Pests can easily spread from home to home, especially in a humid Florida climate. That’s why it’s important to know what to do when your homeowners’ community is faced with an infestation of termites, roaches, ants, or any other manner of vermin. Here is how a homeowners association (HOA) should approach the elimination of pests in their community.
Take a Proactive Approach
Common areas should be properly maintained to help prevent the emergence and spread of pests. This includes the clearing of any debris or detritus that may have collected in the area. Also, encourage residents to come forward when they suspect a pest has entered the community. It’s much easier to deal with a family of racoons in the neighborhood when you know they’re there.
Know What You’re Responsible For
Most likely, the HOA is solely responsible for maintaining common areas, such as a pool or clubhouse, while the individual owners are responsible for the inside of their homes. Extermination efforts will depend on the stipulations laid out in the HOA agreement. There may already be money set aside from the agreement that will cover the cost of pest control. A Tampa homeowners association management service can perform annual or semi-annual inspections of the property to ensure that a pest problem hasn’t spread through your community.
Remember That It’s a Team Effort
The above understanding of responsibility is important because pest control in a community requires a coordinated effort from everyone affected. Even if a clubhouse is the HOA’s sole responsibility, there is little use in eliminating termites there if the surrounding homes are infested. Pests don’t care who is responsible for the building they are invading. That’s why you must communicate with the residents to ensure that every structure affected is taken care of.
Hire a Professional
An infestation is an incredible annoyance that can diminish the value of a property and encourage residents to move away. In fact, pests are one of the top complaints a homeowner will have. Don’t let pest control grow from a small nuisance to a problem that affects the entire community. Hire an exterminator to come out and eliminate pests before the problem spreads. A Tampa HOA management professional can ensure that the right exterminator is hired for the job.
Give Ample Notice
Once the method of pest control has been chosen, be sure to give notice far in advance so that owners may voice any objections. An owner may disapprove of an exterminator entering their home or spraying around their property. They may allow an exterminator to enter their home, but object to the use of a certain chemical. They may also have pets that they would want relocated. Always keep your residents in mind when making these decisions on their behalf.
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