Condo boards and residents share responsibility for preventing pest infestations. However, condo boards must implement effective pest control measures to create healthier communities. You can help reduce winter pest risks using these strategies.

Know the regulations

Section 119(1) of the Condo Act addresses the responsibilities of both the condo corporation and unit owner regarding infestation.

Owners must:

• Maintain their units according to the condo corporation’s governing bylaws
• Report possible infestations in their unit as soon as possible
• Comply with regulations designed to reduce the risk of infestation, such as preparing their unit for pest control services

Condo corporations must:

• Eliminate conditions that increase the risk of infestations
• Perform regular cleaning and bin emptying for dumpster, trash, and recycling bin areas
• Enforce pest control rules and bylaws
• Take measures to eliminate and prevent spread when pests are detected
• Inspect common areas at least every 30 days
• Inspect units within 72 hours of pest complaints
• Hire a licensed pest control company to perform pest control/extermination services
• Maintain pest management records and share them with residents
• Provide owners with reasonable notice when infestation steps require unit entry

Fall resident reminders  

Information educates residents on prevention. For example, boards can remind residents of regulations regarding balcony and patio winter storage, specifically related to pest risk, including:

• Not storing garbage and recycling bags on balconies that can attract pests
• Not using balconies for storage such as boxes, patio furniture, BBQs, etc., that can provide shelter for pests

Fall weatherization

Licensed pest control services inspect sites for entry points, set traps, and apply exterior perimeter treatment around the building. Fall maintenance should also include the following precautions:

• Filling gaps and cracks
• Covering vents with screens
• Replacing damaged window screens
• Fixing leaks that leave even small amounts of water that attract pests

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

IPM is a pest prevention strategy that reduces the risk of infestation. Prevention also reduces the costs and risks associated with pest control. Proven strategies such as ongoing inspections, monitoring, and targeted treatments minimize spread while promoting healthier approaches to reduce pesticide use. The long-term strategy includes:

Monitoring and identifying pests

IPM introduces a formal strategy ensuring the following:

• Quick pest identification
• Detailed records of pest locations
• A formal inspection schedule
• Monitoring control method effectiveness

Ongoing control improvement to reduce risks

Action thresholds

Action thresholds dictate whether pests are a nuisance, health hazard, or economic threat. When thresholds are exceeded, a plan outline based on the defined size, scope, and intensity is implemented.

Prevention

Prevention removes all conditions known to attract pests, including:

• Clutter
• Points of entry
• Poorly managed trash
• Overgrowth of vegetation
• Standing water

Despite initial upfront costs, IPM, education, and effective preventative fall maintenance strategies reduce costs in the long term. Condo boards reduce costs associated with pest infestation, save energy, and reduce moisture-related damage through effective fall weatherization.

The condo experts at CPO Management Inc., a full-service property management company in Toronto and the GTA, have the experience you need to avoid the consequences of improper pest control management. They have tremendous success helping condo corporations identify inefficiencies and create effective IPM and preventative maintenance strategies. Reach out to us today to learn more about our condo services.