Pest Problem at Properties??

[Matt Sora]

What is best way to manage a pest problem at one of your properties? Or a really good way of preventing it from happening?

[Scott Mac]

Call a local pest service for a bid.

Walk the property with the pest tech and take notes and pics of things that need to be fixed up to prevent pests--then fix them ASAP.

Easy-peasy.

They will probably offer you a reoccurring service contract.

Good Luck!

[Mohammed Rahman]

Agreed with @Scott Mac - let the professionals handle it and smoke bomb the place until you're certain everything is clear. If you try to save a couple of bucks and do it yourself there will almost always be critters left over that multiply. 

I've learnt that a lot of time pests come with tenants, or tenants that just aren't responsible about keeping their units clean. Have you already had a discussion with your tenants @Matt Sora

[Tommy Parker]

Call a pest company to take care of it!

[Bob Stevens]

Quote from @Matt Sora:

What is best way to manage a pest problem at one of your properties? Or a really good way of preventing it from happening?

 Call an exterminator , come on man 

Good luck 

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Matt Sora:

What is best way to manage a pest problem at one of your properties? Or a really good way of preventing it from happening?

My rentals are delivered pest-free when the tenant moves in and the Tenant is responsible for keeping them that way. Many pest problems are caused by lifestyle, like dirty floors or leaving pet food out. If they keep a really clean home and still have pests, then I may pitch in and take care of it.

[Eliott Elias]

No way to prevent other than spraying down and disinfecting everything you bring into the home. You can hire pest control and they can treat it for a few hundred bucks. Not a over night fix, usually takes time 

[Ryan Halford]

Managing and preventing pests at a rental property requires a combination of proactive measures, timely response, and proper education for your tenants. Here's a guide on how to address and prevent pest problems at your rental property:

Managing a Current Pest Problem:

1. Prompt Action: As soon as a tenant reports a pest issue, address it immediately. A swift response can prevent a small problem from turning into a major infestation.
2. Hire Professionals: Engage a licensed and reputable pest control company to assess the situation, recommend a treatment plan, and implement it. Professional treatments are generally more effective than DIY approaches.
3. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of complaints, your responses, and any treatments applied. This can help if there are disputes later and will be useful for monitoring recurring issues.
4. Educate Tenants: Sometimes, the behavior of tenants can contribute to pest problems (e.g., leaving food out). Provide them with guidelines on how to minimize risks.
5. Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect the property for signs of pests. This can often help you spot issues before they become more significant problems.

Prevention:

1. Regular Maintenance: Ensure that the property is in good repair. Seal cracks and gaps in walls, windows, and doors. Repair or replace torn screens. This can prevent many pests, like rodents and bugs, from entering.
2. Landscaping: Keep bushes, shrubs, and trees trimmed so they don’t touch the property. Avoid having dense vegetation right against the property, as this can provide hiding places for pests.
3. Garbage Management: Ensure that garbage bins are sealed and that garbage is removed regularly. Encourage tenants to use trash bags and to not leave trash outside of bins.
4. Educate Tenants: Provide tenants with information about preventing pests, such as proper food storage, cleaning guidelines, and the importance of reporting any pest sightings immediately.
5. Regular Cleaning: Encourage tenants to keep the property clean, especially food areas. Crumbs and spills can attract pests.
6. Water Control: Ensure that there are no areas of standing water around the property, as they can attract pests and are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Fix any leaks promptly.
7. Regular Inspections: As mentioned, periodic checks can help spot potential issues early on. This includes checking for things like termite mud tubes or signs of rodent activity.
8. Work with a Pest Control Company: Some property owners find it beneficial to have a regular preventive treatment plan with a pest control company. This can be especially valuable if your property is in an area prone to certain pests.
9. Tenant Turnover: Whenever a tenant moves out, it's a good practice to inspect and treat the property, if necessary, before a new tenant moves in.

Remember, communication with your tenants is crucial. A good relationship can ensure that they report issues promptly and follow guidelines to prevent pest problems. If your property has recurring pest issues, it may be worth investing in more permanent solutions or consulting with a pest expert to determine the root cause.

[Eric Gerakos]

Maybe the "pests" are his neighbors. 

[Colleen F.]

@Matt Sora  depends on what kind of pests.  Rodents you need to seal, they need to put out the trash. Sugar ants, they need to put out ant traps. Hornets you need to spray and they need to keep on top of it.  Don't call me when they built a huge nest. Spray them when they start coming around.  You can call pest control but make sure you define with the tenants what is and isn't a pest issue for you to take care of. 

Raccoons, gophers, honey bees, just come with the outdoors.  

[Michael Shaw]

Its illegal to do your own pest control for property you are not living in, in most states, homeowners have zero clue what to use and what to do in most cases.  I hold a pesicide Lic in MA.  Hire a pro, best bet is a small owner operator, larger companies just put guys into a truck to get rev rolling in and often lack the years of experience.