Insect Pest Control

Applies to: All staff managing maintenance work orders in AppFolio

Scenario: Tenant reports insect-related issues (e.g., wasps, bees, general pests)

TL;DR: What To Do

• Do NOT assign to a vendor
• Cancel the work order
• Send the pest control response email template to the tenant
• Log notes in AppFolio as instructed

Step-by-Step Process

1. Identify the Work Order

• Locate the work order in AppFolio (e.g., 6326-1 for 2506 Manor Circle)
• Read the tenant’s description
• If they mention insects, wasps, bees, or other common pests, this is considered tenant responsibility

2. Cancel the Work Order in AppFolio

• Scroll to the bottom of the work order

• Click “Cancel Work Order”

  When prompted:

  • Reason: Pest control is tenant responsibility
  • Include status update to resident: YES

• In the action notes, paste the following (edited for your name):

  Email resident. Spraying the home with insecticides is not covered in the lease and is the tenant’s responsibility. — [Your Name]

3. Email the Tenant

• Go to Tetra
• Search: "Insect Pest Control Request Email Template"

• Copy the template body

  Replace all placeholders:

  • [Tenant Name] → actual name (e.g., Alex)
  • [Property Address] → e.g., 2506 Manor Circle
  • [Pest type] → whatever they reported (insects, wasps, etc.)
• Subject: Pest Control Request at [Property Address]
• Send the email
• Sign your name at the bottom

Reminders

• Pest control for insects, wasps, and other non-emergency pests is always the tenant’s responsibility
• Tenants are not required to spray, but if they choose to, it must be at their expense
• Never assign vendors for this type of request
• Always log your cancellation with notes for transparency
• Be courteous and consistent in your communication

Quick Flow Recap

1. Review the request
2. Cancel the work order
3. Add internal notes
4. Send the email template
5. Mark the task complete in Tetra