What should you do if rats appear in the cellar? - briefly
Seal entry points, install traps or bait stations, and engage a licensed pest‑control service to eradicate the infestation. Keep the area clean and eliminate food sources to prevent future occurrences.
What should you do if rats appear in the cellar? - in detail
When rodents are discovered in a basement, immediate action is essential to protect structural integrity, health, and food supplies.
First, confirm the infestation. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, gnawed food containers, and scent trails. Use a flashlight to inspect dark corners, insulation, and pipe runs.
Next, eliminate food sources. Store all provisions in metal or glass containers with tight‑fitting lids. Remove pet food, birdseed, and cracked grain. Sweep the floor, vacuum crevices, and dispose of waste in sealed bags.
Seal entry points before setting traps. Apply steel wool or copper mesh to gaps around utility lines, vents, and foundation cracks. Use expanding polyurethane foam for larger openings, but ensure the material is rodent‑resistant.
Deploy control devices:
- Snap traps – place along walls, behind objects, and near active runs; use appropriate bait such as peanut butter or dried fruit.
- Electronic traps – provide instant kill and easy disposal; position similarly to snap traps.
- Live‑catch traps – if capture and relocation are preferred; release at least 100 km from the property to prevent return.
If bait is required, choose anticoagulant or bromadiolone pellets, but follow label instructions and keep them away from children and pets. Rotate bait types to avoid resistance.
Monitor trap activity daily. Remove dead rodents promptly, disinfect the area with a 10 % bleach solution, and re‑bait as needed. Continue this cycle for at least two weeks after the last capture to ensure the population is eradicated.
Consider professional pest control when:
- The infestation is extensive or hidden behind walls.
- Structural damage is evident.
- There is a risk of disease transmission.
A licensed exterminator can perform rodent‑proofing, apply rodenticides safely, and provide a written guarantee of service.
Finally, maintain long‑term prevention:
- Keep the cellar dry; fix leaks and improve ventilation.
- Trim vegetation and remove debris near the foundation.
- Inspect the perimeter quarterly for new openings.
By following these steps methodically, a basement can be cleared of rats and kept free of future intrusions.