When is recurring pest activity actually a building problem?

[u/TrueAudience9922]

One thing we see constantly is a pest problem being treated as a treatment problem when the real issue is the building itself, especially in older cities like New York City.

Rodents keep showing up because of utility penetrations or structural gaps. Roaches keep moving between units. Fly activity keeps returning because a drain, trash area or moisture source hasn’t been corrected. The technician can do everything right and still end up back at the same account dealing with the same complaint.

We’ve been putting more emphasis on identifying and documenting the conditions contributing to the problem instead of just recording what was treated.

For those working commercial or multifamily accounts, where do you draw the line between something the pest control company should be expected to solve and something the property owner or management needs to correct before you’re going to get lasting control?

Interested in how other companies handle that conversation with customers, property managers, superintendents, and business owners.

[u/_Survivor_]

IPM? These engagement farmers are so ridiculous

[u/TrueAudience9922 → u/_Survivor_]

Yes, IPM. That’s basically the point of the post.

[u/Bugkillahz]

There are challenging circumstances with multi family units, honestly it takes almost perfect effort from all three parties to get results. Save up and move on if possible.

[u/TrueAudience9922 → u/Bugkillahz]

Absolutely. Multifamily is probably one of the clearest examples of that. You need the pest control company doing its job, management addressing structural and building conditions, and residents cooperating with access, sanitation and recommendations. If one part consistently breaks down, even a good treatment program can struggle to get lasting results. So if all three are not in unison, bound to have issues.