Working with Residents

A Resident's Role

The requirements in the residential lease, if met, will result in a home that is good for people and bad for pests. Many residents take steps to prevent bringing pests home, call management when they see a pest, and keep their homes clean and clutter-free. These residents are doing their part. Controlling pests is about

  • preventing access;
  • detecting pests quickly; and
  • making sure food, water, and shelter are not available.

Obstacles

Residents can hinder an integrated pest management (IPM) program in many ways.

Impede PMP's access for inspection or treatment

  • Residents verbally refuse to allow the pest management professional (PMP) to enter
  • The master key no longer works in the unit door
  • An aggressive dog is loose in the apartment or locked in a room the PMP needs to access

Don’t prepare the dwelling unit for inspection or pesticide application

  • Items are stored on top of refrigerator (the PMP needs to pull out the refrigerator and look behind it)
  • Rooms are too full for the PMP to move objects around for inspection
  • Inspectable areas (cupboards, closets, and around appliances) are so full that the PMP cannot inspect or treat the back corners, if necessary

Don’t report maintenance issues

  • Broken or missing door sweeps
  • Holes in walls or ceiling
  • Water leaks
  • Torn or missing screens

Solutions

Why can't residents cooperate or maintain a clean, clutter-free home? Understanding the answers helps you differentiate between residents who won't do their part and residents who can't do their part. Each focus unit is unique, so the solutions depend on the resident's situation.

Distribute printed materials

Include printed information about the IPM program in

  • Newsletter articles
  • Information in the main office
  • Brochures for staff to distribute
  • Handouts in the move-in package

Train groups of people

Encourage people to attend a group IPM training by a) requiring it as part of lease signing and b) offering free housekeeping supplies or food. Schedule the training at a convenient time—late morning, after dinner, or during a tenant council meeting. Have someone from outside the housing authority talk about IPM; the PMP may be willing to do so at no charge. See the instructions for running a residents’ briefing.

One-on-one coaching

Talking is the best way to ensure understanding and encourage cooperation. Through one-on-one interactions you will be able to determine the resident's needs and help find appropriate solutions. Every time IPM team members see a resident, they have an opportunity for education or encouragement.

Talk in terms of the pest, not the person. For example, do not say, “You need to clean up your stove.” Instead, say, “Cockroaches like to eat oil and grease. Where would they find that kind of food here? What could you do to keep them from eating it?” If language barriers exist, find someone who is bilingual so you can communicate.

For more tips, see