Identify the Most Common Outdoor Pests
Before attempting to deal with a problem, it’s essential to know what you’re up against. Typical outdoor pests for rental properties can result in considerable problems, as these undesirable pests may damage landscaping, compromise wood structures, harm gardens, and eventually make their way indoors if left unmanaged. While common pests shift depending on region, here are several of the usual suspects to consider:
- Ants: Nest in walls and under patios, move into kitchens to locate food, and can cause structural damage when carpenter ants infest.
- Termites: Feed on wood and can cause severe structural damage that’s costly to repair.
- Rodents (mice, rats, squirrels): Chew through wires, insulation, and stored materials, while transmitting diseases.
- Mosquitoes: Multiply in standing water, leaving outdoor spaces uncomfortable and potentially spreading diseases.
- Wasps and Hornets: Nest under eaves or in trees, creating a safety hazard for renters.
- Raccoons and Opossums: Dig through trash, damage gardens, and can be aggressive when cornered.
- Spiders: Drawn to insects near exterior lighting, often making their way indoors.
- Scorpions: Common in the southwestern US, they conceal themselves in cracks or beneath stones and may sting tenants or pets.
Keep an eye on the common pests in your area and prepare in line with the situation. Knowing which common pests in your area pose a risk to your rental property will help you build a useful pest management plan.
Use Smart Landscaping to Prevent Pest Infestations
An efficient way to deter outside pests is to make your yard less inviting for them. Easy things you can do to reduce unwanted pests involve keeping bushes and shrubs trimmed at least a foot off your property’s siding, removing dead leaves, fallen debris, and clutter that could provide shelter for critters, and making sure there’s no standing water in containers, birdbaths, or gutters, because mosquitoes love to breed in stagnant water. If your property has a wood-burning stove or a fire pit, always store firewood neatly and at a safe distance from the building to prevent termites and rodents from spreading. At the end of the day, practical landscaping choices are a simple yet powerful way to avoid pests outside.
How to Fortify the Exterior Against Pests
The next move once you’ve done some proactive landscaping is to ensure pests can’t easily enter the home. To begin, confirm that you inspect your rental’s exterior regularly for holes or cracks in siding, vents, and pipes. If you find gaps or damage, repair them right away. As often as possible, attach tight-fitting screens to windows and vents, and add weatherstripping on doors to seal gaps. Don’t forget to secure trash bins with sturdy lids to keep raccoons and rodents at bay. A commitment to planning and upfront maintenance goes a long way toward managing pests in rental properties.
Outdoor Pest Control Treatments Every Landlord Should Know
In some cases, landscaping and sealing the property may not always do the trick. If pests are still a bother outdoors or entering the home, applying an outdoor pest treatment may be required. These treatments establish a strong layer of protection and work to eradicate some of the more dangerous pests, including spiders and scorpions. Common practices include perimeter sprays, natural solutions, and traps for common outdoor pests. Always be sure to follow local regulations and prioritize tenant safety.
For more stubborn infestations, the ideal solution is to hire a licensed pest control professional who is well-versed in managing pest issues in rental properties. When pests have already taken hold of your property’s exterior, relying on the services of a professional ensures the problem is addressed completely.
Stay Ahead with Seasonal Pest Prevention Checks
Ultimately, it’s necessary to incorporate outdoor pest control into your seasonal maintenance habit. To guarantee the best outcome, inspections during spring and fall allow you to spot issues before they worsen. Assess the area for signs of pests and moisture problems. Staying ahead of pests means fewer worries for you and a more comfortable living experience for your renters.
Partner with Experts for Long-Term Protection
Applying a practical outdoor pest control strategy saves you money and stress, simultaneously protecting the value of your rental. If you’d like help managing your property and preventing pests from entering your home, Real Property Management Seacoast New Hampshire can support. We’re here to create rental property management in Exeter stress-free and honest. Get in touch with us online or call 603-343-2202 today!