What should I do if rats and mice appear? - briefly
Seal all openings, remove food and water sources, and deploy traps or contact a licensed pest‑control service. Maintain cleanliness and conduct periodic inspections to prevent future infestations.
What should I do if rats and mice appear? - in detail
Rats and mice presence indicates a breach in sanitation or structural integrity. Immediate actions focus on assessment, exclusion, removal, and monitoring.
First, confirm activity by looking for droppings, gnaw marks, shredded material, or audible sounds. Record locations and frequency to identify hot spots.
Second, eliminate food sources. Store all consumables in sealed containers, clean spills promptly, and dispose of waste in tightly closed bins. Remove pet food after each feeding and keep compost piles away from the building.
Third, block entry points. Inspect the exterior for gaps larger than ¼ inch around doors, windows, utility penetrations, and foundation cracks. Seal openings with steel wool, metal flashing, or cement‑based caulk. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens.
Fourth, deploy control devices. For immediate reduction, place snap traps or electronic traps along walls, behind appliances, and in identified pathways. Use bait such as peanut butter or dried fruit, positioned at the back of the trap to ensure contact. Avoid glue boards in occupied areas due to secondary hazards. If bait stations are preferred, select anticoagulant rodenticides approved for indoor use, follow label instructions, and position them out of reach of children and non‑target animals.
Fifth, consider professional intervention when infestation exceeds several dozen individuals, when structural damage is evident, or when disease risk is high. Licensed pest‑control operators can apply integrated pest‑management strategies, including bait delivery systems, rodent‑proofing, and ongoing surveillance.
Finally, establish a monitoring routine. Replace traps regularly, inspect sealed openings quarterly, and maintain strict housekeeping standards. Document any recurrence to adjust exclusion measures promptly.