Household Pests
We will do everything we can to provide each of our residents with a clean, well-maintained apartment. But, sometimes we find unwanted guests (roaches, bugs, mice). When we do, we work aggressively to correct the problem.
In the vast majority of instances, these household pests are the result of something that a resident has done. Our biggest problems are poor housekeeping and improper disposal of trash.
You Can Help
As with other vermin such as mice, there are things you can do to help the success of the extermination process and prevent a re-occurrence. Good housekeeping practices are crucial for a successful extermination.For exterminations to be effective it takes a cooperative effort between you and the WHA.
When We Exterminate
Exterminations for roaches in your apartment are performed at least once a year following a planned schedule. These exterminations are done whether you are currently seeing roaches and other insects or not. This process works on all types of bugs, ants, spiders, silverfish, etc.You may also request an extermination if you are actually seeing roaches at other times of the year. Please call your manager to make arrangements for these off-schedule exterminations.
Only licensed WHA staff, who have passed a rigorous State training program and written examination, perform exterminations, either for insects or rodents. All license holders must also receive annual refresher courses on standard and new techniques and products.
Materials
For roaches, the WHA uses primarily a boric acid compound. This is a dry white powder that has relatively low toxicity to humans and pets. You may see some of this powder along your baseboards. Please do not touch it or vacuum or sweep it up. It must remain in place for it to work. This powder sticks to the roaches and when they return to the nesting area and clean themselves or are cleaned by other roaches, they die. Additionally, 2 small plastic devices are placed in your unit, one in the bathroom and one behind the refrigerator or under the kitchen sink. They contain a hormone that prevents the roaches from breeding.Additionally, a bait gel is used in your kitchen cabinets. This products attracts the roaches and then once eaten causes the roaches to die. Occasionally, an aerosol called CB-80 is used. This product is made from the African Pyrethrum Daisy. This product is used to locate roach hiding places. When it is sprayed in a suspect area it causes the roaches to run out. Then the hiding area can be treated effectively.
