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Contamination Restoration & Remediation​Cleaning and Sanitation

Project Management Meets Pest Control: 5 Tips for Problematic Properties

Essential Strategies to Tackle Infestations Effectively

By Oscar Collins
cockroach infestation in kitchen

Photo: Евгений Хабаров/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

October 17, 2024

Managing a property can be tough enough, balancing maintenance and tenant needs. But when pests become a problem, it just makes the situation worse. Managing pests takes strategy, planning and teamwork to get rid of them for good. 

Pests are a common issue, affecting 14 million American households annually.1 They can quickly become a major problem for any property, causing structural damage, health hazards and frustration for both tenants and owners. 

Rodents can chew through electrical wiring, increasing the risk of fires, while termites can silently destroy wood foundations. Insects like cockroaches and bedbugs are notorious for spreading diseases, and infestations can lower the overall value and appeal of a property.1

Here’s how to prevent pests from becoming a significant issue: 

  • Close off any entry points where pests can get in, such as gaps in doors, windows and walls.2
  • Regularly clean common areas, kitchens and bathrooms to eliminate food sources that attract pests.
  • Ensure garbage is properly sealed and promptly disposed of to prevent rodents and insects from foraging.
  • Keep food properly stored.2
  • Use fine mesh screens to block insects and rodents from entering through open windows or vents.
  • Repair leaky pipes or faucets and remove stagnant water that can attract insects.
  • Trim back trees and overgrown grass where pests can hide or nest.
  • Place repellents like essential oils or traps in areas prone to infestations.3

Whether dealing with stubborn rodents, termites eating through wood or pesky cockroaches, restoration professionals can apply project management principles to keep the property pest-free.


Prepping the Space for Pest Control

Before tackling pest control efforts, you should thoroughly clean problem areas to enhance the effectiveness of treatments and prevent further infestations. Cleaning removes food sources and hiding spots for pests and allows professionals to assess the situation accurately.4  

For example, if you’re dealing with a cockroach infestation in the kitchen, start by clearing countertops, sweeping floors, moving furniture and wiping down surfaces to eliminate crumbs and spills. Move appliances like the refrigerator and stove to clean behind and underneath them, where food particles often accumulate. In bathrooms, ensure sinks, tubs and toilets are scrubbed free of grime and mold, as these areas can attract pests seeking water sources.


1. Identify the Problem Like a True PM

Any good project manager knows to identify the problem first before taking action. With pest control, this means understanding the type of pest and the severity of the infestation. 

Conduct a thorough inspection of the property, scoping out a project’s risks and challenges. Look for entry points, nesting spots and signs of activity like droppings or gnaw marks. By pinpointing the exact problem, professionals can target their solutions more effectively, saving time and resources in the long run.


2. Set Clear Objectives (And Communicate Them)

Just like any project, pest control requires setting clear goals. Is the goal complete extermination or just mitigation? Does the property need ongoing maintenance or a one-time service? And, crucially, what’s the timeline? Once determined, communicate the plan clearly to tenants, property managers and pest control professionals. 

Keeping everyone in the loop about the expected timeline and methods reduces surprises — and complaints — along the way. Plus, tenants will appreciate knowing how the situation will be handled. 


3. Hire the Right Team

No project succeeds without the right people behind it, and pest control is no different. Not all pest control services are created equal — some specialize in specific pests, while others offer eco-friendly services. Research the options and understand the property’s specific needs. 

If the property has unique challenges, like being next to a wooded area or having multiple units, make sure the team has experience with similar properties. Just as in project management, matching the right skill set to the right job is key to a successful outcome. 


4. Implement Regular Check-Ins

Monitoring progress is vital in project management, and the same goes for pest control. A one-time extermination might not cut it, especially for properties with recurring issues. Set up regular check-ins with the pest control team to evaluate the situation. It’s advised to check in at least every three months, or four times a year to prevent any problems from escalating.5

These could be seasonal inspections for just a follow-up after a major treatment. Keeping a schedule ensures pests don’t make an unwelcome return. During these inspections, you’ll check traps, refill bait stations and monitor any signs of new rodent or insect activity. 


5. Evaluate Success and Adjust Accordingly

Every project needs a post-mortem — what went well, what didn’t and what can be improved next time? After pest control efforts, evaluate the outcome. Did the treatment work as expected? Were there any surprises? Maybe the mouse problem was more widespread than initially thought, or maybe the solution for termites worked faster than expected. 

A pest control team should analyze the results by reviewing the number of rodents caught in traps and checking for new activity. If pests are still present, recommend additional treatments or changes in prevention strategies such as sealing entry points or adjusting bait locations. 


A Proactive Approach to Pest Control

Applying a little project management know-how to a pest control problem can make all the difference. Experienced professionals can turn even the most pest-ridden property into a safe, clean and pest-free environment. 

 

Sources

  1. United States Census Bureau - How many American homes have pests? https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/04/how-many-american-homes-have-pests.html 
  2. Quest Pest - What makes rodent infestations so dangerous? https://questpest.com/dangerous-rodent-infestation 
  3. Stay Safe - Is pest control safe? https://staysafe.org/pest-control/is-pest-control-safe
  4. Forbes Home - How to prepare your home for a pest control service https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/pest-control/prepare-your-home-for-exterminator/ 
  5. CBS News - How often should pest control be done at your home? https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-often-should-pest-control-be-done-home/ 
KEYWORDS: project management property restoration

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Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief of Modded. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates of his work. 

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