| Rodent Control Strategies for
Property Managers |
| Like
any business issue, rodent control is most
effectively accomplished when the work, methods,
and responsibilities are clearly defined.
Rodent control is not limited by technology,
but rather by uncertainty and ineffective
control practices. The following guidelines
are suggested to assist property managers
in developing a rodent control program that
meets their needs. |
| Selection
and Management of Pest Control Contractors |
| Select a pest control firm
based on qualifications, as well as cost.
Qualifications to consider include: |
- Number of years in business
- Number of commercial accounts and experience
with commercial versus residential pest
control
- Experience and training in the types
of pest control needed (e.g., rodent control,
insect control)
- Memberships in pest control associations
- Technicians licensed and certified
for the types of work to be performed
|
| Use
a contract that clearly defines the work,
including: |
- A service log that documents in/out
times of technicians, materials and quantities
used, inspection results, and recommendations
- Mapping to show the locations of pest
activity and treatments
- Control and monitoring practices based
on a comprehensive survey and regular
(e.g., monthly) inspections
- Key locations to be monitored, such
as basements, and food and refuse storage
areas
- Outside control for rodents in perimeter
and landscaped areas
- Service frequency and emergency response
time
- A meeting schedule for review of performance
and recommendations
- A diversity of control practices, ranging
from poison baits and traps to sanitation
inspections and rodent- proofing of buildings
|
| Clearly
define service costs. |
| This should include an initial
fee to establish a pest control program and
a monthly maintenance rate for inspection,
monitoring, and treatment. Multiple visits
during a month may be required depending upon
pest control needs and practices. Emergency
calls can be incorporated as part of the monthly
rate or priced separately. “Bargain”
prices may not ensure adequate service, and
could actually result in future pest problems
and additional costs. |
 |
| Sanitation
and Rodent-Proofing |
| The most important aspects
of a pest control program are sanitation and
structural maintenance (exclusion). |
- Schedule refuse disposal and pickup
so that garbage is not exposed (inside
or outside) at night
- Use rodent-proof dumpsters, compactors,
and trash cans and inspect them regularly
for breakage or gaps
- Use a central refuse storage area that
is cleaned daily
- Check regularly for breakage or gaps
- Design and maintain landscaping to limit
dense ground covers and shrubs that can
provide harborage, and exposed soil that
may be used for burrowing
- Seal utility ducts and similar openings
in buildings
- Eliminate gaps under outside doorways,
garage doors, and loading docks
|
| Prevention
– Make Sure That: |
- All bait stations and traps are checked
on each service call and are effectively
distributed
- Records of pest control activities
are maintained
- Surveys and inspections are conducted
thoroughly, especially in the early spring
and fall
- Food and refuse storage areas are clean,
secure, and inspected frequently
- Door sweeps and entranceways are rodent-proof,
and outside doors are kept closed
- Outside and basement walls are checked
seasonally, and any cracks or openings
are repaired
- Materials received are inspected for
rodent signs, such as droppings
- Landscaped areas are kept free of weeds
and trash, and shrubs are spaced apart
and kept trimmed
- Monitoring efforts are concentrated
near potential access points, such as
doorways and receiving and utility areas
- Tenant and maintenance personnel responsibilities
are clear
|
Remember
A proactive approach to rodent control
is the most effective strategy. Don’t
wait until you have a crisis. Good sanitation,
rodent-proofing, and monitoring are the best
ways to prevent rodent problems. |
|
