If you are having problems with pests sometimes you just can’t wait for someone to come help! Other times your Landlord will need you to troubleshoot the issue before they come out with the proper tools. Either way, we have some guidelines to help!
Remember – Bennett Properties will be happy to help you in emergencies and with common repairs – but if it’s an easy fix that you can do – then give it a shot!
You have ants/mice/various pests!
First alert Bennett Properties of the type of pest you are seeing. Because pests can spread to other units it is best to let us know as soon as possible so that a group effort to eradicate the pest can be made. There are also products on the market that work short term – but they can increase the problem long term.
DISCLAIMER – when using any sort of pest control product please follow the product instructions carefully. If you have pets take extra precaution to use pet friendly options or remove your pet while bait is out.
To note – many pests are attracted to a property because of a food source. Please read this City of Seattle Pamphlet about not feeding wild animals and why.
SQUIRRELS, RACCOONS, MICE or RATS – It may seem like rodents are only present in areas where trash or food sources are present. But you will be surprised at the other things that can attract them seasonally. In the winter they seek water and warmth, in the summer they seek shade. But rodents will also take advantage of bird feeders, compost scraps, pet waste, and more. Visit the Seattle Public Health page for more detail.
BIRDS – Did you know that pigeons are considered a pest? They will use areas to roost seasonally and are very difficult and costly to remove. Their droppings can contain harmful bacteria. Their nesting can end up inside your roof! They are very persistent, so it’s good to deter them before they establish themselves at your property.
ANTS – We use a product called Advion Gel, that works by killing the entire ant farm. Other gels or liquids kill the ants before they are able to bring the bait into the nest. This means you will see less ants only temporarily. You may also have multiple sources of ants. Make sure you follow the trails back to their entry and bait at multiple locations.
ROACHES or BED BUGS – While these aren’t common in Seattle, they can be present at times. There are times of season when they can really become an issue (during the high heats of summer). So practice caution and follow these guidelines to avoid bringing these pests onto the property.
FLEAS – If you have a pet that has fleas, you will need to consult your veterinarian first in order to treat your pet. Once this is done you should do a full cleaning of your apartment and coordinate a “bug bomb” or “fogger” to kill whatever fleas are present in your unit. What you shouldn’t do is set off a fogger without coordinating with your neighboring units. You will potentially send the fleas outward without actually fixing the problem. If the issue is left long enough you may need to hire a professional service.
No matter what pest you have or are planning to avoid, there are many resources and products out there. We have years of experience maintaining properties and can offer our insights on most problems. Make sure you reach out as soon as you see anything concerning so that we can help you manage things before they become worse!
