Pest Control for Building Owners - NYC Health

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Pest Control for Building Owners, Managers, Supers and Workers

Building owners, homeowners and managers must maintain their premises free from pests, including mice, rats, roaches and other insects. Appropriate ways to control pests include hiring a licensed pest professional to safely address pests, proper waste storage, and repairing holes and cracks in walls and floors.

Traditional pest control methods, such as routine spraying of chemical pesticides, do not get to the root of the pest problem. A safer and more effective approach known as integrated pest management (IPM) targets and fixes the underlying causes of pest problems, improves building conditions, and saves time and money in the long run.

Implementing an IPM plan can:

Improve building quality and indoor air quality

Reduce the presence of chemical pesticides and asthma triggers like cockroaches, and mice

Prevent pest-related damage to building systems

Reduce tenant complaints and improve tenant satisfaction

Provide long-term effective pest control

If you're a building resident or tenant looking for pest control guidance, visit Pest Control for Building Residents and Tenants.

IPM Toolkit

The Integrated Pest Management Toolkit for Building Owners, Managers and Staff (PDF) (Español) is designed to support building-wide implementation of IPM. The toolkit includes the following fact sheets:

Selecting and Working with a Pest Management Professional (PDF)

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Model Scope of Services (PDF)

Pest Management Opportunities during Building Renovations (PDF)

Pesticide Safety for Building Owners, Managers and Staff (PDF)

Pest Proofing Tips for Building Owners, Managers and Staff (PDF)

Building Garbage Control and Compactor Maintenance (PDF)

Pest Management Tips for Building Residents (PDF)

Other Languages: Español | Русский | বাংলা

Using Pesticides

Pesticides are designed to kill “pests,” but some pesticides can also cause health problems in people. The likelihood of a health effect depends on the type of pesticide being used and the chemicals in the product, as well as the amount you are exposed to and how long or often you are exposed.

Pesticides should only be used in a safe manner by a licensed pest control professional.

Never use foggers, bombs, or illegal pesticides such as Chinese/Roach Chalk, Tres Pasitos or Tempo. These chemicals are dangerous and can easily land in places where people cook, eat and play.

Never use pesticides that do not have a manufacturer's label.

Short-term exposure to pesticides may result in:

Eye, throat and nose irritation

Headaches

Dizziness

Trouble breathing

Nausea

Long-term, ongoing exposure to pesticides may result in increased cancer risk and other serious health problems. For more information, visit Pest and Pesticides Laws for Building Owners and Managers.

Training and Technical Assistance Opportunities

Residential building owners, managers and maintenance staff interested in more information on safely controlling and removing pest and mold hazards in tenant homes can email NYCHNP@health.nyc.gov or call 311 and ask for the "Healthy Neighborhoods Program."

Pest management professionals can register for a Rodent Academy course.

Building owners and managers who are receiving HPD financing for renovations can attend the Healthy Homes Training.

Landlords, supers, handymen, maintenance workers and contractors can register for the Lead Safe Work Practices Training for Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP).

Information for Business Owners

Pest Control for Childcare (PDF)

For more information on integrated pest management, call 311 and ask for the "Healthy Homes Program."

Additional Resources

Health Warning: Do Not Use These Pesticides (PDF)

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Sniper DDVP Warning (PDF)

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Keep Homes Free of Mold and Pests: What Landlords Must Do and Tenants Should Know (Local Law 55) (PDF)

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NYC Housing Preservation and Development – Indoor Allergen Hazards

How to Control Pests Safely (PDF)

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Preventing Rats on Your Property (PDF)

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ײִדיש

More Information

Healthy Neighborhoods Program

Rat Information Portal

Bed Bug Information Portal

Lead Poisoning Information for Building Owners

Healthy Homes Main Page