Things You Can Do Now to Save Time and Hassle During Budget Season: Because Pests Don’t Wait!
For whatever reason, things always seem to go sideways over the weekends. Whether it’s a mysterious AC leak from the third floor or a kitchen with roaches hosting Roachella, responsive vendor support is everything. If your pest control provider is ghosting your team on Monday mornings until 11AM, that’s not a partner—that’s a problem.
A reliable pest management partner is responsive when issues arise, accessible when your team needs answers, and proactive enough to stop problems before they start. That kind of support takes pressure off your staff and keeps residents happy, quiet, and paying.
As PMA Summer Escape Committee Chair Larry Edmonds puts it, 
“Most pest control failures result from poor communication between onsite teams and pest professionals—especially when critical service details aren't shared.”
So while your current vendor might be… fine… it's worth asking:
- Is “fine” enough to keep residents satisfied?
- Are pest issues being handled proactively, or just reactively?
- Do we know exactly what’s being done at each service visit?
- Can our team easily communicate with the provider when needed?
Budget Season Blues
Budget season isn’t just busy—it’s overwhelming. Between spreadsheets, maintenance surprises and planning for the unknown, vendor relationships often go unexamined. But waiting until Q4 to review performance is how underperforming vendors get renewed—and why budgets don’t always cover what you actually need.
Starting vendor evaluations now gives you time to do walk-throughs, ask smart questions, and adjust scopes of work before the chaos begins. This approach can lead to better service delivery, fewer resident complaints, and less pressure on your onsite team.
Why Communication Still Matters Most
One of the top reasons property teams switch pest vendors? Communication breakdowns.
- No service notifications.
- Residents unclear on treatment timelines.
- Managers unsure what was done or what to expect next.
- Reports that are late—or missing altogether.
When you're constantly following up or repeating the same concerns, it might be time to reassess whether the communication tools and structure are serving your team—or stalling your progress.
Your Takeaway
Whether you're preparing budgets or just rethinking vendor relationships, consider taking a fresh look at your pest control plan. Clarify expectations, ensure service transparency, and prioritize consistent communication. A strong vendor partnership doesn’t just solve problems—it prevents them.