by Barker Realty, Inc. | Feb 8, 2022 | Landscaping & Grounds, Pest Control, Raleigh Investment Property, Tips for Landlords
Termites are unfortunately a problem many homeowners and investment property owners face. If you are looking at investment properties for sale, or suspect your property has a termite problem, here are some ways to identify termites and the damage they cause.
Termite or Flying Ant?
Both ants and termites can have wings, but on termites, both pairs of wings are the same size. In flying ants, the front wings are much longer than the back wings. Another difference to look for is the “waist” of the insect. Termites will have no apparent “waist” or midsection between thorax and abdomen, while ants do. Finally, look at the insect’s antennae. Termite antennae are straight, while ant antennae are bent.
Drywood Termites
There are two different types of termites that can cause serious damage to a home: Drywood termites, and subterranean termites. Drywood termites usually cause less damage, as they work more slowly and have smaller colonies. They can be identified by the small, firm pellets of waste they leave behind, as well as their red bodies and black wings. Drywood termite damage will usually be found near the roof or wherever there are exposed beams.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are more problematic, as they live in large underground colonies composed of elaborate tunnels. They usually work from the ground level up, often entering a home through a crawlspace or sub-structure. Subterranean termite damage usually appears in a honeycomb-like pattern, with tunnels woven throughout the soft inside wood. Wood damaged by this type of termite will break easily, revealing hollowed-out insides that are filled with mud or soil.
How to Get Rid of Termites
If you suspect that your property has termites, and you are working with a property management company, all you have to do is report it and they will take care of hiring exterminator to kill the insects, and a contractor to replace the damaged areas. To prevent future bug problems (including roaches, ants, and so on), your property management company can also arrange for regular pest control sprayings and inspections.
Take Care of Your Investment with a Raleigh Property Management Company
Barker Realty, Inc. is a leading full-service real estate management, investment and development company in Raleigh and the surrounding areas. If you’re looking for a qualified, experienced Raleigh property management company, our agents are ready to help. Click here to check out our listings, and contact us here to set up an appointment!
by Barker Realty, Inc. | Oct 6, 2020 | Landscaping & Grounds, Pest Control, Repair & Upgrades, Tips for Landlords
Like any other structure, your rental needs ongoing maintenance to keep it in good condition and to ensure it retains its value. Summer is a great time to get some critical things done. Use this summer rental maintenance checklist from our experienced property managers in Apex.
Exterior of the Building
Rental maintenance on the outside of the building is important for maintaining property value.
- Clean out gutters and downspouts. The removal of debris from the gutters will help keep water from spilling over into the yard, driveway, doorway, patios, etc. Keep the downspouts open is also just as important so water can flow smoothly away from the home or property foundation.
- Have your chimney and fireplace inspected. If you have a gas or wood burning fireplace, it’s vital to have these appliances inspected annually, especially if you are burning and using frequently. The Fall is the best time to have this done, so you’re ready for the colder months ahe ad.
- HVAC inspections also are key. We recommend having your HVAC inspected as well, especially after a long hot summer. This will ensure the furnace and units can heat your home and property efficiently.
- Pressure wash the exterior. This will remove layers of dust and bird droppings. It will give the property an instant facelift while also uncovering any other problems lurking under the dirt.
- Inspect the siding. Look for loose pieces of siding. If you have wood siding, look for signs of rot like deteriorating wood or bubbling paint. Have repairs made if needed.
- Check the brick. If the exterior is brick, look for places where the mortar may be deteriorating. You may need to have it tuckpointed.
- Check the foundation. Cracks allow water, insects, and radon to come into the basement or crawlspace. Leaks can cause the foundation to deteriorate and can even undermine the structure of the house.
- Repair and paint the outside as needed. You don’t need to paint every year. However, if the paint is faded, chipped or cracked, it is time to bring out the paintbrushes.
Other Maintenance
There are other summer rental maintenance jobs that you need to do to keep your rental property in good condition.
- Have the HVAC system checked and serviced. You need that unit to last as long as possible. Annual maintenance is key to making that happen.
- Clean the dryer vent. If your tenants have a dryer, make sure the vent is clear. A clogged dryer vent is a fire waiting to happen.
- Fill cracks on the sidewalk or driveway. Cracks are a tripping hazard, plus you want to keep the concrete or asphalt from deteriorating further.
At Barker Realty, our property managers in Apex use this checklist to keep their properties in great shape and are attentive to any needs from both landlords and tenants to maintain a presentable, and functional property. Get in touch with us for more information or to discuss your rental properties with our team to help you manage your investments.
by Barker Realty, Inc. | May 6, 2019 | Landscaping & Grounds, Pest Control, Raleigh Property Management, Tips for Landlords
Most states legally require property owners to maintain a pest-free rental, but it’s also good business sense. No one will want to rent from you if word spreads that there are pests, and owners who won’t do anything about it! Then there’s the fact that pests like termites and carpenter bees will actively damage your property, forcing you to make expensive repairs. Here are some ways to keep your rentals as pest-free as possible.
Educate your tenants about pests
When it comes to educating tenants on pests, most rental complexes follow the standard procedure of handing the tenant a sheet of paper and hoping that they read it. You can do much better by having a face-to-face conversation with each new tenant about cleanliness and sanitation. Stress the fact that, this being the South, there are roaches and other pests, and they will enter any place that seems like a comfortable habitat. Encourage tenants to always seal food in plastic containers; always keep a clean sink; seal garbage can lids; and take out the trash regularly.
Inspect and maintain the property
Even if you have a property management company, it’s a good idea to visit the property yourself once every few months to inspect it personally. Check to see that the walls, floors, and foundations are sealed; that garbage isn’t lingering on porches; and that common areas are litter- and trash-free. Encourage residents to report any tiny cracks and openings they may find in their rental units, and look for them yourself during tenant turnovers.
Make sure garbage bins stay closed
Pests, especially rodents, are attracted to food and garbage that’s left out in the open. You can deter them by encouraging residents to keep garbage can lids closed at all times. It might also be a good idea to place a surveillance camera over the garbage area, just to give residents some extra encouragement to follow the rules.
Spray insecticides regularly
Since we are in the South, it’s a good idea to have an exterminator spray the perimeter of your rental property each month. The cost for exterminating typically ranges from $40 to $60, but it’s a small price to pay compared to the high cost (and danger) of a total fumigation. Preventative maintenance is always cheaper than a repair, even when it comes to bugs!
Work with a Raleigh property management company
Want to keep your investment property pest free, without worrying about it? A property management company can look after the grounds and common areas; encourage residents to pick up after themselves; hire and manage maintenance crews and exterminators; and all the other nitty-gritty parts of managing a property. If you’d like to learn more about our Raleigh property management services, contact us here!
