When it comes to dealing with winter pests, LA HOA management companies have it a bit easier, as they don’t have to contend with stray wildlife such as opossums and raccoons. However, this doesn’t mean they can relax, as there are other common winter pests that can ruin the experience of homeowners and tenants alike.
Winter is the dormant season for insects such as mosquitoes and ants, so these two pests should not be a problem. However, holiday celebrations usually result in a supply of leftover food. Scavenging pests, such as mice, rats, and cockroaches, immediately try to get into residential properties in search of something to eat. Dealing with these pests shouldn’t start and stop at exterminating them – something has to be done even before residents start reporting noises made by mice on their ceilings.
Mice and rats are two of the most common rodents in Southern California. They tend to sneak inside confined spaces, such as basements, attics, and eaves, and are known to chew through plastic and rubber, and even lead pipes, just to get to their food sources. Many holiday-related fires are caused by damaged electric wiring, and mice and rats are two of the biggest culprits. In addition, they also carry serious diseases such as leptospirosis. To keep rodents away, HOA management and their vendors should seal all wall openings with silicone caulking and steel wool. They should also drain all stagnant water inside crawl spaces, as rats are attracted to moist environments.
Another problem commonly faced by Los Angeles HOA management during winter is the presence of cockroaches. While they are active throughout the year, they seem to thrive even more in cool weather, and prefer areas with a lot of moisture and food, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Cockroaches carry a host of diseases and contaminate food. They are also carriers of allergens, triggering asthma symptoms in small children. The key to keeping cockroaches away from HOA-managed properties is the regular disposal of garbage. Another step property managers can do is to minimize moisture inside confined spaces, such as cupboards, closets, and kitchen cabinets.
An experienced LA HOA management company should be able to detect these problems before they manifest themselves. It should also maintain good relations with pest control services and run regular inspection and cleaning of all areas where pests can breed. To find out more about the best practices in Los Angeles HOA management, contact us at 951-270-3700.