W. Va. Code R. § 64-41-8 - Insect And Rodent Control (Refer to Section 13 of the Mobile Home Regulations)

8.1. The control of insects and rodents in mobile home developments is necessary to protect the health and property of the residents. Insects and rodents are capable of transmitting diseases to man and other animals by bites or by indirect contact, and they also may cause property damage, including damage to vegetation by gnawing or chewing.

8.2. Small localized infestations of insects or rodents can often be controlled by the owner or operator of the mobile home development. Wide spread infestations, however, should be handled by a competent pest control operator, especially if large scale chemical treatment procedures are used.

8.3. The best method of controlling insects and rodents in mobile home developments is by using environmental sanitation procedures that eliminate food sources and places of harborage used by these pests. A proper environment will discourage the infestation and breeding of insects and rodents. The use of good environmental sanitation procedures will, in most instances, provide the most effective control and, over a period of years, it is more economical than repetitive chemical control measures, which should be used only if adequate control cannot otherwise be maintained.

8.4. When pesticides are used, proper precautions are always necessary to assure the safety of humans, domestic pets, and desirable wildlife. Many pesticides are potentially very hazardous and should be used only by trained pest control works. Untrained persons using pesticides should use them only for small scale treatments, and any instructions for use on the labeling of the package should be followed carefully. When large scale applications of pesticides are to be made in a mobile home development, a competent pest control operator should be consulted.

8.5. Mosquito Control

8.5.1. Mobile home developments shall be kept free of cans, jars, buckets, old tires, and other objects that may hold water and provide breeding places for mosquitoes. All depressions in which water may collect shall be drained or filled to eliminate potential breeding areas. Any type of vegetation promoting mosquito harborage shall be treated or removed.

8.5.2. For chemical treatment No. 2 fuel oil or kerosene applied at a rate of about 5 to 30 gallons per acre is an effective larvicide for use in low, wet areas and on pools of standing water.

8.6. Fly Control

8.6.1. Attempts at chemical control of flies are seldom effective when not accompanied by proper environmental sanitation procedures. Flies shall not be allowed access to organic matter, such as garbage, since they reproduce rapidly in this material. Garbage shall be wrapped in paper and kept in proper containers provided with tight fitting lids. Garbage containers shall be replaced or repaired when so damaged that their lids do not fit tightly enough to prevent the entrance of flies. All containers shall be washed frequently and securely fastened on racks or stands to prevent overturning. The area around containers should not become littered with garbage or saturated with liquid waste from garbage. Droppings from dogs and other animals must be removed or covered with dirt or other suitable material.

8.7. Rodent Control

8.7.1. The most effective way to prevent or eliminate rodent infestation is to destroy places of harborage and remove food sources that attract and sustain rats. Harborage places can be eliminated by the orderly stacking of such materials as lumber, pipe, or sheet metal at least 12 to 18 inches off the ground. Useless scrap material or rubbish should be promptly disposed of. Storage and utility buildings, and all other types of buildings as well shall be rat-proofed.

8.7.2. In food storage areas, such as might be found in recreation building snack bars or other food service facilities, all food supplies shall be stored with at least a 12 to 18 inch clear space beneath them. Periodic inspections should be made of food supplies to determine whether rodents may have gained access to them.

8.7.3. Rodents can be controlled by trapping, the use of rodenticides, or both. Trapping has an advantage in that when the rodent is caught it can be removed from the premises without the odor problem that sometimes results when a poisoned animal dies in its place of harborage. Trapping is not as effective as poisoning, however.

8.8. Cockroach Control - The best method for the control of cockroaches is general cleanliness and tidiness. Food bits and crumbs should not be allowed to accumulate on floors, in cracks or crevices, or in other places accessible to roaches. Rags, books, and other objects should not be stored in dark, damp places or stored in a disorderly manner.

8.9. Flea, Tick and Chigger Control - Grass should be cut frequently, and weeds should be eliminated in order to reduce food sources and places of harborage for insects and the mammal hosts of these pests.

Notes

W. Va. Code R. § 64-41-8