In times of extreme weather conditions, unwanted pests such as rodents can become a really major issue for rental homes. If the weather gets cold, rodents certainly look for warmth and a stable food supply, making homes a greatly attractive shelter. On the flip side, during hot weather, rodents may invade residential areas in quest of water, causing higher infestation risk. Accordingly, with their consistently 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 wearisome and downright challenging, though a few basic actions can go a long way in maintaining a rodent-free space. It’s vital to take proactive procedures to eliminate potential food sources that might pull in these repugnant guests. Properly storing and disposing of food and waste and keeping your living space clean and tidy are necessary ways to prevent infestations.
Make certain to promptly remove or securely store pet food, bird seed, grass seed, and fallen fruit from fruit trees in sturdy plastic containers with nicely sealed lids to avoid attracting pests, for example rodents, insects, and other animals.
Seal entry points around the home
Another key 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 often to keep the seals intact.
Soaking cotton balls with peppermint oil and placing them where small bugs can possibly enter is a natural remedy that has been reported to work well (this approach, in addition, leaves a superb smell as well).
If you are responsible to provide pest control to your residents (almost all states do not require owners of single-family homes to provide pest control, so look to your local statutes) and natural techniques aren’t keeping the pests out, you may need to utilize traps or hire an exterminator to handle the problem. But as a matter of fact, using traps, poisons, or other ways pose significant risks to residents and their pets unless used selectively and correctly.
Maintain regular rodent-proofing
As a property owner, adding rodent-proofing to your long list of weatherizing tasks may indeed feel like one heavy responsibility too many. But, it’s salient to know that regular maintenance is key to keeping your property rodent-free. It can be tricky to keep in mind to constantly check the foundations and eaves of each property and monitor the home for its proper dealing with potential pest-attracting food sources, however, it’s an obligation that can’t be really taken for granted.
You could tend to all these tasks yourself, or you could charge them to Real Property Management NW Chicago Suburbs. Our comprehensive property management programs not only keep rodents out but also make absolutely sure of the overall integrity of your property, keeping your residents joyfully contented and your investment properly secured. Contact us online or call us at 847-737-4800 today to discover more with regards to 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.