Here at Sin City Real Estate and Management, pest control is not just about extermination, it is about maintaining a healthy, balanced, environment. Especially as a property management company, we have a moral obligation to treat all living things with respect. We handle people’s homes and personal sanctuaries, when this is threatened by pests, bugs, or vermin, it is our duty to provide a safe and habitable home. However, with this responsibility to protect the homes and health of our tenants, we should aim for the least harmful methods possible.
Professional property managers typically have a pest control vendor in their back pocket; someone they trust to handle the situation with care. Choosing the right pest control partner means doing your research. When looking for a vendor, or service, ensure that they have all the right certifications and insurances for the states they operate in. A major red flag is if the technicians, or owner, cannot explain the chemicals they use. They should be able to tell you the purpose of the chemical, the components, and the safety/toxicity of it. There is always the added layer of searching for a “green” or “eco” company that is sustainable.
In a desert climate like Las Vegas, pests stay near water and shade. If you see one bug, or “scout”, then a colony is likely nearby. Common pests in Vegas are Bark Scorpions, German Cockroaches, and Desert Ants. Bark Scorpions are often found in palm trees or cool, damp crevices. They are nocturnal, meaning they are only active at night, and can be spotted using a black light. German Cockroaches love kitchens and bathrooms, if you see one, there is guaranteed to be more. They reproduce faster than almost any other species, call them in right away. Desert Ants leave trails of pheromones for their colony to follow, wiping down walls and floors eliminates this issue.
Late last year, we had a bee issue at one of our properties. Bees are vital to the environment; they are important in the pollination of plants and flowers. We had a dilemma as to how to deal with them in the most ethical way. That would be relocation, using a live-bee removal specialist who can remove the queen and colony is the best solution. Bees are seen as “misplaced” and NOT pests due to their importance to their environment.
During your next inspection, include a checkbox for foundational cracks or unsealed windows and doors. This is the number one way that pests enter the home. Pests are also attracted to damp or moist areas, places with small leaks are susceptible to infestations. Seal the cracks, fix the leaks, and keep the desert outside. When looking for a service, make sure to look for a trusted, ethical vendor. If there is one bug, there is most likely more, so make sure to call in an issue as soon as you see it.
Stay connected with Sin City Real Estate & Management. Read every Thursday for a new edition of our Thursday Management Minute. A weekly insight into effective and up to date information on real estate and property management. Check us out on social media with the username @sincitymanagement.
