Here in Arizona, I can safely say that we’ve all been touched by the current real estate housing market.  I’m sure we’ve all noticed that home that looks like it might be in trouble, weeds in the front yard that haven’t been tended to in a while… Haven’t seen the owners lately???  I think we’re aware that something is going on. 

 

A foreclosure in our area doesn’t help with property values, we can be certain of that, and it’s not too pretty to look at as time goes by.

 

One of the many reasons people buy real estate in Arizona is because of our great weather.  The sun is great, and we tend to lack all of those natural disasters we hear so much about.  But there’s one natural disaster you might not have thought about: mosquitoes.  Yes with all the sun and great weather we enjoy in this lovely state, we also enjoy our pools.  When a pool is lacking in maintenance it becomes a mosquito breeding ground.  I’ve personally looked into the green abyss and seen those squirmy little things swimming around just waiting for their opportunity to sprout wings and fly towards their nearest victim. 

 

So what happens to the pool when a home has been foreclosed on?  Who is taking care of it?  I’ve been through plenty of vacant and foreclosed homes, and my guess is no one has even thought about a pool needing maintenance, especially when there’s a $400,000+ home in the REO section of the balance sheet.

 

There was a recent article  that brought up the problem of abandoned homes and their pools, but what can we do about it?

 

Well, I’m glad you asked – here’s your answer:

 

For Queen Creek, Apache Junction, and other Pinal county areas you can call the mosquito hotline at 520-855-6200 or toll free at 866-287-0209 ext. 6200.  In Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix and other Maricopa cities to report a green pool, or to get more information click here   and click on complaints in the paragraph.  You can fill out the green pool complaint report there.  You can of course remain completely anonymous and still do your part to keep your neighborhood clear of the West Nile Virus!