Tenants expect to live in a pest free environment. They often expect their landlord to take responsibility for preventing pests, but they must also realize that their lifestyle plays a role in attracting these critters. There are, however, things tenants can do to help minimize the chances of a pest entering their unit. Here are some proactive steps tenants can take to help prevent pests in their property.

Store Food Properly

Vermin need to eat to survive, so naturally, they will be attracted to food. You should advise tenants that they should not leave food out or keep opened boxes or bags around. Items that do not belong in the refrigerator should preferably be stored in airtight containers to mask any smells that could attract the pests. If the tenant has a dog or cat, they should even consider buying a storage container that they can put the pet food in instead of having an opened bag of food around.

Keep the Apartment Clean

Another step tenants can take to avoid pest problems is to keep their kitchen and entire apartment clean. They should not leave dishes out overnight that have scraps from last night’s dinner on them. Wiping down the stove after cooking a meal is also important, as the grease can attract unwanted creatures. Wiping down counters, sweeping up crumbs and vacuuming on a regular schedule are also good habits to adopt. The cleaner the apartment is, the less likely the tenant is to have problems with pests.

Dispose of Trash Properly

To dispose of trash properly, tenants should have a garbage can in their unit that has a lid on it. When the trash can is full, the tenant should tie the bag up and bring it down to the trash receptacles that have been designated for the property. They must make sure they place their bag inside the bin and place the lid securely on top.

Declutter

Another measure tenants can take is to keep pests away is to declutter their home. The more clutter they have in the space, the more hiding spots there are for insects and rodents. Tenants should avoid stacking piles of clothes or papers in corners. Moving objects around or pulling furniture away from walls to vacuum on a regular basis can help prevent pests from finding a comfortable spot to call home.

Open Packages Outdoors

Another way pests can enter a property is through package deliveries. If you think about it, these boxes are stored in warehouses where mice and insects could be running rampant. You are then bringing this filthy box directly into your home.

Tenants may be unaware of this risk, so it is a good idea to give them this point of caution. It is a good idea to open delivery packages outdoors, dispose of the box and packaging materials in the proper receptacle and then bring the contents of the package into your home.

Be Cautious in Hotels and Public Spaces

Bed bugs are a pest that can easily be brought back into one’s home in the course of everyday activities such as going to the movies or traveling on the bus. Since they are so small, they often go unnoticed. Tenants should:

• Inspect the seat before they sit down in any public place, such as a movie theater.
• Avoid putting personal items on the floor.
• Avoid storing their luggage near the bed in a hotel room.
• Generally make it a habit of brushing themselves off before entering the property when they have spent time in a public area.

Contact the Landlord or Property Manager if There Is a Problem

Tenants should also be aware that they should contact you immediately if they notice a problem. Obviously, if they see any type of pest, they should alert you at once.

In addition, tenants should know to inform you if they notice any holes or cracks, if they see standing water or have leaky faucets, if they notice garbage that is not being disposed of properly or if another tenant at the property has not been keeping up with standards of cleanliness because these issues can all contribute to a pest problem.

by Erin Eberlin

Since 1946 the Carnahan name has had a reputation for honest and ethical Real Estate Property Management services in the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Burbank/Glendale, Los Angeles, Westside and Conejo Valley areas.

The reason for our success is helping owners like you when they need it. Below is a partial list of property management services we provide to help you protect your real estate investment.

• Tenant placement
• Tenant screening (including: credit check, landlord and employment verification, social security trace report, California eviction check and criminal check)
• Regular property inspections
• Accounting and landlord bill payment
• Monthly financial reporting
• Maintenance service and supervision (we use only proven independent vendors)
• Collections
• Evictions
• We supply all the necessary forms to meet California’s Landlord/Tenant laws
• 24 hour emergency phone service
• Advertising to the broadest tenant base possible

Call or e-mail us today for more information. We’re ready to get started!

Carnahan Property Management services Woodland Hills,West Hills, Calabasas, Canoga Park, Tarzana, Reseda, Topanga, Encino, Northridge, Van Nuys,North Hills,Chatsworth, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, North Hollywood, West Hollywood, San Fernando Valley, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, Simi Valley, West Lake Village, Agoura,Toluca Lake, Valley Village, Burbank. Call us at (818) 884-1500 and check if we can service your area.