Pest control in neighbourhood communities can sometimes be a complicated topic, as it is not always a topic that is discussed in neighbourhood meetings unless it becomes a problem. However, prevention is, as always, essential given that an uncontrolled pest in common areas will become, sooner rather than later, a serious problem for the homes of the community. The current habit of providing communities with garden areas and swimming pools increases the risk of being visited by what we usually call in Termicor, “unwanted roommates”.
But who is responsible when it comes to eliminating a pest in a community of neighbors?
If the pest originates in the common areas of the building or construction, it is the responsibility of the community of neighbors to bear the costs of eliminating the pest.
Article 10 of the Horizontal Property Law states:
“The following actions shall be mandatory and shall not require the prior agreement of the Board of Owners, […]: a) The works and works that are necessary for the proper maintenance and compliance with the duty of conservation of the property and its common services and facilities, including in any case, those necessary to satisfy the basic safety requirements, habitability and accessibility […].”
This provides a way out for the community to be able to carry out this type of work without the unanimity of all the neighbors, and to be able to put measures in place to end the problem. In fact, the Horizontal Property Law establishes that, even if there are neighbors who are not affected by this pest, in the event that disbursements have to be made or even funds have to be collected through an extraordinary spill (for example, for a global treatment of the wood by termite or woodworm infestations) all owners must make the payment.
If you are interested in reading the original text click here
It may also be interesting to take out a good insurance policy. Depending on which insurance and policy they may even cover pest control in the homeowners’ association. It is not mandatory to have the services of a property administrator, but it is a good professional who can conveniently advise owners on this and other matters.
You can get information and advice here
And information about the registered property administrators here
In terms of prevention, on many occasions community workers are given the responsibility, such as the janitor or maintenance staff, to spray the areas that are believed to be affected with chemicals, but it must be taken into account that the regulations require people who use phytosanitary products to have the appropriate qualifications.
How pests can affect our farm
For good pest control in neighbourhood communities, it is important to know which “bugs” are the predominant ones. The most common pests that we can find in a community of neighbors are:
COCKROACHES: The Indestructibles
Although they are not too harmful, they tend to create animosity in many people, disgust and even panic.
They can sneak through almost any hole, appear in our drains, reproduce very quickly and can pose a health hazard to be taken into account.
We have basically two types:
The “blondes”, who usually come from some point, furniture or dirty space, often located in an unoccupied apartment, with garbage, furniture brought in from the street, or with people with Diogenes syndrome.
On the other hand, we recognize the “black” (larger) cockroaches, which usually enter buildings from the sewer system in the vicinity through the sanitation pipes, manholes, downspouts, drains, grates, usually from basement areas.
ANTS: The hardest working
Ants are usually common in communities that have garden areas in their facilities since this is their habitat by nature, although we must say that they can be found anywhere.
These industrious insects, tireless in their hundreds of different varieties, will reach where we least imagine.
RODENTS: Nothing to do with cartoons
Many communities are affected by rats and mice that placidly invade the communities, taking advantage of the existence of all kinds of food within their reach in our waste and garbage and in our drains.
In this type of pest it is especially important to act and solve it as soon as possible, since the parasites that accompany them can generate many health-related problems, both to people and to our pets.
In addition, they love to gnaw on cables, and can cause many technical problems in the building and in private areas.
To prevent rodents from being in the community we can take into account the following points:
- Do not accumulate waste or garbage
- Do constant cleaning in the community.
- Do not throw food uncontrollably at animals around the community.
- The existing water tanks in the community must be covered.
- All drains should be checked periodically.
TERMITES: Love for wood
These insects live in colonies, so if we see them, we already have a problem. In fact, normally, when we become aware of their existence, they have probably already caused damage to the structures of buildings, particularly in those that, due to their age or historical value, there are edible materials, such as wood.
WASPS: They love our pools
Another very common pest is that of wasps. They can be found in all kinds of spaces, usually outdoors, such as cracks between bricks, shutter drawers, air conditioners…
Another place where they are usually found is around swimming pools, barbecues or wherever there is food.
Its bite can be a problem in case we are allergic.
Termicor is a specialist in pest control in neighbourhood communities.
At Termicor you will have much more than a simple pest control service, you will have the advice and continuous support of a professional team committed to your well-being.
We can help you and your community achieve a safer common space.
