How to remove rats from an apartment? - briefly
Identify and block all possible entryways by sealing cracks, gaps around pipes, and openings around doors and windows. Deploy «snap traps» or electronic devices together with rodent‑specific bait stations, monitor activity, and maintain cleanliness to prevent re‑infestation.
How to remove rats from an apartment? - in detail
Rats infestation in a residential unit requires a systematic approach that combines prevention, detection, and eradication.
Initial assessment involves inspecting all potential entry points such as gaps around pipes, vents, window frames, and doors. Seal openings with steel wool, cement, or metal mesh; these materials resist gnawing.
Identify signs of activity—droppings, gnaw marks, greasy streaks, and audible noises—especially near food storage, garbage areas, and concealed spaces like crawl spaces or behind appliances.
Implement sanitation measures: store food in sealed containers, eliminate standing water, and remove clutter that offers shelter. Regularly clean countertops, floors, and waste receptacles.
Deploy trapping and baiting strategies:
- Snap traps positioned perpendicular to walls, with trigger side facing the wall, increase success rates.
- Live‑catch traps allow relocation, but require immediate release far from the building.
- Poison baits must be placed in tamper‑resistant stations, out of reach of children and non‑target animals; follow local regulations and label instructions.
Maintain traps and baits for at least three days, checking and resetting them daily. Dispose of captured rodents using sealed bags and disinfect the area with a solution containing bleach or a commercial disinfectant.
If infestation persists after thorough implementation, contact a licensed pest‑control professional. They can conduct a detailed inspection, apply rodenticides under controlled conditions, and provide a monitoring plan.
Prevent recurrence by conducting periodic inspections, reinforcing seals, and maintaining high sanitation standards. Continuous vigilance reduces the likelihood of future rodent problems.