Pests, Rodents & Roach Problems at Rental Home

Experiencing rodent, bedbugs, ant or roach problems? Aggressive, accurate handling of the eradication is key. Eradication is not always simple. On the other, failure to eradicate quickly can hurt your rental business. Here is what we know:

Acme is your partner, as such we take our fidicuiary role seriously  When pests affect guest stays, we aim to protect you from any unnecessary costs, delays, or losses.  This article is written with those goals in  mind. 

While encountering rodents in your own home can be bothersome, it's essential to recognize that guests may react differently, ranging from mild annoyance to heightened anxiety. Regardless of their response, the implications for refunds, reviews, and the stress involved highlight the urgency of addressing such issues promptly. It is crucial to take decisive action upon discovering a rodent problem and to seek assistance from reputable professionals. If initial efforts do not yield results, it is important to escalate the situation without delay.

Rodents are known to be invasive, destructive, and unsanitary. Regular pest control services can significantly reduce the likelihood of roach and ant infestations by maintaining small colony sizes. However, some infestations may originate from untreated areas, such as roofs accessed via trees and bushes, or through sewer lines and abandoned utility lines beneath foundations or within walls. These sources can be particularly challenging to identify.

Pest control companies typically operate with good intentions, and while their preventative measures are often effective, issues related to nesting and intrusion can be complex. Sometimes, staff may need to conduct in-depth research to formulate a solution, and while they may occasionally succeed, it is vital that you remain actively involved in the process. This is especially true if their initial plan does not resolve the issue.

When considering pest control services, it's generally more beneficial to choose a smaller company. Requesting the owner to personally inspect your property is a reasonable expectation that can lead to better outcomes. If you are already working with a large pest control company, you are still free to engage a smaller one for specific pest intrusion issues. Remember, this is your property, and securing the best result is paramount.

Consult with Acme staff to determine which pest control providers have recently achieved successful eradication results. Ensure you invest in a comprehensive site review that addresses key questions, such as:

- How are rodents gaining entry?

- Where are they traveling within the premises?

- Are they nesting on-site or within your home?

If possible, be present during the inspection. Engaging with the technicians by asking what they are examining can lead to a more thorough inspection. Rodents can fit through surprisingly small openings, so it's critical that the inspection is meticulous. If the initial plan based on the site assessment proves ineffective, you should feel empowered to switch companies for a fresh perspective.

If a new plan is proposed but fails, and you lack confidence in the approach taken, consider changing pest control providers. It is essential to have a new set of eyes examine the problem to ensure all possibilities are explored.

Keep in mind that the goal is not to simply find the lowest price. Pest eradication is a nuanced process; partnering with skilled professionals can save you money and stress in the long run. Costs may range from $500 to $5,000 for work over time, and more if refunds and cancellations end up factored in.  Addressing these issues promptly will allow you to stop spending, and return to enjoying your space sooner rather than later.

If you have any questions, concerns, or if you feel overwhelmed, please reach out to Acme management, as several on our leadership team possess extensive experience in this area. We encourage you to escalate your concerns if necessary.

Please note that after three reports of pest sightings by guests, staff, or vendors, we will need to temporarily block your calendar and reschedule any upcoming reservations until we are confident that the issue has been resolved.

Termites are not covered in this article, we will still report them to you, however it is not as much a guest issue unless they are all over the home, it is more a home protection for you thing. 

Thank you for your partnership; we hope this guidance proves helpful.