As a property or facility manager, it is essential to ensure building residents are comfortable and happy. Because a building’s safety and sanitation are crucial to residents, pest control shouldn’t be an afterthought. Not only can unwelcome visitors make residents uncomfortable, which can damage a building’s reputation, they can also spread dangerous diseases such as E. coli and salmonella, which can threaten residents’ health and the overall safety of the property.

The most effective pest control method is an integrated pest management (IPM) system, which takes proactive sanitation and facility maintenance steps to help prevent pest issues before they occur. Reducing the need for reactive chemical treatment is the most friendly pest control method for people and the environment.

Help prevent pests
The first step in an IPM program is to consider around the clock sanitation to reduce the three key elements that attract pests: food, water and shelter. Facility maintenance is crucial for a well-managed property. It also directly impacts pests’ ease of access to a building.

Consider the following six tips:

1. Clean and rotate trash cans often to eliminate food and odours that attract pests. Keep dumpsters and trash as far away from the property as possible. Ask residents to regularly take out trash rather than leave it in or near the building where it can attract pests.

2. Regularly check the property for food or water spills as they can quickly draw pests, which only need small amounts to survive. Specifically, correct water leakage from broken HVAC pipes, vending machines and other sources as soon as possible to eliminate water that can help sustain pests.

3. Regularly inspect the exterior of the building for cracks and crevices that could provide entry points for pests. It only takes a 1.5 millimetre opening for most insects to enter a building. If these entry points are found, seal them with weather-resistant sealant and reinforce them with copper mesh to prevent rodent access.

4. Consider weather stripping around doors and windows to further prevent pest entry.

5. Install fitted grills over air intakes and wire mesh at roof level to prevent bird and wildlife pests.

6. Maintain landscaping at the building. Trim plants and branches at least half a metre away from the building to prevent excess moisture and easier pest access.

Operate with the right tools
In addition to facility maintenance and sanitation, property managers also need the right tools.

Here are five helpful tools that can supplement the steps above:

1. Fly lights attract flying insects to their non-toxic sticky boards and work well, particularly near entrances to waste disposal areas where pests are likely to be in search of food.

2. Sticky boards trap crawling insects and rodents on their non-toxic sticky surface. They’re best placed in ‘out of the way’ places like storage closets.

3. Organic cleaners made with naturally occurring bacteria and enzymes eliminate the grease and grime pests feed on and breed in.

4. Exterior lighting can help control pests near a building’s perimeter. Fluorescent lights attract flying pests and should be located away from the building to draw them out, while sodium vapour bulbs are less attractive to pests and can be used near the building.

5. Air can be a tool to prevent pests as well. The building should have a positive airflow – or air that flows out of the building rather than in – to help blow flying pests out the door. To see if airflow is positive, hold a tissue or piece of paper up to an open door. If the paper blows out the door then the airflow is positive. If it doesn’t, work with an HVAC professional to correct the issue.

Monitor and document
In addition to taking the above proactive steps, it’s important to constantly monitor for pests and document any sightings. Set up a documentation system that works for the building and staff, and maintain it regularly with any pest sightings reported by staff or residents. Monitor for changes to the routine at the building such as construction or a new trash pickup schedule, and adjust pest prevention steps accordingly.

A pest control provider can help identify active pests specific to the building’s neighbourhood and how to spot them. It can also perform a comprehensive inspection to detect any conditions conducive to pests that are specific to the building as well as ascertain other risks based on the building type, current pest activity and other conditions specific to the building’s location.

Bill Melville is the quality assurance director for Orkin Canada. He can be reached at bmelville@pcocanada.com.