How To Be Pest Free This Fall (2024 Tips)
Ascent Property Management • September 18, 2024
As fall rolls into San Diego, it’s time for landlords and property managers to turn their attention to pest control. With the cooler weather, pests like rodents, insects, and spiders start searching for warm, cozy places to hide, and you don’t want your rental to become their new home.
Common Pests in San Diego During Fall
San Diego may not experience harsh winters, but the drop in temperatures still causes a shift in pest behavior. As the weather cools, you’ll often see an increase in:
- Rodents (mice and rats)
- Spiders (including black widows)
- Ants
- Cockroaches
- Silverfish
- Termites
These pests seek out warm shelter, and unfortunately, your rental property could be at risk. Landlords and tenants alike need to stay vigilant to avoid a full-blown infestation.
Pest Control Tips for Landlords
Landlords and property managers can take several preventative measures to ensure pests don’t make their way inside:
- Seal Gaps and Cracks: Inspect the exterior, paying close attention to any gaps, cracks, or holes in walls, windows, or doors. Use caulk to seal small cracks and cover larger holes with metal mesh to prevent rodents from squeezing through.
- Trim Back Vegetation: Keep trees, shrubs, and plants well-trimmed and away from the building. Overgrown vegetation provides cover for pests and makes it easier for them to get inside.
- Remove Outdoor Debris: Clear leaves, woodpiles, and any outdoor clutter. These provide perfect hiding spots for pests to nest.
- Check Weatherstripping: Ensure that all doors and windows have proper weatherstripping. Not only does this help with energy efficiency, but it also keeps pests out.
Pest Control Tips for Tenants
Tenants can also play a role in keeping their rental pest-free with a few simple habits:
- Keep a Clean Home: Regular vacuuming and wiping down surfaces removes crumbs and debris that attract pests.
- Proper Trash Disposal: Always take out the trash promptly and ensure lids are tightly sealed to prevent attracting pests like ants and cockroaches.
- Check for Leaks: Report any leaks immediately. Pests are drawn to moisture, so fixing leaks quickly can prevent infestations.
- Clear Spider Webs: If you see webs, clear them away to avoid giving spiders a reason to stick around.
When to Call a Professional
If pests are causing damage or making the home uninhabitable, it's time to call a pest control expert. Quick action benefits both tenants and landlords, helping to protect the property and keep the living space safe.
At Ascent Property Management, we understand the importance of maintaining a rental property year-round, especially when it comes to pest control.
Let us handle the details so you can have peace of mind this fall season and beyond.
As temperatures rise, keeping rental units cool isn’t just a comfort issue, it’s a tenant satisfaction and property care priority. At Ascent Property Management, we understand how crucial it is to stay ahead of seasonal challenges, especially during warm summer months. Helping your tenants beat the heat can protect your investment, reduce strain on cooling systems, and contribute to long-term tenant retention. Here are a few smart, landlord-approved ways to keep your rental unit cool: Service the HVAC System Regularly Before the peak of summer hits, ensure that the air conditioning system is inspected and maintained. Dirty filters and clogged ducts make the system work harder, driving up energy costs and reducing efficiency. Routine maintenance not only extends the life of the unit but also helps avoid emergency repair calls in the middle of a heatwave. Install Ceiling Fans or Portable AC Units Ceiling fans are a low-cost upgrade that help circulate air and can make a room feel significantly cooler. In properties without central air, offering tenants the option of a portable AC unit (or installing one in key areas) can make a big difference. Block Out the Heat Window treatments like blackout curtains or solar shades are easy upgrades that can reduce heat gain and protect furniture and flooring from sun damage. Consider adding or upgrading blinds and encouraging tenants to keep them closed during peak sun hours. Insulate and Seal Properly Make sure your unit is properly insulated and that doors and windows are sealed. Heat can easily sneak in through small gaps, especially in older buildings. Weather stripping and door sweeps are inexpensive fixes that help maintain indoor temperatures year-round. Ascent Pro perty Management At Ascent Property Management, we stay proactive in keeping our properties in top shape through every season. Whether it’s scheduling seasonal maintenance, making cost-effective upgrades, or addressing tenant concerns quickly, we make property ownership easier. Want help managing your rental? We’re here to ensure your investment stays comfortable, efficient, and profitable...all year long.
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As spring arrives in San Diego, so does one of the biggest threats to rental properties—termites. While termites are a year-round concern, spring is when they become most active, swarming in search of new places to establish colonies. For landlords, early detection and prevention are crucial to avoiding costly damage. Here’s what you need to know about termite season and how to protect your rental property. Why Spring Is Peak Termite Season Termites, particularly dry wood and subterranean species become more visible in the spring because of increased warmth and humidity. Swarmers—winged termites looking for new homes—emerge in large numbers, often resembling flying ants. If you or your tenants notice them inside or around the property, it’s a sign that termites may already exist. Signs of a Termite Infestation Landlords should stay vigilant for these common signs of termite activity: Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build small, pencil-thin tunnels along walls and foundations to retain moisture as they travel. Hollow-Sounding Wood: If tapping on wood surfaces produces a hollow sound, termites may have eaten away the interior. Frass (Termite Droppings): Drywood termites leave behind tiny, wood-colored droppings near infested areas. Warped Doors and Windows: As termites tunnel through wood, they can cause structures to shift, making doors and windows harder to open or close. Visible Swarmers or Discarded Wings: Seeing swarmers inside a rental property or piles of shed wings is a major red flag. Prevention Tips for Landlords To keep termites at bay, landlords should take proactive measures, such as: Scheduling Regular Inspections: Annual termite inspections can catch infestations before they become severe. Keeping the Property Dry: Fixing leaks, maintaining gutters, and ensuring proper drainage reduces the moisture termites need to survive. Using Treated Wood: If making repairs, opt for termite-resistant materials. Removing Wood-to-Soil Contact: Avoid storing firewood near the foundation and ensure wooden structures don’t directly touch the soil. Protecting Your Investment with Professional Help At Ascent Property Management, we understand how crucial it is to avoid issues with your investment property. Our team is here to help you manage your property with proactive maintenance and expert guidance, ensuring your rental stays in great shape. Reach out today to learn how we can support you in protecting your investment.
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As temperatures rise, keeping rental units cool isn’t just a comfort issue, it’s a tenant satisfaction and property care priority. At Ascent Property Management, we understand how crucial it is to stay ahead of seasonal challenges, especially during warm summer months. Helping your tenants beat the heat can protect your investment, reduce strain on cooling systems, and contribute to long-term tenant retention. Here are a few smart, landlord-approved ways to keep your rental unit cool: Service the HVAC System Regularly Before the peak of summer hits, ensure that the air conditioning system is inspected and maintained. Dirty filters and clogged ducts make the system work harder, driving up energy costs and reducing efficiency. Routine maintenance not only extends the life of the unit but also helps avoid emergency repair calls in the middle of a heatwave. Install Ceiling Fans or Portable AC Units Ceiling fans are a low-cost upgrade that help circulate air and can make a room feel significantly cooler. In properties without central air, offering tenants the option of a portable AC unit (or installing one in key areas) can make a big difference. Block Out the Heat Window treatments like blackout curtains or solar shades are easy upgrades that can reduce heat gain and protect furniture and flooring from sun damage. Consider adding or upgrading blinds and encouraging tenants to keep them closed during peak sun hours. Insulate and Seal Properly Make sure your unit is properly insulated and that doors and windows are sealed. Heat can easily sneak in through small gaps, especially in older buildings. Weather stripping and door sweeps are inexpensive fixes that help maintain indoor temperatures year-round. Ascent Pro perty Management At Ascent Property Management, we stay proactive in keeping our properties in top shape through every season. Whether it’s scheduling seasonal maintenance, making cost-effective upgrades, or addressing tenant concerns quickly, we make property ownership easier. Want help managing your rental? We’re here to ensure your investment stays comfortable, efficient, and profitable...all year long.
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