36 / 80
36
J U N E , 2 0 1 7
bage, or potential entry points.
Of course, despite one’s best efforts, infestations happen.
And if there is an infestation, it needs to be tackled in its
early stages. Pest infestations in community properties can
be especially difficult to control. Because there are shared
floors and walls, a pest problem can spread through a
building from one unit to the next like wildfire. Pest problems
are also compounded by shared areas like elevators, hall-
ways, and laundry rooms that can serve as “pest exchange
depots” among residents.
All too often, small signs of a pest invasion go unad-
dressed until that infestation becomes a major problem.
Communities that property managers who are proactive
with pest control have fewer infestations, and when they do
occur, are smaller and much easier to resolve. What can a
property manager do to be proactive?
• Educate residents and maintenance staff about pest preven-
tion and the importance of timely reporting signs of insect
activity. Effective pest control must be a collaborative effort
among the property manage-
ment team, the residents, and
the pest control professional.
Work with a licensed pest con-
trol professional before prob-
lems arise. Regular inspections
and preventative treatments
can make all the difference in
keeping pests at bay.
There are some particularly
troublesome summertime pests
that every property manager
should have on their radar.
Ticks and Mosquitoes
These two insects have one miserable trait in common:
the ability to spread a host of diseases through their bites.
They can transmit Lyme disease, West Nile virus, Rocky
Mountain Spotted Fever, Chikungunya virus, and, if all that
weren’t enough, the frightening Zika virus has been added
to the list. This year, property managers need to be vigilant
CODE RED...
from page 34.
CONT I NU E S ON PAGE 38
"These two insects
have one miserable
trait in common: the
ability to spread
a host of diseases
through their bites."
© iStockphoto.com