How can I evict rats and mice from an apartment? - briefly
Seal all cracks and openings, eliminate accessible food and water, deploy appropriate snap traps or sealed bait stations, and, if infestation persists, hire a licensed pest‑control professional.
How can I evict rats and mice from an apartment? - in detail
Eliminate rodent infestation in a dwelling by following a systematic approach that addresses entry, attraction, and population control.
First, identify and seal all possible ingress points. Inspect walls, floors, and ceilings for gaps larger than a quarter inch. Use steel wool, copper mesh, or cement-based sealant to block holes around pipes, vents, and utility conduits. Install door sweeps on exterior doors and repair damaged weather stripping.
Second, remove food and water sources that sustain the pests. Store dry goods in airtight containers, clean crumbs and spills promptly, and keep garbage in sealed bins emptied regularly. Eliminate standing water by repairing leaks, drying sinks, and wiping condensation from windowsills.
Third, apply trapping and baiting methods. Choose snap traps or electronic devices for immediate kill; place them along walls, behind appliances, and in dark corners where rodents travel. Use bait such as peanut butter, cheese, or commercial rodent attractants. For larger infestations, deploy multiple traps to increase capture rates. If using anticoagulant or bromethalin baits, follow label instructions, keep them out of reach of children and pets, and consider professional placement.
Fourth, consider environmental modifications. Reduce clutter that provides shelter, trim vegetation and tree branches that touch the building, and maintain a clean basement or crawl space. Install rodent-proof screens on vents and vent covers.
Fifth, monitor progress. Check traps daily, record captures, and re‑seal any new openings discovered during inspection. Continue preventive measures for several weeks after the last sighting to ensure the population does not rebound.
If the problem persists despite these steps, engage a licensed pest‑control service. Professionals can conduct a thorough assessment, apply rodenticides safely, and offer ongoing maintenance contracts to protect the apartment from future invasions.