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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 .

 
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on February 22, 2022
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