Current Activities In The Community
We have been patching pot holes
Repairing sidewalks
Cutting grass on several foreclosed homes
Making repairs to the storm water pond along Tollgate.
Planted new flower beds at one of the entrance signs
Planted new street trees along Dunnigan down to Foreland Garth
Removing dead trees and stumps
Getting clarification on new trash collection rates
Conducting walk through inspections of homes, lots, sidewalks, streets and the common area.
RATS 9/14/11
Homeowners of Constant Friendship,
As you know, construction of the Route 24/Tollgate interchange is well underway. With any major road construction project comes problems and concerns. We have been receiving numerous calls and emails regarding the increased activity of rats in Constant Friendship. With this construction project, the rodent habitat has been disturbed and they have migrated throughout the region. Rest assured this issue is not exclusive to Constant Friendship. There have been similar reports in other communities throughout the Abingdon area.
Even though our community is well maintained, there is always a degree of potential threat of rodent infestation. In discussions with the Harford County Health Department (as well as other organizations), we have identified the following recommendations and actions homeowners can take to help prevent rodent harborage and infestation.
It is imperative that we all take action to help alleviate this situation.
- Place garbage in metal or plastic containers with tight fitting lids.
- Do not leave your garbage outside in plastic bags or uncovered containers.
- Do not place trash at the curb any earlier than necessary for trash collectors.
- Pick up any blowing trash or debris that you see throughout the neighborhood.
- Be sure to clean up after your pet on a daily basis and store the waste in secured containers. Remember that throwing pet waste into the common area or woods provides a food source for rodents.
- Clean up spilled pet food. Bring containers of food/water indoors immediately after feeding.
- Remove any accumulated debris from under decks, stairways, etc.
- Do not allow grass or gardens to become overgrown. Keep brush/weeds cut low and remove any litter which collects along fences and plants. Cut and remove debris from flower beds, vegetable gardens and remove dead brush piles.
- Elevate wood piles 12 to 18 inches above the ground.
- If you choose to use rodent poison, please use caution and place it into any suspected burrows. Be careful and use a stick to seal the burrow openings with soil. Prevent dogs and cats from digging in these areas.
- Seal any openings under walkways, porches and landings which have been caused through settling of the ground. These openings can provide an ideal haven for rats.
- Do not overfill bird feeders.
- Eliminate sources of standing and/or stagnant water.
Remember, these recommendations can only be effective if all homeowners are proactive in this effort.
Harford County also wishes to make all homeowners aware of Harford County Code 109, Article I, Section 109.7 which states:
Insect and Rodent Control:
A. Responsibility of property owners. It shall be the responsibility of all property owners to maintain their property free off such materials as would provide harborage and food sources for rodents. Property owners shall also maintain their property free of such material as would provide feeding, breeding, or harborage areas for insects.
B. Inspections and control measures. The Department of Health shall have the right to inspect any premise or facility for insect and rodent infestations, harborage, feeding, or breeding sites. The property owner shall be responsible for taking those control measures as specified by the Department of Health for the elimination or prevention of insect and rodent infestation, harborage, feeding or breeding sites.
- Do not allow grass or gardens to become overgrown. Keep brush/weeds cut low and remove any litter which collects along fences and plants. Cut and remove debris from flower beds, vegetable gardens and remove dead brush piles.
- Elevate wood piles 12 to 18 inches above the ground.
- If you choose to use rodent poison, please use caution and place it into any suspected burrows. Be careful and use a stick to seal the burrow openings with soil. Prevent dogs and cats from digging in these areas.
- Seal any openings under walkways, porches and landings which have been caused through settling of the ground. These openings can provide an ideal haven for rats.
- Do not overfill bird feeders.
- Eliminate sources of standing and/or stagnant water.
Remember, these recommendations can only be effective if all homeowners are proactive in this effort.
Harford County also wishes to make all homeowners aware of Harford County Code 109, Article I, Section 109.7 which states:
Insect and Rodent Control:
A. Responsibility of property owners. It shall be the responsibility of all property owners to maintain their property free off such materials as would provide harborage and food sources for rodents. Property owners shall also maintain their property free of such material as would provide feeding, breeding, or harborage areas for insects.
B. Inspections and control measures. The Department of Health shall have the right to inspect any premise or facility for insect and rodent infestations, harborage, feeding, or breeding sites. The property owner shall be responsible for taking those control measures as specified by the Department of Health for the elimination or prevention of insect and rodent infestation, harborage, feeding or breeding sites.
The HOA will be contacting a rodent control specialist for possible Exterior Rodent Baiting and Exclusions of the common area.
Your assistance and cooperation is greatly appreciated. If you should have any question please contact Alliance Management Group.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors
Constant Friendship HOA
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