Pest Prevention
Pest Prevention
TIPS to prevent and minimize pests in your home
PRACTICING GOOD HOUSEKEEPING IS THE KEY TO ELIMINATING INDOOR ALLERGENS AND PESTS
Clean and Sanitize
- Vacuum, dust and wipe down all surfaces frequently
- Take out the trash on a regular basis
- Don't store returnable cans and bottles in the home, dispose of pizza boxes and take-out containers as quickly as you can
- Store boxes off the floor to prevent rodents from residing in undisturbed areas
- If possible, replace cardboard boxes with plastic totes to keep contents better protected
Accepting Gifts and Other Items
- Be very careful about bringing any furniture, gifts, clothing or any other items into your home
- Inspect items carefully BEFORE you bring them inside. Inspect them in bright light, outdoors and be very aware that items could be infested with pests
- When bringing in used clothing or bedding, after inspecting, immediately put them into the dryer on high heat for at least an hour
Maintenance
- Seal cracks and holes in the interior and exterior walls
- Properly ventilate your home; put screens on the outside vent access to stop critters from coming in
In the Kitchen
- Clean the kitchen counters and floors on a regular basis; try to get rid of all food bits and grease
- Store food (pasta, sugar, flour, cereal) in sealed containers
- Make sure to clean behind and underneath appliances
. In Bedrooms
- Do not allow food in bedrooms; we don't want to give the cockroaches or rodents any alternate food sources if we can help it. Pests can be nocturnal, which means they come out at night. We do not want them in our bedrooms
- Have all beds on a frame. This helps to improve air flow and keep moisture levels down
- Launder all bedding and pillows regularily; the heat of the dryer will kill any possible bedbugs and cockroaches (and their eggs)
Outside your Home
- Store firewood at least 20 ft away from the home and off the ground
- Rodents hide in grass and bushes, they can drop down onto the roof from overhanging branches and can enter the home through venting systems. Try to keep lawns cut and blackberry bushes away from the home
- Tree branches and shrubbery should be trimmed and cleared
TENANTS ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT ANY PEST PROBLEMS TO THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TEAM IMMEDIATELY
Please understand, severe pest problems damage our asset and will be considered tenant neglect if left unreported.
This could lead to probation and possible eviction.
For pest control to be successful, tenants must work with our department and the pest control company on a regular basis.