What do you do if your property has an infestation?
Have you spotted a few unwelcome guests in your home? Or perhaps your tenants have let you know that they are suffering from something similar? Either way, pests can be a real drain on your emotions and your resources – here’s how you can deal with them in your own home or in an investment property.
Your own property
The key to beating back pests in your own home is making sure they don’t have the environment in which to flourish. As soon as you notice anything like ants, cockroaches or other scavenging insects, start eradicating them by eliminating their sources of food. Be stringent in your cleaning, never leave dirty plates out and have a sweep of your cupboards to secure any wayward crumbs.
Once done, you’ll need to evaluate the extent of the problem – you may need to call in a professional if the pest threat is large or serious enough. Otherwise, you can obtain pesticides and poisons from many DIY stores, but be sure that you are using the correct product for your specific pest. Alternatively, you might want to consider using non-pesticide methods if possible, as pesticides can be just as dangerous to your health as they are to the creatures you are trying to kill, if you aren’t careful.
For the best kind of protection against this kind of infestation, it’s generally a good idea to obtain building insurance for your property, just in case there is structural damage as a result of the infestation. But make sure you are completely covered – not every insurance contract will include pest damage as claimable.
Investment property
If you’ve taken on a home loan or have otherwise accessed capital to purchase an investment property, an infestation can be an unpleasant experience for both you and your tenants. Nobody wants to feel uncomfortable in their home, and the best way to ensure good will remains between yourself and your tenants is to deal with the situation as soon as it crops up.
First of all, ensure that your tenants know they can get into contact with you should this kind of issue occur. The better your lines of communication, the easier it is to solve the situation one way or another. Termites or white ants are of particular note for any landlord, as it is always the landlord’s responsibility to control these pests.
The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales also recommends that, should you use an exterminator, you get written paperwork from the company confirming that the infestation has been completely eradicated. This will give both you and your tenants peace of mind as well as being useful should the situation go to tribunal.
With pests, it’s sometimes the best idea to rely on a professional – and it’s just the same if your financial situation is just as pesky. You can get in touch with the money-worry exterminators right here at Border Bank.
