With summer officially over and fall settling in, it’s time to start thinking about how the changing seasons affect your property. While the pool may be quieter, outdoor spaces like playgrounds and grilling areas might see even more use as residents take advantage of the cooler weather. With increased outdoor activity comes the added challenge of fall pests. As a property manager, staying ahead of pest issues now will save you headaches later. Know which fall pests to look out for so you can be ready for them!
Cockroaches
As fall approaches, cockroaches are on the hunt for three things: food, water, and warmth. With cooler temperatures driving them indoors, your property could easily become their winter hideout. Eliminating water sources is the first step in keeping these pests at bay since cockroaches prioritize areas with moisture. Roaches are also highly attracted to food. Make sure you clean up all spills promptly and encourage your residents to do the same. Finally, resist the temptation to tackle cockroach infestations with DIY methods. While over-the-counter sprays and traps might offer temporary relief, they often push cockroaches into harder-to-reach areas, making it tougher for even a professional to eliminate them. The good news is, a trained pest control professional will know exactly where to look and how to effectively treat infestations without unnecessary risk to your residents.
Flies
Flies may seem like just a nuisance, but these disease carriers are winged health threats. Frequently found in filth like dumpsters, excrement, roadkill etc., they track bacteria like E.coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus and transfer it to wherever they land. Flies are persistent year-round, so spikes in fly activity may be linked to underlying sanitation issues around drains and dumpsters. Stay on top of emptying, cleaning, and rotating dumpsters and amp up sanitation plans to reduce the odors and build-up that flies find irresistible. Inspecting screens in all apartments, the basement, the club house, etc. for tears or gaps and closing off cracks and crevices will help with flies, too. It can be a large job for one property manager if you manage a large building with many apartments. A commercial pest control company will make your life easier by taking care of all of that for you.
Rats & Mice
As temperatures drop, rats and mice are searching for warm places to spend the winter. The boiler room and storage areas that get less foot traffic and the pool house that will be getting less use in the fall (and certainly in the winter) will be first on their list. The best way to get in front of rats and mice is to make the areas less attractive. Excess moisture is an attraction to rodents so dehumidifiers or vapor shields can help control that. Sealing cracks and crevices (they can squeeze through holes as small as a dime!) will also keep them out before they can find suitable locations to birth their babies. Just one of the many reasons pest-proofing is important: once they have babies, those mice only need four weeks before they are mature enough to breed. Do the math on that. Populations can grow very large very quickly. Having a pro monitor these areas on a routine basis can help you get in front of mice before they start multiplying.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are an all-year-long pest for property managers. Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs have nothing to do with being unsanitary but your residents should reduce clutter so there are less places for pests like bed bugs (and spiders, cockroaches, centipedes, etc.!) to hide. They should also alert you at the first sight of a bed bug or a suspected bed bug bite so you can get ahead of them. While they may be difficult to deal with once you have them, there are proactive ways to catch them early. Keep in mind your residents may not know what to look for, so bringing in a pro is the way to go for bed bugs. When it comes to this pest – you want a four-legged pro. Canine bed bug sniffing dogs, if trained correctly, can be 98% accurate at sniffing out just one bed bug – even just one bed bug egg. Imagine that type of heads up when it comes to these pests? The money spent on inspections by a canine team will save you from the cost of dealing with a full-blown infestation.
Setting up for Fall Fun
You may have inspected outdoor areas in preparation for the peak summer season, but it’s time to do it again. Who knows what has happened out there if you haven’t been keeping an eye on it. Overflowing trash cans, litter, spills, etc. could have attracted all sorts of pests.
- Work with your maintenance team to make sure any fall decorations are free from pests and removed immediately after the season is over. Squirrels, rats, and flies love a rotting pumpkin. If they are attracted to one outside your building, their next stop may be inside.
- Look for stinging insects swarming around nesting areas. Have a professional come to clear away any nests in the area and consider adding stinging pest control stations for added protection.
- Check your dumpster rotation schedule and cleaning and maintenance plans to make sure you’re doing your part to minimize the odors and garbage that attract flies, cockroaches, and rats.
Pest pressures for multifamily buildings are consistent – no matter what season you’re in. As the weather cools in New England, pests are just as likely to seek out your property for shelter and warmth, disrupting your residents and potentially causing health concerns. If you’re charged with making sure pests don’t threaten your residents and your reputation, contact a professional to help. One that’s been around 135 years, preferably.