In order to keep pests out of their houses, tenants need take preventative action as fall approaches. It’s important to use efficient pest management techniques since many pests seek refuge indoors during the fall and winter months.
In order to ensure a comfortable and pest-free living environment, this article will offer helpful pointers and information on how tenants may defend their living spaces from common autumn pests.
Common Fall Pests
There are some bugs that are referred to be occasional invaders in the pest control industry. Because of the temperature or season, these are seasonal pests that come indoors.
When the weather gets warmer, these overwintering pests will come out of hiding, where they usually remain during the winter and colder months.
Sadly, “staying hidden” may entail taking up residence in a rented building. As these insects, arachnids, and animals get ready for the winter, pest experts list twelve common fall pests that you might see in a home.
Preventive Steps for Fall Pest Management
Fortunately, a few overwintering bugs do not always indicate a full-blown infestation, and there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood that these pests will continue to look for cover inside the rental property.
Pest abatement techniques should be a part of fall property maintenance routines for landlords and property managers.
Tips for Landlords on Pests
Each autumn, landlords should be taking on a few seasonal activities as part of their annual upkeep.
Every season calls for routine maintenance such as checking the outside for holes or cracks and weatherproofing, but in the winter, these tasks can become especially necessary as pest control and weatherproofing become more vital.
Another way to get rid of extra material that bugs could hide within is to trim outside shrubs and prevent them from coming too close to the building.
Remember that tiny animals and vermin, such as mice, rats, and even squirrels, can burrow into the insulation of your home and cause ice damage to your roof. Caulk minor holes and cover large ones with hardware cloth to stop an infestation.
The Humane Society suggests caulking minor holes on your property, covering bigger holes with hardware cloth with staples or screws, or making permanent repairs to ensure that your property is safe from animals.
Stronger animals like raccoons cannot be handled by bug screen (1/4 inch hardware cloth). Therefore, 16 gauge 1×1 inch steel mesh is advised for raccoons.
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Tenant Tips on Pests
Preventing insect issues is far simpler than eliminating infestations once they start. As they say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and there’s no denying that the best (and simplest) way to deal with pests is to prevent them in the first place.
A few easy methods for mitigating pests can be quite effective:
- Vacuum frequently: Removing dust, crumbs, and even organic materials like hair and dead skin will make your home less appealing to prospective pests.
- Clear Spider Webs: While a professional exterminator may be necessary if there are too many spiders, you may keep them at bay by using a broom or duster to knock down webs.
- Eliminate Clutter: A lot of clutter gives bugs more places to nest, especially if there isn’t much traffic in the area.
- Essential Oils: Depending on the bugs you’re trying to repel, peppermint or eucalyptus oil may be suggested. Certain essential oils are capable of repelling a variety of pests.
- Spices and Herbs: Potent fragrances may repel some pests, but remember that a home treatment will only work if the bugs are a little problem and not an infestation.
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If pest extermination is required, who covers the costs?
Pest control and who is responsible for it should be specifically included in lease agreements.
In most cases, it is the landlord’s responsibility to guarantee that the rental is lawfully habitable by safeguarding the property and taking prompt action to resolve any issues. If pest control is compromising a property’s habitability, landlords and property managers may face fines.
Depending on your area’s landlord-tenant regulations and the terms of your lease agreement, landlords may be able to charge for the services rendered or take money out of the tenant’s security deposit if the tenant’s conduct resulted in an infestation.
Expert exterminators are frequently able to confirm the type of infestation and identify whether renter behavior has contributed to the presence of bugs.
If the real cause of the issue cannot be identified, keep in mind that it is in the best interests of both landlords and tenants to solve the issue as soon as possible. As such, be open to considering potential compromises.
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