PEST CONTROL

Owners are responsible for the treatment of infestations. However, when the infestations are caused by the activities of a tenant then it becomes the tenant’s responsibility. During a tenancy, pest control is the tenant’s responsibility. Here are a few handy hints to ensure that you never have a pest problem:

SPIDERS

• Regularly check the undersides of garden furniture, children’s swings, etc
• Check shoes and gardening gloves before putting them on
• Use a surface spray to deter spiders

ANTS

• Store food in containers with lids
• Keep your kitchen surfaces and floor free from debris
• Seal your garbage bags when putting rubbish out
• Spray entry points to your house, such as windows & door frames with appropriate products such as ‘Chemspray’

COCKROACHES

• Food preparation areas must be kept thoroughly clean
• Ensure bench tops are wiped down every night
• Wash pet bowls clean every night
• Use roach bombs, surface spray or cockroach baits to help eliminate cockroaches

FLEAS

• Vacuum carpets and rugs
• Vacuum regularly under beds where dust accumulates
• Vacuum or wash pet bedding regularly
• Use insecticides to control fleas and to break the breeding cycle

ARMY GRUB, MOLE CRICKETS & LAWN GRUB

• Mow lawns regularly
• Do not over water, under water or over fertilise
• Check grass before mowing for signs of insects or damage to grass
• Identify pest problems by pouring soapy water over your grass. If you have insects, they will rise to the surface.

RATS & MICE

• Use baits in the ceiling
• Store unused food and animal food in appropriate containers
• Avoid tree branches contacting your house
• Lay traps if rats/mice become a problem

TERMITES

• If you detect any termite activity, please contact our office

CARPET CARE

On vacation tenants are required to professionally clean the carpets. To maintain and avoid permanent stains please vacuum general household areas weekly and high traffic areas twice weekly. When stain emergencies occur (coffee, chocolate, tea, urine and vomit):

• Absorb as much liquid as possible with towels. Blot stained area with cool water until there is no more stain transfer onto your towels.
• Apply a solution of one-part vinegar to one-part water and blot or spray onto stain. Then spray a spot and blot repeatedly with towels, working from the outer edge towards the centre.
• Rinse the carpet thoroughly by spraying with clean water
• Try to treat the stain as soon as possible. If the stain is persistent always seek professional help.

CONDENSATION & MOULD

In order to disperse condensation and prevent mould:

• Improve ventilation by opening windows and doors wherever possible
• Ensure that clothes and shoes are dry before putting them away in your wardrobe
• Allow sunlight into rooms as often as possible
• Wash off any signs of mould growth on walls, ceilings and furniture with a solution of one-part household bleach to three parts clean water
• Use specific commercial products, which are designed to assist with this problem
• In winter most mould problems will arise, please take special care of this problem during this time
• In laundries where dryers are being used, ensure the window or door is left open to improve ventilation. In units where windows are not available, please open the door, as flow through air is required for the extractor fan to work efficiently.

RETICULATION

As per your lease agreement it is the tenant’s responsibility to replace the heads of the reticulation. Quite often problems occur because sand is caught in the heads, in this case please remove and wash with warm soapy water. Any additional problems please contact our office.

Also, please familiarise yourself with the Water Corporation’s allowed watering days as set out on their website:

https://www.watercorporation.com.au/save-water/watering-days

The Water Corporation takes watering outside of your allowed days very seriously and will issue fines accordingly.