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Lessons from a Building Manager: Managing Wasps and Pests Near the Brisbane River in the Rainy Season

 

Author: Jesus Pardo

As a building manager near the Brisbane River, I’ve seen my fair share of challenges, especially during Brisbane’s rainy, hot season. The combination of rain and heat turns our riverside location into a haven for pests like wasps, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and ants. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about dealing with these unwelcome visitors, and I wanted to share some practical tips that have worked for our building and residents.

Wasps: The Hidden Menace on Balconies

One of the biggest surprises for new residents is how quickly wasps can establish themselves. They love building their nests in sheltered spots like balcony corners, under eaves, or even behind outdoor light fixtures. I’ve had several residents call me in a panic after spotting nests.

Here’s how we handle it:

  • Regular Inspections: I do a walkaround every week, especially focusing on areas like carports, outdoor storage sheds, and balconies. It’s amazing how fast these nests can pop up.
  • Professional Help: If I find a nest, I never attempt to remove it myself. I always call a pest control specialist to safely handle it. Safety first!
  • Resident Education: I remind residents to clean up sugary food and drink spills after outdoor meals—it’s one of the easiest ways to deter wasps.

 

Mosquitoes: The Price of Living by the River

With all the rain, standing water becomes a problem—and that means mosquitoes. I’ve had to deal with complaints about bites and buzzing in apartments, but we’ve found some effective strategies.

  • Gutter Maintenance: Clearing gutters regularly is a must. Blockages can lead to pools of water that are perfect for mosquito breeding.
  • Resident Reminders: I encourage everyone to check their balconies for standing water. Items like plant saucers, buckets, or even forgotten toys can collect rainwater and turn into mosquito nurseries.
  • Screens and Repellents: For units facing the river, I recommend installing fly screens on windows and doors. 

Cockroaches: Persistent Visitors After the Rain

Cockroaches are another common issue in our riverside building. They love damp basements and dark corners, and once they’re inside, they’re hard to control without proper measures.

Here’s what we’ve done to stay on top of them:

  • Pest Barriers: I’ve sealed gaps around pipes and vents in common areas. This keeps them from creeping in from the outside.
  • Trash Management: Ensuring garbage bins are emptied regularly and kept clean has made a big difference. I also ask residents to avoid leaving food scraps in common kitchens.
  • Routine Treatments: Every quarter, I schedule inspections for high-risk areas like storage rooms and garbage chutes.

Ants: Small but Stubborn 

Ants are a constant issue, especially around outdoor dining areas and gardens. I’ve noticed they become particularly active after the rain.

What works for us:

  • Natural Barriers: I’ve used simple solutions like vinegar to disrupt ant trails in outdoor common areas. It’s safe and surprisingly effective.
  • Communal Cleanliness: After barbecues or outdoor gatherings, I always make sure to clean up thoroughly to prevent ants from setting up shop.
  • Proactive Baiting: Placing ant bait stations around gardens and near high-traffic areas has helped keep their numbers under control.

Working Together to Stay Pest-Free

Managing pests in a building near the Brisbane River isn’t a one-person job—it’s a team effort. I encourage residents to report any pest issues promptly and to follow these tips:

  1. Keep Balconies Tidy: Regularly clean up food, water, and clutter. A little maintenance goes a long way.
  2. Report Problems Early: If you spot a nest or infestation, let me know immediately. The sooner we address it, the easier it is to resolve.
  3. Respect Common Spaces: Clean up after using shared areas like BBQ zones or gardens to avoid attracting pests.

Final Thoughts

Living near the Brisbane River is a privilege, but it comes with its unique challenges—pests being one of them. Over the years, I’ve learned that staying proactive is the key to keeping them under control. Regular inspections, good communication with residents, and professional pest control when needed have made all the difference for our building.

If you’re a fellow building manager or a resident dealing with pests, I hope these tips help you. With a little effort, we can enjoy our riverside lifestyle without letting pests ruin the experience!

Got questions or need advice? Feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned.

 

Jesus Pardo

Building Manager – Brisbane

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