It’s unfortunate, but it’s the truth: there will always be some sort of pest trying to sneak its way into your rental. Whether it’s ants, rodents, or bed bugs, pests are a constant nuisance for landlords and property managers. To get rid of them once and for all (and make sure your tenant has a clean, pest-free living space), here’s what to do.
First Things First
Listen to your tenant’s complaints and let them know you’ve heard them. Nothing is worse (from a renter’s perspective) than feeling like their landlord or property manager doesn’t care about their living situation. Hear them out and let them know you’ll do everything you can to help. Give them a timeline so their expectations align with yours, too.
Mice and Rodents
There are a few ways to get rid of mice in your rental, but the one we suggest for landlords and property managers is to call an exterminator. This is the best way to ensure mice are stopped at the source and don’t make a return. It might be the most expensive, but it’s also the most efficient.
Mice can easily damage your property, whether it’s from chewing on electrical wiring or nibbling through wall insulation. It’s important to get rid of them before they cause any permanent damage to your rental.
Ants
Ants are pesky and seem to find a way to stick around long after you’ve dealt with them the first time around. Luckily, there are plenty of options to get rid of ants naturally. On a budget? Use a homemade mixture of borax and sugar; the sugar will attract ants, and the borax will eliminate them. Or, try Diatomaceous Earth (DE). Place a line of this natural product down on the ground and it will attract ants, attach to them, and kill them before they can cross the line.
Remind your tenant to keep things clean and to place food in sealable containers. Leaving food out will attract ants and they’ll bring their friends. Encourage them to sweep up the floors and clean their dishes before they can attract ants, too.
Bedbugs
Getting rid of bed bugs can be really difficult. Bed bugs actually hide out behind picture frames on the wall, under dressers, and just about everywhere else other than your mattress. To get rid of these pests completely, you’ll need to call an exterminator immediately. The longer the bed bugs are there, the higher the chances of them scurrying off and hiding elsewhere.
Follow Up With Your Tenant
Once you’ve called an exterminator or used a natural remedy, make sure to follow up with your tenant. Is everything back to normal or have they noticed the pests return? Ask them directly, and make sure they’re satisfied with the results of their maintenance request.
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