Protecting an apartment building from pests requires a methodical and rigorous approach, as the density of occupants and the complexity of the structures increase the risk of infestation. In Verchères, on the South Shore, our team conducted a complete pest prevention program for an eight-unit building located in the historic sector, a stone’s throw from the municipality of Contrecoeur. The building manager wanted to implement a sustainable strategy to avoid the recurrences of cockroaches and mice that had disturbed several tenants during the previous season. Our team in Verchères responded quickly to the request and proposed a structured program in accordance with the best practices of integrated pest management.
Pest diagnosis of the building
The first step consisted of a complete diagnosis of the entire building, dwelling by dwelling, including the common areas, the basement, the boiler room and the garbage room. Our technician documented every anomaly: cracks in the concrete walls of the basement, faulty joints around the plumbing columns running through the floors, missing screens on the exterior air vents, and poorly sealed junctions between the ventilation ducts in each kitchen. The waste room had food residues accumulated in the corners, which made it easier for rodents and cockroaches to attract them. This precise mapping of vulnerabilities made it possible to prioritize interventions according to their level of risk and to plan the work in such a way as to minimize disruption for the occupants. The photographic documentation of each disability was used as the basis for the final action report provided to the manager.
Preventive treatment and closure of access
The closure of the ports of entry was carried out in two phases to accommodate residents. First, the basement and common areas were treated: sealing of foundation cracks with hydraulic mortar and elastomeric sealant, installation of galvanized steel plates at the plumbing column passages, and installation of stainless steel mesh on all exterior air vents. Second, the kitchens and bathrooms of each dwelling were checked and sealed for the joints under the sinks, the pipe penetrations and the baseboards in contact with the floor. In high-risk areas, an application of fipronil-based preventive insecticidal gel was carried out in inaccessible cracks and corners, in accordance with good integrated pest management practices. All the materials used have been selected for their durability in the face of the freeze-thaw cycles typical of the South Shore climate.
Establishment of an ongoing monitoring program
To ensure the long-term effectiveness of the program, rodent monitoring stations were installed in the basement, boiler room and waste room. A monthly inspection protocol has been established, allowing any pest activity to be detected before it spreads. The manager has received training on good waste management practices and maintenance of common areas. Information posters have been given to tenants to make them aware of their role in prevention. Our pest prevention service is designed to adapt to the realities of rental buildings on the South Shore, with clear and actionable inspection reports. You will find other examples of our interventions by consulting this prevention project and this building caulking file.
Assessment of the intervention
Since the program was implemented, no rodent or insect intrusion has been reported in the Verchères building. The manager now has an effective monitoring tool and a trusted partner to maintain the sanitation of his building. A structured preventive approach represents a substantial saving compared to the costs of curative treatment in several dwellings simultaneously. Ensuring the peace of mind of tenants also helps to reduce turnover and enhance the value of the building in the long term. Our extermination company assists property owners and managers on the South Shore in the implementation of customized prevention programs, adapted to the size and purpose of each building.