Is a Landlord Responsible for Pest Control in Oregon?

Just as the seasons come and go, so does our conversation around bugs and how to deal with them. It is important to have this discussion at least once a year so that everyone is on the same page.

Bugs are never fun. No one is excited to have to deal with unwanted insects but they are a part of life and understanding exactly who is responsible for what is critical for tenants and landlords alike. Confusion around this subject is common so we ensure that we set the stage every year by discussing basic housekeeping tips.

Who Is Responsible to Make Sure the Premises are Bug-Free?

At Centurion, we have a long-standing written policy on how to assess and address the issue and we make sure to cover this with all new incoming tenants during the move-in process. The responsibility of the Landlord or Agent is to hand over a bug and pest-free dwelling at the time of occupancy and it is the tenant's responsibility to maintain the dwelling in that condition.

As long as the residence was pest and bug-free when they moved in, any bugs after the fact are the responsibility of the tenant. Of course, there are certain situations where this may change. If there is a multi-unit dwelling and the neighbors are allowing bugs to overrun their unit and they travel into another, the responsibility doesn't fall squarely on the shoulders of the tenant. Each situation is unique and must be addressed as such.

Proactive measures are always the best way to minimize the risk of problems caused by bugs. Making sure that you do everything you can to reduce the chances that bugs can or will want to enter your home is the best way to avoid bug problems in the future.

Proactive Measures to Deter Bugs and Keep Your Unit Bug-Free

• Keep Your Kitchen Spotless

Bugs love to eat. They really love to eat and they will make sure to eat the food you leave out, if you let them. Leaving food out for long periods of time on your counters is always a bad idea. Partially empty juice or pop containers, half eaten dinners or anything else can act as a homing beacon for bugs. Especially if it is high in sugar. This is the easiest step in bug prevention. Don't invite the bugs over for a snack!

• Remove Garbage Regularly

If the bugs can't get your food from the counter, they will get it from your garbage. If you don’t regularly empty and clean your garbage cans, they will become a hotspot for bugs. Make sure you don't leave garbage in a bin for days and wash them at least twice a year to make sure bugs don't want to stop by for a bite in your garbage can.

• Clean and Sweep Your Home Often

Little piles of dust and debris often hold tasty little morsels for insects. Instead of sweeping your floor into a pile in the corner to be picked up later, or neglecting to sweep at all, sweep often and throw what you sweep up into the garbage instantly.

• Don't Leave Your Doors Open

An open door is as much of an invitation as you can extend to any insect or bugs and they will take you up on it, every time. Keep your doors closed to minimize the amount of bugs that can get into your home.

• Make Sure the Yard Is Clean

Yard work is never really on the top of the "I can't wait to do this..." list. However, if your yard is a mess, you are more likely to have an overabundance of bugs in it. Keep the grass mowed and the loose bits picked up to maximize your chances of keeping the bugs outside.

• Don't Let Any Areas Stay Damp

If it's wet or damp, clean it up and make sure it's dry. Simple as that.

• When You See Bugs, Kill Them

This is also as simple as it sounds. Don't let bugs feel comfortable in your home. If you see them, kill them.

• Make Sure Door Seals and Screens are Properly Fitted

Big gaps in screens and seals are as much of an open invitation as a wide-open door. If you see seals and screens that need fixing, make a note of it and get them fixed right away.

• Use Natural Repellants When Possible

Bugs hate all sorts of natural scents and oils. Spiders, ants, flies and all others have their own specific weaknesses. It pays to know what they are and use them in the house where possible.

• Don't Let Things Get out of Hand

If you see that an issue isn't going away, make sure to mention it to the right people as soon as possible. It is much easier to deal with an infestation at the beginning of the problem than two or three months down the road.

Centurion Property Management is here for you. We will make sure that you move into a bug and insect-free home. With these tips, you can keep your home or apartment insect free for the entire time of your tenancy. Remember, this is your home, not theirs. Don't let them crash the party.

Reach out today and see how Centurion Property Management can help you maintain and maximize your rental properties.