A Strata Proud To Host This Summer

Summer is when many apartment buildings come to life. Residents invite friends and family to stay, balconies and courtyards are busy and shared spaces get more use.

It is also when pests such as cockroaches, ants and rodents are more active.

For strata managers and committees, this can mean more complaints and more pressure. A clear pest management plan helps keep the building feeling calm and cared for.

Shared walls, shared risks

In a strata building, pests rarely belong to just one unit.

Cockroaches, ants and rodents can:

• Move through common walls, ceilings and service ducts

• Travel along plumbing and electrical lines

• Breed in bin areas, garages and garden beds

A single sighting in one home or apartment often points to a building-wide issue. Looking at the whole site, rather than only treating one unit, usually gives better long-term results.

Summer pressure points in strata buildings

A few areas are particularly important as the weather warms:

Bin rooms and rubbish areas
Heavy use over summer, combined with higher temperatures and organic waste, can turn bin rooms into breeding grounds. Regular cleaning and professional treatment are essential.

Common areas
Entryways, stairwells, plant rooms and shared laundries can provide shelter and easy travel routes. Clutter in these spaces creates additional hiding spots.

Pools, BBQs and shared outdoor areas
Food, drinks and gatherings can attract ants and other insects if spillages and waste are not managed well.

Addressing these pressure points early in the season sets your building up to handle the summer load.

Cleaning and maintenance that support pest control

Pest control and good building practices work best together.

Helpful habits include:

• Cleaning bins and bin rooms periodically

• Ensuring rubbish is bagged and placed inside bins, not left on the floor

• Keeping common areas free of stored items, boxes and rubbish

• Checking that external doors close properly to limit entry points

These basics reduce pest pressure and help treatments perform at their best.

How Gladiator Pest Solutions supports strata

Gladiator Pest Solutions provides ongoing pest control services for strata schemes and property managers, with programs shaped around each building’s layout and resident needs.

Tailored services for strata and property managers

• Routine inspections and common-area treatments

• Responsive visits for individual apartments when issues are reported

• Safe, low-impact products suitable for shared, family environments

• Clear digital reports for strata managers and committees to keep on file

Smooth, reliable communication

We coordinate directly with strata managers and, where needed, residents to minimise disruption and keep everyone informed. Service dates, areas treated and any recommendations are documented so you know what has been done and why.

The intention is simple: a building that feels well looked after, where pest issues are managed proactively rather than reactively.

FAQs

How often should a strata building have pest control?
Many buildings benefit from quarterly services for common areas, with more frequent visits for high-pressure sites. Individual units may choose annual or six-monthly treatments.

Do residents have to be home during common-area treatments?
Not usually. Treatment of shared spaces can often be done without access to individual apartments, unless residents opt in for unit treatments.

Who is responsible for paying for pest control in strata?
Common-area pest control is usually funded by the owners’ corporation. Individual unit treatments are typically a lot owner or tenant responsibility, but some schemes offer combined visits.

Can pest treatments be discreet?
Yes. Gladiator Pest Solutions can schedule visits at quieter times and work in a way that minimises disruption and attention.