Who should you call if rats have appeared in the basement? - briefly
Contact a certified pest‑control service to assess and eliminate the infestation, and inform your property manager or landlord so they can arrange remediation and any necessary repairs.
Who should you call if rats have appeared in the basement? - in detail
When rodents are discovered in a basement, the first step is to contact a professional pest‑remediation service. Choose a company licensed for rodent control, request an inspection, and ask for a written treatment plan that includes bait placement, sealing of entry points, and follow‑up visits.
If you rent the property, inform the landlord or property manager immediately. Most lease agreements obligate the owner to arrange extermination and repair structural gaps that allow pests to enter. Provide photos of the infestation and any signs of damage.
For households that belong to a homeowners’ association, notify the association’s maintenance team. They often have contracts with pest‑control vendors and can coordinate the response without additional cost to the resident.
When the infestation poses a health risk—such as contamination of stored food, visible droppings, or potential disease transmission—call the local health department. Their inspectors can assess sanitary conditions, issue advisories, and, if necessary, enforce remediation standards.
If the rats are trapped in a confined space and pose an immediate danger to occupants (e.g., aggressive behavior or risk of bites), dial emergency services. While police or fire departments do not handle pest removal, they can provide assistance if the situation endangers personal safety.
In regions where wildlife regulations apply, contact a licensed wildlife‑control operator for humane removal and relocation. They are trained to handle rodents in compliance with state and federal wildlife laws.
Key information to provide to any contacted service:
- Exact location of the activity (room, access points, utility lines).
- Signs observed (droppings, gnaw marks, noises, sightings).
- Date and time of first detection.
- Any previous pest‑control measures taken.
- Contact details for the property owner or manager, if applicable.
After treatment, schedule a follow‑up inspection to verify that the infestation has been eradicated and that all entry routes are sealed. Maintain regular sanitation practices—store food in sealed containers, dispose of garbage promptly, and keep the basement dry—to prevent recurrence.