Pest Control Responsibility

Started by DawnL • 7 replies • 5090 views

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DawnL (California)
Posts: 37

Posted:

Our small association in California is composed of 12 units. It is directly adjacent to a creek, which runs parallel to the parking lot.

Two owners have complained of the presence of rats in their rear-yards (a tree) and desire that the Association pay for pest control. Other than termites, pest control is not provided for in our CCR's. Further, since 8 our of the 12 units have been in and out of foreclosure in the past two years, we have no "wiggle room" in our budget for any unbudgeted, non-mandated, expenses.

Reasons why the HOA SHOULD pay for pest control:
1. Rats may spread to other areas of the property.
2. Rats are a potential health issue.

Reasons why we would NOT pay for pest control:
1. Pest control is not included in our CCR's,not budgeted for, and requiring an amendment of the CCR's to force all owners to share the responsibility.
2. Pests are located in private yards, an area the CCR's indicate is the responsibility of the homeowner.
3. Poison and traps would be dangerous to pet cats on property.

Any thoughts you might have would be very useful.

Thanks!

Dawn

BrianB (California)
Posts: 2,820

Posted:

are these single family homes?

You indicate that the rats are in people's private back yards... in general, that should be their problem to deal with. Are the rats nesting in common areas owned by the HOA? is there evidence that the HOA owns property the rats are invading from? are there any rules in your CC&R's about pests/nuisance?

DanB3 (Washington)
Posts: 1

Posted:

Do it Yourself Pest Control is easy............As long as each individual takes care of their own property they shouldn't need a license. Here's a web site where you can buy Bait Stations and Bait. Easy to use, put bait sticks inside, close it up and check every couple of weeks. Rodents can get inside but not squirrls. The rodents get inside, eat the bait and then head back to their nests where they will die ! ! !
www.doyourownpestcontrol.com

DawnL (California)
Posts: 37

Posted:

Brian B.,

This is a three-building condominium complex - 4 units per building, each with private rear yards. The rat infestation seems to be in a tree in a private rear yard.. . Additionally, one resident complained that her cat brought a rat or two to the front porch.

CCR's say NOTHING about pest control, except termites (which we have taken care of.) In fact we used a non-traditional treatment method (heat) which also eradicates rodents and other insects as well.

The common area is limited to a parking lot and small grass area, where there is no evidence of rodent infestation that we are aware of (Presumably, pet cats are probably roaming over there.)

The more I've thought about this. . .read other threads, I'm thinking that suggesting "self-treatment" is the best option. Especially since it does NOT appear that the common areas are involved. I assume that rats are part of the natural eco-system of the creek nearby - not possible to eradicate any there.

Further, I'm thinking about what kind of liability might be incurred if a cat was killed by ingesting a poisoned rat.. .or a pregnant mom to be exposed, etc. etc.

Dawn

DawnL (California)
Posts: 37

Posted:

Thanks DanB!

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,047

Posted:

Old thread reactivated for the posting of SPAM.

It has been reported to the moderator.

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