During extreme weather conditions, unwanted pests such as rodents can become a focal issue for rental homes. In the event that the weather gets cold, rodents like and seek out warmth and a stable food supply, making homes an enticing shelter. Contrary to that, during hot weather, rodents may invade residential areas seeking water, greatly increasing the infestation risk. In such cases, with their effortlessly available food and water sources, our homes can be very appealing to rodents such as mice, squirrels, rats, and other pests.
Eliminate items attractive to pests
Keeping your rental home free of pests can be arduous, but really, a few basic actions can go a long way in maintaining a rodent-free space. It’s necessary to take proactive methods to eliminate potential food sources that might allure these unwanted guests. Properly storing and disposing of food and waste and keeping your living space clean and tidy are critical ways to prevent infestations.
Bear in mind to quickly remove or securely store pet food, bird seed, grass seed, and fallen fruit from fruit trees in sturdy plastic containers with securely sealed lids to avoid attracting pests, as examples rodents, insects, and other animals.
Seal entry points around the home
Another crucial task to keep rodents out is to seal all potential entry points around the home’s foundation, eaves, and soffits. Any gaps or holes should be filled with steel mesh, caulk, or plaster, and observed consistently to keep the seals intact.
Soaking cotton balls with peppermint oil and placing them where small bugs probably can enter is a natural remedy that has been reported to work well (this style also leaves a perfect smell).
If you are obliged to provide pest control to your residents (a large number of states do not require owners of single-family homes to provide pest control, so look to your local statutes) and natural means aren’t keeping the pests out, you may need to make use of traps or hire an exterminator to handle the problem. Naturally, using traps, poisons, or other efforts poses significant risks to residents and their pets unless used selectively and rightly.
Maintain regular rodent-proofing
As a property owner, adding rodent-proofing to your long list of weatherizing tasks may appear like one heavy responsibility too many. With that said, it’s so important to bear in mind that regular maintenance is key to keeping your property rodent-free. It can be difficult to always consider to check the foundations and eaves of each property and monitor the home for its management of potential pest-attracting food sources, nevertheless, it’s an obligation that can’t be left uncared for.
You could tackle all these tasks yourself, or you could charge them to Real Property Management VA Peninsula. Our comprehensive property management programs not only keep rodents out but also guarantee the overall integrity of your property, keeping your residents gratified and your investment guarded. Contact us online or call us at 757-251-9188 today and learn about all of our property management services.
Originally Published on September 28, 2018
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
