Strata communities offer numerous benefits, including shared amenities and communal living spaces. However, the close proximity of residents and common areas can also attract unwanted guests in the form of pests. From cockroaches and rodents to ants and termites, pests pose a threat to both the comfort and safety of residents. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of regular pest control in strata communities and highlight key considerations for strata committees, including notification requirements.
The Importance of Regular Pest Control
Safeguarding Health and Hygiene: Pests like cockroaches, rodents, and mosquitoes carry diseases and bacteria, posing health risks to residents. Regular pest control treatments prevent infestations and reduce the spread of illnesses, ensuring a clean and hygienic living environment.
Preserving Property Integrity: Termites and rodents can cause extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure in strata communities. Regular pest control measures prevent structural compromise and costly repairs, preserving property values and overall condition.
Improving Resident Comfort: Pest infestations disrupt daily life and diminish resident comfort, causing stress and anxiety. Regular pest control treatments eliminate pests, creating a comfortable living environment free from nuisances and unpleasant odours.
Fostering Sustainability: Effective pest control practices reduce reliance on harmful pesticides and promote integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. By emphasising preventive measures such as sealing entry points and maintaining cleanliness, strata communities minimise chemical treatments and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Key Considerations for Strata Committees
Notification Requirements: Strata committees must be aware of notification requirements for pest control treatments in common areas. Severe penalties may be imposed if you fail to demonstrate evidence of providing prior notification before pesticide application, as mandated by the Pesticides Regulation 2017 (Regulation). Corporations may face on-the-spot fines of $1,000, while individuals may be fined $500. Moreover, more serious offenses could lead to court-imposed fines of up to $44,000.
Common areas includes, but are not limited to, foyers, hallways, stairwells, shared car parks, roof, building exterior, gardens, pathways and fences. Under the Regulation, before carrying out pest treatments in common area, residents must be given at least 5 working days notice. The notice can be emailed, placed in the resident's letterbox, under the resident's door or placed on the community notice board or displayed at the main entrance/exit of the building.
The notification must include:
The pesticide's name
The reason for applying the pesticide (e.g., targeted pests)
Areas within and around the complex where the pesticide will be applied
The date or range of dates for pesticide application
Any re-entry requirements specified on the pesticide label or permit
Contact details for the individual or office administering the pesticide.
When initiating a baiting program, such as for termites or rodents, the pest management technician should furnish details regarding the program's duration and the locations where baits will be placed.
Emergency Situations: The 5 working days notice requirement is waived in emergency situations. Emergencies include infestations of biting or dangerous pests like wasps, bees, venomous spiders, rodents, or bird mites, which present immediate health or safety risks to residents. In such cases, the pest management technician must inform residents immediately before applying the pesticide and document the emergency circumstances. A record of this notification should be maintained.
Selection of Qualified Pest Control Providers: When selecting pest control providers, strata committees should prioritise companies with experience in servicing multi-unit residential buildings. Qualified providers should be licensed, insured, and knowledgeable about the specific pest challenges faced by strata communities. Additionally, providers should offer environmentally friendly treatment options and adhere to safety protocols to protect residents and pets.
Regular Inspections and Monitoring: In addition to scheduled treatments, strata committees should implement regular inspections and monitoring programs to detect pest issues early. Routine inspections allow for the timely identification of potential pest hotspots and vulnerabilities, enabling proactive measures to prevent infestations. Strata committees can work closely with pest control providers to develop customised inspection schedules tailored to the needs of the community.
Maintaining Harmony and Hygiene
Regular pest control is essential for maintaining harmony, hygiene, and safety within strata communities. By prioritising pest management initiatives and adhering to notification requirements, strata committees can create a pest-free environment that enhances the quality of life for all residents. With proactive planning and collaboration, Compass Strata is committed to working closely with strata committees to effectively address pest and other community challenges to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable living experience for everyone.
