Older buildings and historic properties are often valued for their level of character or the cultural significance they can play. Unfortunately, because of their aged nature, they often are also noted as possessing more pest control problems than modern buildings. The longer a building has existed, the more time pests have to burrow into its infrastructure. This also comes from the fact that modern buildings–be they residential or commercial properties–often have more advanced pest control measures used on them from the start. Whereas historic properties may have been regulated under outdated code and pest control techniques.
Simple ignorance of this age-related possibility is enough to give plenty of pests practically free rein over a property and introduce numerous health issues.
Specific Pest Control Issues in Older Buildings
1. Structural Disintegration
As a building ages, leaking pipes as well as holes in the walls or foundations provide growing ingress avenues for numerous pests. These can be aggravated further by natural damage the building takes during storms or natural disasters over the years, allowing for even larger pests to gain access.
2. Garbage Buildup
An older building will tend to accrue garbage and litter from general usage, all of which can attract insects and other pests. While commonly used areas might be kept clean, buildup will occur in basements, unused hallways, uncleaned vents, and the like.
3. Toxic Pest Control
If past pest management did occur, it may have employed substances that are now toxic to residents or workers, or simply have been shown to be ineffective. Not only is it important to eliminate current pests but to also clean the building of old pest control substances that are now a health hazard to the occupants.
4. Occupant Neglect
It doesn’t matter of it’s a residential building that’s been owned for decades by a lax property manager or an office building that relegates pest control to the individual companies within. The building occupants simply may not have kept up on pest control measures.
If any of these situations are the case in an older building you either live or work in, the main solution is to bring in a modern pest management company. Licensed pest technicians can not only inspect for and eliminate existing pest populations but also enact state-of-the-art pest management techniques to keep it from being an ongoing problem.
Contact EcoShield today if you suspect your old building may be suffering from a pest infestation.