Pest control

I live in a small 10 unit condominium property. We have had at least 2 units complain of roaches in their units, which is not uncommon for Texas, but a MAJOR problem if not treated. We voted in our last HOA meeting to have each interior unit as well as the exterior treated. Per our Bylaws, the interior of our units are the individual unit owners responsibility; however, we are concerned that if all 10 units aren't treated simultaneously, the roaches will just migrate to the untreated units then reinfect others again. The Board had a further meeting and we even opted to use HOA money to pay (if cost effective) for each interior unit to be treated, but is it ok for us to mandate units receive the treatment? Of course we will go ahead with the exterior treatment, but I'm more concerned about the interior units since the Bylaws indicate that's up to the individual owners.

I strongly suggest you proceed with caution. Yes, you need to control pests. But you also need to avoid endangering the health of your residents and incurring legal liability.

You could begin by googling the National Committee Against the Misuse of Pesticides or the Safer Pest Control Project and checking their lists and links for information and referrals. You will find that there are many non-toxic and low-toxic pest control strategies that are highly effective and cost efficient. You will also find the names of local pest control companies that use "Integrated Pest Management."

I have used and recommended non-toxic and low-toxic pest control for over 30 years and can tell you that it works beautifully to eliminate roaches, ants, and other creepie crawlies. There's just no need to poison the people to get rid of the pests.

If there are any pregnant women, children, seniors or people with respiratory, neurological, or immunological disorders in your building, caution becomes even more necessary. If anyone in your building refuses to have their unit treated because of such a disability, you are legally required to negotiate with them in good faith for a safe alternative. (See federal Fair Housing Act and your state and local housing rights laws.)

Good luck to you!
Kathleen