Why Landlords Should Prioritize Pest Control Before Cool Weather Starts

With temperatures dropping, savvy landlords are doing their best to make their rentals more cozy for the colder months. For many property owners, that includes taking advantage of the less busy months to get deals on renovating bedrooms, weather-proofing the house, or proactively keeping rodents away.

The last point is especially vital because cooler weather often serves as an invitation for pests looking to wait out the winter.

We’ve put this article together to detail why landlords should prioritize pest control before cool weather starts and everything you need to do before fall.

If these are left unchecked, these unwanted pests can damage your property and spread disease, which can cost you money in the long run.

Understand Seasonal Pest Behavior

Before explaining what you should do to keep pests away, it’s essential to have a good grasp of seasonal pest behavior. Most household pests, such as cockroaches, spiders, and beetles, are cold-blooded.

They’re unable to regulate their own body temperature, and when temperatures drop and it becomes too cold, these pests start searching for a warm environment to hibernate. Driven by instinct, they usually find heat in human homes that helps them survive through the cold weather.

For non-hibernating household pests, such as rats and other rodents, your home also offers shelter from the cold. They also have the added benefit of feeding from your crumbs or trash when outside vegetation and food sources dwindle.

Besides warmth and food, spaces such as your attic, cracks, and crevices offer perfect shelter from the cold for these rodents to breed, increasing your risk of infestation. That’s why it’s essential to hire a professional Boston property management team to handle the schedule of your pest control activities.

Key Pest Control Activities Before Fall

Inspecting Entry Points

Conduct a thorough exterior and interior inspection of your house to ensure there are no entry points for pests.

Rodents such as mice need surprisingly little space to enter a building, which means you need to stay on alert for tiny crevices that need extra caulking. Remember, a mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime.

Focus your attention on areas where these pests are more likely to pass, such as your foundation and siding. You should pay close attention to where utility lines (gas, water, cable) enter your rental, and seal all cracks and gaps with caulk or steel wool and patching materials.

Do the same in rooms like your laundry, attic, and bathroom so bats, birds, or rats can’t gain access.

Improving Weatherproofing

While primarily for energy efficiency, proper weatherproofing also acts as a powerful pest deterrent. In other words, you need to install or replace worn-out door sweeps and weatherstripping.

Beyond blocking potential entry points, for insects like ants, spiders, and roaches, it also has the added benefit of reducing your electric bill.

Scheduling Professional Pest Inspection and Treatments

Landlords pay for pest control, which sometimes may vary based on the property type. Thus, it’s your responsibility to schedule a professional inspection even when there are no reports of invading vermin or rodents.

Routine pest treatments can deter insects and other pests before they gain entry and start hibernating in your house. For example, applying exterior residual treatments to common entry points and placing tamper-proof bait stations outside the perimeter can strategically eliminate rodent populations before they breach the building.

Managing Exterior Landscape

Get rid of exterior bridges that pests like rats, squirrels, and other insects can use to gain access to your home.

Pests don’t just magically appear in your home because the weather is cold. The area immediately surrounding a building is the staging ground for pest invasions.

You’ll need to cut back all shrubs, bushes, and tree branches so they do not touch the siding or roof of the building. It’s also essential to remove piles of leaves, mulch, construction materials, and clutter near the foundation, as these provide ideal hiding and nesting spots for rodents and insects.

Addressing Moisture and Drainage

Excess moisture attracts many indoor pests, especially cockroaches, silverfish, and termites, so ensure all gutters and downspouts are clear and properly channel water away from the foundation.

It would also be a good idea to promptly repair any leaky outdoor faucets or interior plumbing leaks, as standing water and damp wood attract pests.

Educating Tenants

The best physical defenses are useless if tenants unknowingly invite pests in. Thus, it’s essential to provide clear reminders about storing food in airtight containers and promptly cleaning up spills, particularly in kitchens and pantries.

Lastly, emphasize the importance of using securely lidded trash cans and taking trash out regularly.

Prioritize Pest Control This Winter

As cool weather approaches, landlords have an opportunity to stay one step ahead of seasonal pests. By acting early, you can protect your property, avoid costly extermination bills, and keep tenants comfortable.

That’s why understanding how pest behavior shifts with the seasons can help you anticipate potential problems.

Pests are essentially looking for a winter bunker to stay warm, eat, and breed. As a result, you need to keep them out by sealing entry points and managing your exterior landscape.

It would also be a good idea to discourage their invasion by educating your tenants on keeping the rental clean and addressing moisture issues. Finally, call in the professionals for a proactive inspection and treatments that keep your investment safe and healthy through the cold.

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