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As spring and summer bring heat and humidity across North Carolina and South Carolina, pest problems start ramping up—especially for property managers overseeing multi-family housing and residential complexes. With the Carolinas’ extended warm season and moisture-prone climate, now is the time to prepare for peak pest activity.

At Gregory Pest Solutions, we understand the unique challenges faced by property managers across the Southeast. Use this checklist to stay ahead of infestations, protect your residents, and maintain your property’s value.

Inspect for Common Pests in North and South Carolina

Our region is a hotspot for pest activity due to its warm, humid environment and mix of urban, suburban, and wooded residential developments. Property managers should keep an eye out for these common threats:

• Cockroaches – Thrive in damp, dark spaces like basements, laundry rooms, and kitchen areas.
• Rodents – Mice and rats can enter through tiny gaps and are often drawn to trash rooms and mechanical spaces.
• Ants – Carpenter ants and odorous house ants are common in apartments and townhomes, especially near plumbing and kitchens.
• Termites – A serious concern in the Carolinas, especially for older properties with wood construction. They are especially active in the coastal and Piedmont regions of North and South Carolina, where moisture and soil conditions promote year-round termite activity. 
• Mosquitoes – Breed in standing water and can overrun outdoor common areas in summer.
• Bed Bugs – Travel easily between units and are notoriously hard to remove without professional help.

Incorporate Preventative Maintenance Into Your Routine

Preventative maintenance is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of pest infestations. In addition to partnering with Gregory Pest Solutions for professional treatments, property managers should build regular checks into their routine.

Weekly

• Stay alert to small issues before they become big problems. Each week:
• Inspect garbage and recycling areas for overflow or food residue.
• Clean around dumpsters and compactor zones to deter rodents and insects.
• Walk the property and look for signs of pest activity—droppings, nests, chew marks, or insect trails.
• Follow up immediately on any tenant reports of pests.

Seasonally

• With weather changes come new pest pressures. At the start of each season:
• Inspect building exteriors for cracks or holes and seal any entry points.
• Check doors and windows for damaged seals, frames, or torn screens.
• Adjust waste pickup schedules in warmer months to prevent build-up.
• Clear gutters and drains to reduce standing water that attracts mosquitoes.
• Notify tenants about seasonal pest risks and any updated prevention protocols. 

Annually

• Once a year, take a deeper dive with a professional pest control provider:
• Schedule a full property inspection to assess current conditions.
• Flush drains in kitchens and restrooms to prevent fly infestations.
• Install discreet traps for ants, flies, or spiders in high-risk areas.
• Address wear-and-tear issues that might attract pests.
• Re-educate tenants on pest prevention and the importance of early reporting.

Securing Entry Points and Eliminating Attractants

Effective pest control starts with prevention. In buildings with multiple units, pests often travel between apartments or invade shared areas undetected. Take these steps to block access and eliminate what attracts them:

• Seal exterior cracks and crevices, especially around utility lines, foundations, and doors.
• Install door sweeps and repair torn screens to block pests at common entrances.
• Keep trash areas clean and well-maintained—food scraps, overflowing bins, and clogged drains can attract both insects and rodents.
• Fix leaks and dry out damp areas in crawl spaces, basements, or boiler rooms to prevent cockroach and termite activity.
• Schedule routine moisture control inspections, especially for properties in shaded, wooded, or flood-prone areas. Gregory offers crawl space and moisture control to help protect these environments.

Make Pest Awareness Part of Your Culture

Early detection is one of the most effective tools for managing pest problems in residential settings. But that only works if staff and tenants know what to look for.

• Train maintenance and cleaning staff to recognize signs of infestation, such as droppings, gnawed materials, strange odors, or live pests.
• Post reminders in communal areas about reporting pest sightings and keeping shared spaces clean.
• Provide tenants with seasonal pest tips—for example, reminding them to check for standing water on patios, seal food properly, or alert you if they notice ants or roaches.
• Implement a digital pest log or use maintenance software that allows quick reporting and documentation.

Gregory Pest Solutions can support your team with materials and recommendations tailored to multi-unit residential pest control.

Keep Grounds Clean and Unwelcoming to Pests

Poor outdoor maintenance is one of the top reasons pests are drawn to a property in the Carolinas. Here’s how to keep your grounds from becoming a breeding ground:

• Cut back shrubs and trees that touch or hang near buildings to stop rodents and ants from using them as bridges.
• Eliminate standing water from gutters, plant pots, and low-lying areas—this is critical for mosquito prevention.
• Clean up leaf litter and mulch buildup, which create moisture-rich hiding places for ants, roaches, and termites.
• Keep trash enclosures sealed and away from entryways to avoid attracting rodents and flying insects.

Need help managing high-risk outdoor areas? Gregory offers mosquito control and bee, wasp, and hornet removal services throughout North and South Carolina.

Work with a Local Pest Control Partner

Peak season requires fast, knowledgeable service from a provider who understands the specific needs of property managers in the Carolinas. Gregory Pest Solutions delivers:

• Tailored pest control programs designed for multi-family housing and HOAs
• Discreet, professional technicians who respect your property and residents
• Real-time digital reporting and tracking for compliance and documentation
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) that focuses on prevention, not just treatment
• Specialty services like bed bug heat treatments, termite inspections, and moisture remediation

Ready for Peak Season?

Don’t wait until tenants complain or an infestation spreads from unit to unit. Gregory Pest Solutions offers fast, reliable support for property managers throughout North Carolina and South Carolina.

Stay ahead of pest problems this season. Schedule your inspection or request a tailored control plan today. 

Learn more about our Commercial Property Management Pest Control

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Gregory Pest Solutions – Pest Control and Extermination Services