Resources for Residents of Multi-Family Housing
If you live in an apartment, a condominium, or any kind of unit in multi-family housing, there are special measures that you should consider taking to prevent or solve pest problems. For an approach that is suitable for your home, consider the following:
- To keep pest numbers down, each resident needs to do his or her part, keeping individual apartments clean to discourage pests throughout the building.
- Housing managers bear significant responsibility for keeping pests out of properties through inspection and maintenance.
- If you see pests in your home, let your housing manager know right away so that they can respond appropriately.
- They may have to look in your apartment and neighboring apartments to find the problem, but a long-lasting solution will probably be worth this inconvenience.
- See the general tips for residents.
- Read the Do's and Don'ts of Pest Control.
Pest Management Roles for Residents
Controlling pests in multi-family housing requires cooperation between residents, housing managers, housing staff, and pest management professionals (PMP).
The resident's role encompasses these responsibilities:
- Prepare your unit for visits from the PMP or exterminator.
- Follow your lease regarding:
- Housekeeping
- Sanitation
- Trash removal and storage.
- Report the presence of pests, leaks and mold.
- Monitor common areas for problems.
- Help neighbors with these tasks.
- Learn about the roles of housing managers, staff, and the PMP.
The results of this team approach:
- An inspection and monitoring system that finds pests.
- A reporting system that identifies areas of improvement.
- Units that are prepared to get a least-toxic treatment.
- Communication that empowers all.
- Fewer pests and a healthier environment.
More information for dealing with pests in multi-family housing:
The National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) has a Web page on integrated pest management in affordable housing .