Termite control causes pesky problems for tenants
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Termites are causing problems for residents of the Woodcreek Apartment complex in downtown Moorpark.

Tenants will have to spend a few nights away from home to make way for pest control efforts early next month, when circus-like vinyl-coated nylon tarps will cover the buildings for fumigation.

Fumigation uses a lethal gas to exterminate wooddevouring insects. The treatment is necessary to preserve the buildings, according to Pablo Pesantez, manager of the 136-unit apartment complex.

Each of the 10 buildings must be vacated for at least two nights on a rotating basis, and residents have to make preparations to safeguard personal possessions, pets and perishable goods in their apartments.

The management company said it will deduct the cost of up to three days of rent for the inconvenience caused to tenants, but some residents said that isn't enough to cover their expenses.

"We don't have enough to pay the rent and we have a baby at home, so we're concerned about the impacts of the chemicals after fumigation," said Lora Sawyer, who lives with her family at the apartment complex.

Residents didn't receive a month's notice about the fumigation, and anyone away on a summer trip isn't even able to prepare for the fumigation, said Sol King, a resident in the complex.

In addition, no one will find a hotel room for the $35 to $45 per night rebate they are receiving off their rent, and there is no hotel in Moorpark, he said.

King anticipates he'll spend at least $100 a night for hotel accommodations and restaurants costs.

In addition to enduring extra expenses, tenants must also take the time to pack up their belongings. Security is also a concern: Some suggested the management hire a security company to make sure thieves don't get into the tented buildings.

"We're willing to compromise if they're willing to pay for the hotel accommodations and make arrangements for everyone ahead of time," said Sebastian Ramirez, who lives in the complex with his family.

Since the management company has been preparing to fumigate for the past six months, they should have told tenants earlier, he said.

Unoccupied apartments could be made available to residents who can't go elsewhere, Ramirez said. The extra assistance would enable residents to focus on packing, he said.

"We understand all the concerns and that residents don't want to be bothered, but we have to think about the property in the long term. We want our property to stay in good shape," said complex manager Pablo Pesantez.

The build has a lot of exposed wood, he said, so fumigation is the only way to get rid of termites.

"People are concerned about the money because they feel it doesn't cover expenses, but unfortunately that's the law," said Pesantez, adding that the property owners got advice from an attorney before the fumigation decision was made.

Fumigation is inconvenient, Pesantez acknowledged, but the work must be done. Termites destroy wood structures and they may even cause damage to furniture belonging to tenants, he said.

"There's no other way to do it. We tried using new systems, but they don't work well at all," said Pesantez, referring to freezing or heating methods also used to treat termites.

"I know some people are going to be very upset, but unfortunately that's the way it is," he said.

Landlords also lose money during the fumigation process, said Douglas Tapking, executive director for the Area Housing Authority. They can't collect rent and they must incur the pest control expenses because they're required to maintain their property.

"It's tough, no matter what you do," Tapking said.

People who own condominiums and town homes within associations have to contend with the same type of hassles, but without compensation, he said. "The only good thing in the end is hopefully, you get rid of the termites."