It’s important to understand your responsibilities and limits when it comes to keeping your rented property from acquiring significant damage. One of which is becoming aware of your pest control duties.
Apartment projects are constantly thriving and will increase in the coming years, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Recent figures show that newly built apartment units (28,527) outnumber residential houses (28,102) in December 2016 – where 5,901 units were built in the same year.
With the growing demand for apartment living, the need for pest control procedures, especially in Sydney, is conforming.
Make Pest Inspection a Priority
It won’t matter to bed bugs or cockroaches whether you live in a big or small apartment. Pests such as ants, spiders, termites and rodents may appear regardless of the structural condition of what you consider your home.
Both homeowners and tenants have the same problem when it comes to eliminating pests around the property. They conduct a thorough inspection to ensure that they are safe and live comfortably at home. However, renters are often faced with a dilemma as to when landlords take responsibility for inspection and pest control treatment.
Who’s responsible for pest control procedures?
Renters from NSW are held accountable if certain pests occur during their tenancy. Lack of cleaning can cause pests such as cockroaches to appear. Also, if you have pets on the property, there’s a possibility that fleas can make their home in your apartment.
Another triggering factor is the food source. As an example, rodents get attracted by grains, nuts and any other types they may find edible. This explains the need for regular rental cleaning to either drive them away or prevent infestation.
However, if the infestation occurs before moving into your apartment, landlords take responsibility for the work. Their duty becomes clear if pests are present before the tenancy period.
Before getting a professional service, it’s safe to consider your leasing agreement in terms of pest control procedures and your local council’s regulations to help safeguard your health and finances. It’s also best to study the NSW Fair Trading guide to know the terms and conditions followed by the State.
What You Can Do
Whether you’re new to your rented home or planning to transfer to a better unit, you can make your life easier if you keep the property properly maintained. Here are some of pest control and prevention tips to check:
1. Keep moisture at bay.
Moist is what most pests love. Pests such as silverfish, cockroaches and insects are easily attracted to damp areas. Termites also get allured in warm and moist areas. In fact, 1 in 3 houses in NSW are infested with these pests according to research.
Before getting bummed about eliminating them, one of the first things to check is your plumbing system. Are there apparent signs of pipe leaks and dripping water taps? Make sure to do quick repairs on these aspects to minimise the presence of these pests. Also, it’s good to inspect your ventilation and insulation status to maintain the air quality around the property.
2. Clean and declutter.
Silverfish love the taste of stored papers and cardboard boxes. Cockroaches play with dust found in the garbage and rarely disturbed areas.
Giving your temporary home a comprehensive clean especially this Spring is one way to control these pests from invading the property.
Throwing out some of your old, valued possessions may not be favourable, but if they contribute to giving some pests an access to your belongings, it would be best to dispose them. This goes for unused items that you don’t need.
Discipline yourself also when it comes to disposing your rubbish. Hire a skip bin if you must and if the situation requires it.
3. Use sealed containers for food.
Food crumbs can attract pests such as cockroaches and rodents. Likewise, unsealed food source can become their target.
It’s best to store food in a container to lessen the risk of having them in your rented property. As a basic rule, make sure to regularly:
- Wipe the benchtop and splashback.
- Remove food from sinkholes.
- Wash the dishes after use.
- Sweep and mop the floor.
4. Seal gaps and crevices.
Cracks and crevices are a nesting home for some pests. In some cases, they become an entry point for pests like snakes. It’s safe to cover these holes to block their entry points and keep them outside the property.
You may clarify with your landlord if you can make any alterations around the property to know the scope of your responsibility and restriction.
Pest Control Experts to the Rescue
When you’ve done your part and the infestation recurs, it’s safe to ask for professional assistance to give a thorough pest inspection using highly innovative pest detectors. Not only are they able to identify the cause but also resolve the issue in no time. Don’t forget to check their reliability and experience when it comes to pest control management. You can get feedback from other tenants and property owners to weigh the level of their expertise.
As you plan, it’s good to get your landlord’s approval to avoid future misunderstandings. It can also help in giving the unit the right treatment it needs. Paying attention to your pest control duties shows that you value your rented property.
Looking for a professional who does pest control in Sydney? Make sure to contact your local service provider to get help from inspecting the unit to managing the pests within the premises.
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