Ultimate Pest Control Guidelines for Landlords: Common Areas Where Pests Hide and How to Identify Signs of Infestation

As a landlord, it’s crucial to be proactive in identifying and addressing potential pest infestations before they spiral out of control.

By conducting regular inspections, you can catch the early warning signs and take necessary action to prevent pests from establishing a stronghold in your property.

Let’s explore some common areas where pests like to hide and the signs that indicate their presence.

Kitchen and Food Storage Areas:

Pests such as ants, cockroaches, and rodents are often drawn to kitchens and food storage areas in search of sustenance.

Look for:

• Droppings or urine stains: Small, dark droppings or urine stains near food sources or in cabinets indicate the presence of rodents.
• Gnaw marks: Chewed packaging or signs of gnawing on wires may suggest the presence of rats or mice.
• Grease smears: Cockroaches leave behind greasy smears along their regular pathways.

Basements and Attics:

These areas provide dark, undisturbed spaces that pests find appealing.

Keep an eye out for:

• Shredded paper or cardboard: Rodents often use these materials to build nests, so finding shredded paper or cardboard is a sign of their presence.
• Nests or burrows: Inspect corners, insulation, and stored items for signs of nests or burrows, indicating rodents or insects.
• Holes or chew marks: Look for holes in walls, chewed wiring, or damage to stored items caused by rodents.

Bathroom and Plumbing Areas:

While pests are not commonly associated with bathrooms, they can still find their way in through plumbing access points.

Check for:

• Damp or mouldy spots: Moist areas attract pests like silverfish or centipedes, so damp spots or mould growth could indicate their presence.
• Sewer smells: Foul odours emanating from drains may indicate a drain fly or cockroach infestation.
• Pest droppings: Look for droppings near drains or in corners as a potential sign of pest activity.

Common Areas and Entry Points:

Pests often enter the property through cracks, gaps, or open doors.

Pay attention to:

• Holes or gaps in walls: Inspect the property’s exterior and interior walls for openings that could serve as entry points for pests.
• Damaged weatherstripping or door sweeps: Check for worn-out weatherstripping or damaged door sweeps that can allow pests to enter.
• Nests or signs of activity near entry points: Look for nests, droppings, or signs of gnawing around doors, windows, or vents.

Early detection is key to preventing infestations. If you notice any signs of pest activity or suspect an infestation, it’s important to take immediate action by contacting professional pest control services or implementing appropriate pest management strategies.

Pest Control Guidelines

Stay tuned for the next section, where we’ll explore preventive measures, landlords can take to keep their properties pest-free.

Further Reading

Real Estate & Strata Pest Control Services

Who is responsible for pest control in a rental property

Pest Control Solutions For Real Estate & Strata

Moving in or moving out pest control advice