Management has received an increase in reports of rat activity throughout the community. This is not uncommon, as warmer weather and seasonal changes typically result in increased rodent activity during this time of year. While the Association actively monitors and addresses rodent activity within the common areas, homeowners are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect their own property.
The Association contracts with a licensed pest control vendor that regularly services and maintains rodent bait stations located throughout the common areas. These stations are inspected on a routine schedule and replenished with bait as needed as part of the Association’s ongoing rodent control program. However, because rodents readily travel between common areas and private properties, the Association’s efforts alone cannot eliminate rodent activity throughout the community.
Residents are encouraged to implement rodent abatement measures on their own lots, including:
- Do not leave pet food or water outdoors overnight.
- Keep trash and recycling containers tightly closed.
- Promptly remove fallen fruit, nuts, and other food sources from your yard.
- Store bird seed and animal feed in sealed containers and avoid overfilling bird feeders.
- Clean up after outdoor meals and barbecues.
- Trim dense vegetation and groundcover that can provide shelter for rodents.
- Seal openings around your home, including gaps around pipes, vents, doors, garages, and foundations, to prevent rodents from entering.
- Eliminate standing water whenever possible.
If rodent activity persists on your property, homeowners should consider consulting with a licensed pest control professional to evaluate the situation and recommend appropriate treatment measures.
If you choose to use rodent control products, please do so responsibly. Whenever possible, use enclosed tamper-resistant bait stations or traps and avoid the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, which can pose a serious threat to hawks, owls, coyotes, bobcats, domestic pets, and other wildlife that prey on rodents.
If you observe significant rodent activity in the Association’s common areas, please notify Action’s Community Care Department with the location and any relevant details so the Association can investigate and determine whether additional pest control measures are warranted.
By working together to reduce food, water, and shelter sources and by taking appropriate preventative measures on individual properties, we can help minimize seasonal rodent activity and maintain a cleaner, healthier community for everyone.
