In the midst of extreme weather conditions, unwanted pests such as rodents can become a relevant issue for rental homes. If, in any case, the weather gets cold, rodents will look for warmth and a stable food supply, making homes a superb and attractive shelter. In reverse, during hot weather, rodents may invade residential areas attempting to find water, raising the infestation risk. For this reason, with their openly available food and water sources, our homes can be very appealing to rodents, take for example mice, squirrels, rats, and other pests.
Eliminate items attractive to pests
Keeping your rental home free of pests can be a serious challenge, but, at the same time, a few basic actions can go a long way in maintaining a rodent-free space. It’s beneficial to execute proactive activities to eliminate potential food sources that might draw these unacceptable guests. Properly storing and disposing of food and waste and keeping your living space clean and tidy are pertinent ways to prevent infestations.
Check and ensure to speedily remove or securely store pet food, bird seed, grass seed, and fallen fruit from fruit trees in sturdy plastic containers with completely sealed lids to avoid attracting pests such as rodents, insects, and other animals.
Seal entry points around the home
Another critical 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 frequently checked to keep the seals intact.
Soaking cotton balls with peppermint oil and placing them where small bugs could understandably enter is a natural remedy that has been reported to work well (this technique also happily leaves a gorgeous smell).
If you are bound to provide pest control to your residents (innumerable states do not require owners of single-family homes to provide pest control, so look to your local statutes) and natural processes aren’t keeping the pests out, you may need to turn to using traps or hire an exterminator to handle the problem. But remember, using traps, poisons, or other approaches pose significant risks to residents and their pets unless used selectively and suitably.
Maintain regular rodent-proofing
As a property owner, affixing rodent-proofing to your long list of weatherizing tasks may remind you of one heavy responsibility too many. But as a matter of fact, it’s vital to keep in mind that regular maintenance is key to keeping your property rodent-free. It can be toilsome to always be mindful to check the foundations and eaves of each property and monitor the home for its tackling of potential pest-attracting food sources, but undoubtedly, it’s a task that can’t be left unheeded.
You could deal with all these tasks yourself, or you could present and leave them to Real Property Management Principles to deal with. Our comprehensive property management programs not only keep rodents out but also always ensure the overall integrity of your property, keeping your residents pleased and your investment totally secure. Contact us online or call us at 816-890-9800 today to find out more about our property management services.
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.
