Summer is when humans head outside, and pests head inside. Since nothing will scare away a potential renter or anger a current occupancy faster than the presence of bugs or rodents, managers need to review and update their pest control strategies. Here are ten summer pest control strategies we recommend for multifamily rentals:

  1. Set Up A Routine Pest Control Service: Partner with a licensed exterminator for monthly or quarterly treatments. Prevention is always cheaper than infestations.
  2. Use Bait Stations In Common Areas: Discreetly place rodent bait boxes and ant bait traps around basements, laundry rooms, garages, and near dumpsters.
  3. Require Trash Protocols: Provide sealed, regularly emptied dumpsters and post clear signage about bagging garbage and keeping lids shut.
  4. Install Door Sweeps And Screen Repairs: Add door sweeps to exterior doors and repair window screens to stop flying insects and crawling invaders.
  5. Educate Residents: Send out an email to your residents and share simple pest prevention tips like storing food properly, avoiding standing water, and reporting leaks or droppings ASAP.
  6. Seal All Entry Points: Use caulk, steel wool, and weather stripping to close up gaps around doors, windows, utility pipes, and baseboards where pests sneak in.
  7. Seal Utility Access Points: Use foam insulation or mesh wire to block gaps around cable lines, gas pipes, and HVAC penetrations.
  8. Fix Leaks And Eliminate Moisture: Pests love damp spots. Inspect your rentals for leaky pipes, dripping AC systems, and standing water around the rental.
  9. Trim Landscaping Away From Buildings: Keep bushes, trees, and ivy trimmed at least 2--3 feet from siding and roofs. They act like pest highways.
  10. Inspect Vacant Residences Before Releasing: Before turning over any empty residence, check for droppings, chew marks, dead insects, or nesting signs. Then, treat as needed.

No one wants to live with uninvited guests. When you keep the pests out of your residences, you keep occupants in. Want more ways to safeguard your multifamily rentals this summer? Contact Occupancy Solutions to help you keep your spaces full and frustration-free.