Category: Trends

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Considering Pets in Multifamily Dwellings?

Things to Ponder During National Pet Month

National Pet Month, celebrated every May in the United States since 2006, is a time to acknowledge the immense joy and companionship pets bring into our lives, and to advocate for responsible pet ownership. For multifamily property owners, this month offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the dynamic role pets play within their communities, particularly concerning the delicate balance between the benefits of pet-friendly policies and the challenges they present.

The decision to allow pets in multifamily dwellings is multifaceted, with both clear advantages and potential drawbacks. From a purely financial standpoint, permitting pets can be a significant revenue generator. (Credit: Multifamily Executive). Many properties implement non-refundable pet fees, monthly pet rent, or increased security deposits. These additional funds can offset potential damages and contribute to the property’s overall profitability. Beyond the financial incentive, pets, especially dogs and cats, offer invaluable companionship to residents. In an increasingly interconnected yet sometimes isolating world, pets can be a source of comfort, reduce stress, and combat loneliness, leading to happier, more stable tenants. This enhanced resident satisfaction (Credit: Mann Report) can translate into longer lease terms and a more positive community atmosphere.

Furthermore, the presence of service animals, such as service dogs, is not merely a perk but a necessity for many individuals with disabilities. These animals perform crucial tasks that enable their handlers to live independently and safely. Beyond official service animals, certain pets can also serve a protective function, alerting residents to smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, or even potential intruders. This added layer of security can be particularly reassuring in a multifamily setting. The sense of community can also be fostered by pets, as residents often interact with each other during dog walks or at designated pet areas, leading to new friendships and a stronger sense of belonging.

However, the benefits of pet-friendly policies must be weighed against potential challenges, particularly concerning pest control. Fleas and ticks are a significant concern when pets are present, as these parasites can easily spread from one animal to another and infest common areas. Fleas, in particular, reproduce rapidly and can quickly establish a widespread infestation within a property, impacting even units without pets. This can lead to increased discomfort for residents, potential allergic reactions, and the spread of certain diseases. Ticks, while less likely to infest an entire building, can still be brought in by pets and pose a risk of transmitting diseases like Lyme disease to both humans and other animals.

The increased presence of pets necessitates a proactive and comprehensive pest control program that specifically addresses fleas and ticks. Simply treating individual units as issues arise is often insufficient and can lead to a never-ending cycle of infestations. A robust pest management strategy should include regular inspections of common areas, pet relief stations, and potentially even individual units, especially during warmer months when these pests are most active. Education for pet-owning residents on responsible pet care, including regular flea and tick prevention for their animals, is also crucial. This can involve recommending veterinarian-approved topical treatments, oral medications, or collars.

Companies like WellTech Pest Solutions understand the unique challenges faced by multifamily properties with pets. They can create a customized pest control program that not only targets existing flea and tick infestations but also implements preventative measures to minimize their occurrence. This might include strategic baiting, crack and crevice treatments, and perimeter sprays that are safe for both pets and humans. A professional pest control partner can also offer guidance on maintaining pet-friendly amenities in a way that discourages pest proliferation, such as regular cleaning of pet waste stations and landscaping practices that reduce harborage for ticks.

In conclusion, as we celebrate National Pet Month, multifamily property owners are encouraged to embrace the positive impact pets have on their communities, fostering happier and more engaged residents. However, this celebration must be coupled with a strong commitment to responsible property management, especially concerning pest control. By implementing a comprehensive flea and tick management program, properties can reap the benefits of being pet-friendly while mitigating the risks, ensuring a healthy and comfortable living environment for all residents, both two-legged and four-legged.

If you would like more information about a flea and tick program, please fill out the following form.

FLEA & TICK PROGRAM FOR MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL UNITS WITH PETS

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World Bee Day: Celebrating Our Bee-utiful-dutiful Creatures

Today, May 20th, marks World Bee Day, a global observance that resonates with urgency and celebration. This significant day honors the birth of Anton Janša, a Slovenian pioneer of modern beekeeping, and serves as a crucial reminder of the indispensable role bees and other pollinators play in sustaining life on Earth. Established by the United Nations in 2017, World Bee Day emerged from a growing awareness among beekeepers and activists regarding the alarming decline in bee populations worldwide. What began as a heartfelt recognition of a silent crisis has blossomed into a global movement, emphasizing the profound importance of these remarkable insects.

Bees are far more than just buzzing insects flitting from flower to flower; they are foundational to the health of our planet and the bounty of our dinner tables. An astonishing one-third of all the food we consume relies directly on pollination by bees. This includes a vast array of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and even beloved staples like chocolate and coffee. Without the diligent work of bees, our dietary options would be drastically limited and incredibly bland.

The world of bees is incredibly diverse, boasting over 20,000 known species. While the iconic honeybee often captures the spotlight, it’s important to remember that not all bees live in communal hives or produce honey. Many bee species are solitary, building their own nests in the ground or within tree cavities. Each species, whether social or solitary, contributes uniquely to the intricate web of pollination.

Honeybees, in particular, showcase a remarkable level of intelligence and sophistication. Their abilities extend to recognizing human faces, a testament to their cognitive prowess. Perhaps one of the most captivating aspects of their behavior is their elaborate communication system: the “waggle dance.” When a worker bee discovers a rich source of nectar, it returns to the hive and performs this intricate dance to convey precise information about the distance and direction of the food source to its hive mates—a miniature, living GPS system.

Beyond their communication skills, bees are also extraordinary engineers. The hexagonal structure of their honeycombs is a marvel of natural design. This geometric perfection is incredibly efficient, allowing them to store the maximum amount of honey using the least amount of wax. It’s no wonder that mathematicians and architects alike study bee design for inspiration, recognizing the inherent genius in nature’s blueprint.

Despite their vital contributions and fascinating attributes, bees are facing unprecedented challenges. Pesticides, habitat loss due to urbanization and monoculture farming, climate change, and various diseases have all contributed to a serious decline in bee populations globally. This decline poses a significant threat not only to our food security but also to the delicate balance of ecosystems worldwide.

However, there is good news amidst these concerns. We all have a role to play in protecting these essential pollinators. Simple actions, such as planting wildflowers and native plants in our gardens, avoiding the use of harmful chemical pesticides, and supporting local beekeepers who practice sustainable methods, can collectively make a significant difference.

Companies like WellTech are also stepping up to turn the tide and support bee conservation efforts. Recognizing the critical need to protect local bee populations, WellTech has implemented a proactive and bee-friendly approach. When bees establish colonies in multifamily properties, a situation that can often lead to extermination, WellTech intervenes with a compassionate solution.

Our teams undergo specialized training to become certified beekeepers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and humanely remove bee colonies. Rather than harming these valuable insects, WellTech works diligently with local farmers or beekeepers to rehome these wayward bees, providing them with a safe and suitable environment where they can thrive and continue their essential work. This commitment to safe removal and rehoming exemplifies a growing trend of corporate responsibility in environmental stewardship, demonstrating that businesses can be powerful allies in the fight to protect our planet’s vital pollinators.

Today, on World Bee Day, let us not only celebrate the incredible contributions of bees but also renew our commitment to their protection. By understanding their importance, appreciating their remarkable abilities, and taking concrete steps to support their survival, we can ensure that future generations continue to benefit from the tireless work of these tiny, yet bee-utiful-dutiful, creatures.

#worldbeeday; #beelove; #beefriendly; #savethebees; #beeteam; #multifamilyresidential; #multifamilymanagement

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WellTech “Pet” Solutions?

WellTech “Pet” Solutions? (Sometimes…)

WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC, understands the delicate balance between residents and the small creatures that share their lives, especially in multifamily housing. We are known for eliminating pests and removing wildlife, but we also encounter occasional pet rescues.

Recently our technician, Jose, arrived at a Clearwater location to rescue a family ferret. Jose understood the unique challenges of pet-friendly apartments. He knew that even the most well-behaved animals could find themselves in precarious situations. And he had an expert knowledge on how to handle this. He has his own ferrets at home, Missy and Little G.

He scanned the small apartment and noticed the hot water heater led to a narrow opening behind a the wall. He realized that the ferret was likely trapped inside the wall. Jose had to use his tools to open up the wall to release the ferret. Then, a faint rustling sound emerged from within the wall. Jose knew ferrets were curious, but they were also easily frightened. He needed to coax the little creature out.

He began to make soft, high-pitched “kissy” noises, a sound he knew Missy and Little G responded to. He mimicked the gentle chirps and squeaks ferrets used to communicate. The rustling grew louder, closer.

Suddenly, a small, whiskered face appeared in the opening. Jose coaxed the ferret closer. He extended his hand, and the ferret, hesitant at first, sniffed his fingers and then clambered onto his palm.

WellTech Pest Solutions for a moment became WellTech “Pet” Solutions, as Jose reunited the family with its pet ferret.

petferret, #ferretrescue, #welltech, #multifamilyhousing, #familypet