How to get rid of a rat that has appeared in an apartment?

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How to get rid of a rat that has appeared in an apartment? - briefly
Seal all gaps and openings, place snap or electronic traps with appropriate bait, and eliminate food and water sources. Dispose of any captured rodents promptly and continue monitoring for signs of activity.

How to get rid of a rat that has appeared in an apartment? - in detail
Rats entering a dwelling require immediate, systematic action to protect health and property. Begin by confirming the presence: listen for nocturnal scurrying, look for droppings (dark, pellet‑shaped), gnaw marks, or urine stains. Identify entry points by inspecting walls, floors, windows, vents, and utility openings; any gap larger than ¼ inch can serve as a passage.

Seal all access routes

Apply steel wool or copper mesh to small holes, then cover with caulk or expanding foam.
Install metal flashing around larger openings, such as pipe penetrations.
Ensure doors and windows close tightly; use weather‑stripping if needed.

Eliminate food sources

Store all dry goods in airtight containers.
Clean countertops, floors, and sinks of crumbs and spills nightly.
Keep garbage in sealed bins and remove it regularly.
Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.

Set traps strategically

Place snap traps or electronic kill traps along walls, behind appliances, and near suspected runways.
Use bait such as peanut butter, dried fruit, or small pieces of meat.
Position traps perpendicular to the wall, with the trigger end facing the baseboard.
Check traps daily, dispose of captured rodents with gloves, and reset as necessary.

Consider bait stations

Deploy anticoagulant or non‑anticoagulant rodenticides in tamper‑proof stations, located away from children and pets.
Follow label instructions precisely; monitor for signs of consumption.
Record placement dates to evaluate effectiveness.

Maintain a clean environment

Vacuum and mop regularly to remove scent trails.
Repair any water leaks; rats need moisture for survival.
Declutter storage areas to reduce hiding places.

Monitor and repeat

Re‑inspect for new droppings or gnaw marks weekly for at least a month.
Re‑seal any fresh gaps discovered during follow‑up checks.
Continue trapping until no activity is observed for several consecutive weeks.

If infestation persists despite these measures, contact a licensed pest‑control professional. They can conduct a thorough inspection, apply targeted baits, and advise on long‑term prevention strategies tailored to the building’s structure.