Pest infestation

Pests are bothersome to tenants; they can cause health problems, and based on some state laws, they make your property uninhabitable. Your tenants are your customers and it leads to an awful experience for them, which leads to fewer lease renewals.

If you’re searching for new tenants, pests can make the property less appealing and difficult to rent. Not to mention, some pests, such as termites, will eat away at your property. The intrusion of pests can actually reduce the value of your property.

For all of these reasons, it’s important to try to prevent pests in your rental property. However, if you still end up with a pest infestation, here are 5 steps to help you handle it:

1. Identify the Pest

If a pest problem arises, identify the pest and try to understand the extent of the infestation as best as you can. Find out where they are coming in from, which rooms they’re in, and how many pests have been spotted. You’ll likely need to discuss this with your current tenants so you can find out exactly where they have seen the pests.

If you can, gather a specimen or take a photograph of the pest. If you hire professional pest control, they have entomologists that can identify the kind of pest you have based on size, color, and general shape.

2. Identify What Attracted The Pest to Come In

If you notice the pests are coming in from a certain crack, pipe, or opening in the floor or wall, then be sure to resolve that issue as soon as possible. That will help stop new pests from coming in from those same routes.

If you notice that the pests were attracted by dirt, garbage, or food inside the property, then make sure to clean up the property. You can offer to pay for a professional cleaning service if you have tenants currently in the unit. That way, you can make sure the property is thoroughly cleaned and you won’t bother your tenants with extra work.

If your property has flies, then thoroughly clean the sinks. And if you have a garbage disposal,

make sure to run it regularly, or advise your tenants to do so.

3. Research Local Laws on Pests

Most cities have public health departments that offer information on pests in your city. You may even find that your city has a pest control department. Not only will this offer you more information on the problem, but it will also educate you on your local laws on handling pests.

4. Call a Professional

If your rental property has pests, you’ll likely need professional pest treatment. Pest control professionals will use methods that are effective and safe for you and your tenants.

If you prefer to handle the problem on your own, be sure to use methods that are safe for people and pets. Notify your tenants if you are using traps, bait, or poison to handle the pest infestation. These methods are especially hazardous for children and pets.

5. Prevent Another Pest Infestation

Having a pest problem once is bad enough, but you certainly do not want it to be a repeat problem. The best way to avoid this is by fixing whatever brought the pests in. For example, seal up any cracks that allowed pests to get in. We also recommend keeping the property clean inside and out. It’s best to have closed garbage bins, clutter-free spaces, and no standing water near the property.

Next Steps

For more on handling maintenance issues, read our Landlord Maintenance Guide: Would I Live in My Own Rental?