Sometimes neighborhoods fall prey to unwelcome guests, pun intended. Does yours have a pest problem? It’s never pretty. Here’s how a homeowners association (HOA) board can go about resolving this issue:
Don’t be hasty
Common areas should be properly maintained to keep the infestation under control. This calls for the clearing of any debris that may have accumulated. Also, encourage residents to speak up if they fear a pest has entered the community so you can take prompt action.
Know your responsibilities
Most likely, the HOA is solely responsible for maintaining common areas, such as a pool or clubhouse, while homeowners are responsible for their interior. However, the HOA agreement will spell out the specifics when in doubt. There may already be funds allocated from the agreement that will cover the cost of pest control. A HOA can perform annual or semi-annual inspections of the property to ensure that a pest problem hasn’t spiraled out of control.
Teamwork matters
The aforementioned requires a coordinated effort from everyone affected. After all, pests don’t care who is responsible for the property they are infesting. That’s why you must ensure everyone is on the same page about prevention efforts.
Enlist help
An infestation is a major inconvenience that can tank property values and turn residents off. In fact, pests are one of the most common complaints among homeowners. Don’t let pest control grow from a minor nuisance to an outright crisis. Hire a pro to come out and eliminate pests before things go from bad to worse overnight.
Communicate
Should you opt to take action by hiring an exterminator, be sure to give notice far in advance so that owners may express concerns. It’s possible that an owner may disapprove of someone entering their home and spraying chemicals. They may also need to arrange for pets to be temporarily relocated. Always keep your residents in mind when making these decisions on their behalf. After all, they should feel like they have a voice, as dues-paying households.
With these practices in mind and employing common sense, your community will benefit greatly from preventing a pest control problem from over-running your neighborhood. It should be mentioned that employing a bone fide property management firm like can take some of the burden off your board. Put our team’s expertise to work for your community and breathe a little easier.
