In multi-unit housing — apartments, condos, townhomes, duplexes, and high-rises — pests behave very differently than they do in a single-family home. Shared walls, utility chases, trash rooms, and resident turnover create an environment where pests can travel, hide, and repopulate quickly. Because of this, effective control requires a coordinated building strategy, not just “spray the unit that called.”

Why pests spread faster in multi-unit buildings

Even a small problem in one unit can become a building-wide issue if the structure and routines help pests travel. Common factors include:

• Shared wall voids & chases – Cockroaches, ants, and rodents can move through plumbing penetrations, electrical conduits, and framing gaps without ever being seen.
• Utility and moisture lines – Pipes, A/C lines, and drain lines provide moisture, warmth, and protected “highways” between units and floors.
• Trash rooms & compactors – Poorly maintained common disposal areas can act as permanent food sources and breeding zones.
• DIY sprays and foggers – Over-the-counter products inside a unit can push pests deeper into cracks, or simply into the next unit over.
• Inconsistent sanitation – Even if most residents are very clean, one or two units with clutter or food debris can keep pressure high across the entire building.

Most common multi-unit pests in South Florida

Based on activity across South Florida communities, the most frequent multi-unit issues we see include:

• German cockroaches – Thrive in kitchens, breakrooms, and behind appliances; spread quickly through chases and utility lines.
• Ants – Ghost, pharaoh, big-headed, and white-footed ants all use cracks and lines to move between units and floors.
• Rodents (roof rats & mice) – Use roof lines, attic spaces, and wall voids; often tied to exterior access points or open trash.
• Bed bugs – Travel on furniture, luggage, and shared laundry; easily spread between neighboring units if not handled properly.
• Drain flies & moisture gnats – Often indicate underlying moisture or organic build-up in drains and mechanical rooms.

What an effective multi-unit pest program must include

A “treat one unit and hope” approach almost always fails in shared buildings. Long-term success depends on a structured program that covers the property as a system:

• Full-property inspection – Hallways, trash areas, utility rooms, roof, exterior, and multiple representative units are evaluated, not just the one that reported activity.
• Exterior and structural focus – Pressure is reduced at the outside first: structural entry points, vegetation, harborage zones, and trash management.
• Integrated treatment methods – Baits, dusts, monitors, and sealing work are used strategically. We avoid unnecessary blanket spraying that can drive pests deeper or create resistance.
• Communication with management – Access, scheduling, treatment notices, and prep requirements are coordinated with ownership or property managers.
• Resident prep & cooperation – Clear preparation sheets help residents know what to do before and after service so treatments actually reach the right areas.
• Documentation & trend tracking – Service notes and pest logs identify recurring hotspots so the plan can be adjusted instead of repeating the same treatment.

Signs your property needs a coordinated service plan

If you manage or own a multi-unit property, watch for these indicators that a building-level plan is needed instead of “on-call spraying”:

• More than one resident reports the same pest within 60–90 days.
• Activity keeps returning shortly after store-bought sprays or foggers are used.
• Pests are being seen near trash rooms, laundry areas, or utility rooms.
• Roach or ant activity returns even after repeated treatments in the same unit.
• Maintenance teams are using a mix of products without a documented plan.

Why property managers choose EntoLogic

EntoLogic’s programs are built on logic, documentation, and clear expectations — not trial and error. Every multi-unit account is set up with a structured plan designed around your building’s construction, pest pressure, and budget.

Typical program components include:

• Monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly building service options
• Move-in and turnover inspections to catch issues early
• Exterior and common-area protection to reduce ongoing pressure
• Service notes and summaries for compliance and record-keeping
• Clear recommendations for sanitation, storage, and exclusion work

When to schedule an assessment

If you’ve had more than one complaint about the same pest, or if problems seem to return shortly after treatment, it’s usually a sign that the building needs a coordinated strategy instead of one-off visits.

EntoLogic can provide a structured assessment and step-by-step plan so you’re not relying on guesswork or emergency calls.

Request multi-unit inspection