Foreclosures Causing West Nile Virus
Foreclosures Causing West Nile Virus! That’s a different twist to the tumbling real estate market story. A story in the Economist tells of a situation in Southern California involving foreclosed properties, and unattended swimming pools where mosquitoes come to breed. There has been a marked increase in bird deaths due to West Nile, and according to the story, human problems are soon to follow. Apparently, there are laws and ordinances in place making real estate companies and banks who are responsible for the foreclosures, responsible for maintaining the property as well, but it doesn’t appear to be working.
This scenario is repeated across the country in more ways than you might imagine. Foreclosed, or unsold properties are becoming numerous, and maintaining them can be expensive, but it must be done. Minimal maintenance maximizes the chances of serious insect and rodent problems, particularly where swimming pools, ponds, and lakes are involved. It can be problematic where brush and weeds are allowed to grow close to the the property in order to cut down on the cost.
Where ponds and lakes are involved, the foreclosing entity should make arrangements for regular care until new owners have control, otherwise, the property may never sell. It is notoriously difficult to sell swamp land!
Tags: Foreclosures, Mosquitoes, West Nile Virus