we're in need of a long term resolution. Are you able to have an exterminator come through to provide some sort of a decontaminate throughout the home?

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  • Joe FunariBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Keller, TX · Member since 2017 · 850 posts · 825 votes
    7y

    I had the same issue a few years back. Since the tenant just moved in it would be the landlords responsibility to treat for pests. If it was a case where a long term tenant was leaving piles of trash on the property (yes had this happen to me once) to attract pests that is a different story. But definitely find an investor friendly pest control company near you and have them come up with a plan to start treating the problem. Based on my experience it will take a few "treatments" where the pest control company is leaving bait and traps. They will come out a few more times as well. Also, one more thing you need to look for is access points into the home. If one is seen in the house then there is somewhere where they have gained access to the house and you will need to address these and repair. One easy way they get in thru tree branches overhanging the roof and getting in thru the roof under the eaves. 

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  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    7y

    I agree with @Joe Funari, they have not been there even 30 days. I would call an exterminator. They may need to seal up where they are getting in and leave some bait in crawl space (if you have one)

    This will get you off to  a good start with your new tenants by showing that you are going to take care of issues promptly.

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  • Dennis M.
    Rental Property Investor · Erie, PA · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    7y

    Get several of the tomcat poison stations they are safe for kids and pets but mice can go in the little maze and eat it . Poison is very effective on mice and will wipe them out better than snap traps . Some people freak out over mice but it’s no big deal certainly no reason to call up an expensive exterminator to kill a freakin mouse lol what a drama queen

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  • Drey S.
    Rental Property Investor · California, CA · Member since 2014 · 30 posts · 17 votes
    7y

    @Dennis M.

    The tomcat poison traps do the job. Unfortunately, the mice walk out and die and the dead rodents are eaten by other animals - who then die of the poison as well.

    I’m a big fan of the electric traps that finish the problem quickly without poisoning any wildlife or neighborhood animals.

    I do think it’s wise to have an exterminator come and seal any entry holes and place environmentally friendly traps to handle the problem quickly.

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