When you hear the word “rat,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Dirty alleyways, disease-ridden sewers, and buckets of poison? While it’s true that rats can be found in some less-than-ideal places, they can also make their way into your home.
If you’re a homeowner with a rat infestation, fret no more! There are humane ways to get rid of rats without resorting to harmful chemicals. Keep reading for tips on how to handle a rat infestation in your apartment.
What to do if you see a rat in your apartment
You’re minding your own business, watching TV in your apartment when suddenly you see a rat dart across the room. Or maybe you don’t actually see the rat, but you see evidence of one-droppings in your cupboards or gnawed holes in your food packaging. Whatever the case, finding out you have a rat infestation in your apartment is definitely not a pleasant experience.
If you see a rat in your apartment, it’s important to take action immediately. Rats are not only unsightly, but they can also pose a serious health risk to humans and pets.
How to humanely trap rats and get them out of your building
If you’re dealing with a rat infestation in your apartment, there’s no need to panic. While rats can carry diseases and cause damage to your property, there are several humane methods of getting them out of your building.
One of the most effective ways to trap rats is to use a live trap. These traps allow you to capture the rats without harming them, and then release them into an outdoor area away from your home. You can also bait the trap with food, such as peanut butter or cheese, to attract the rats.
Another option for trapping rats is to use glue boards. These boards are covered in a sticky substance that trapped rats will be unable to escape from. However, this method is considered inhumane by some as it can take days for the rat to die of dehydration or starvation.
If you’re looking for a more long-term solution, you can also try rat proofing your apartment. This involves sealing up any cracks or holes that the rats could use to enter your home. You can also remove any food sources that might be attracting them, such as garbage or pet food.
Rat infestations can be frustrating, but there are several humane methods of getting rid of them. By using live traps, glue boards, or rat proofing your apartment, you can get rid of these unwanted guests and get back to enjoying your home.
The best ways to seal up your apartment to prevent future rat infestations
No one likes to think about sharing their home with rodents, but it’s a reality for many people living in urban areas. If you’ve recently had a rat infestation in your apartment, you’ll want to take steps to prevent them from coming back. How do you keep rats out of your apartment?
Identify and seal up any potential entry points. Look for cracks in the foundation, gaps around doors and windows, and holes in screens. It’s important to figure out how the rats are getting into your unit. Inspect the exterior of your building for any gaps or holes that could be acting as entry points. Once you’ve located the access points, seal them up with steel wool or expandable foam so the rats can’t get back in.
How to keep your apartment clean and free of food sources that rats might be attracted to
Rats are scavengers by nature, which means they’re attracted to any and all food sources. If you live in an apartment, you’re especially susceptible to a rat infestation because of the close proximity to other units. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to keep your apartment clean and free of food sources that rats might be attracted to.
The first step is to practice good hygiene. This means regularly cleaning up any spills or crumbs, and taking the trash out on a regular basis. You should also avoid leaving food out in the open, and store all dry goods in airtight containers. If you have pets, make sure their food is always put away as well.
Another key step is to seal off any points of entry that rats might use to get into your unit. Canberra flooring experts recommend looking for cracks or holes in the walls and floors, and repairing them with caulk or expanding foam. You should also install door sweeps on all exterior doors, and make sure your windows are properly screened. By taking these simple precautions, you can help deter rats from making your apartment their new home.
Remove any items that may provide rats with shelter
One of the most effective ways to control a rat infestation is to remove any items that may provide them with shelter. This means anything that’s lying around outside, like newspapers, boxes, or bags of trash.
If you have any outdoor furniture, make sure it’s not close to the building. Rats can squeeze into small spaces, so it’s important to keep your apartment as free of clutter as possible. Once you’ve taken away their shelter, rats will be less likely to stick around. By taking these preventive measures, you can make your home less inviting to rats and avoid future problems.
What to do if you have a rat problem and can’t take care of it yourself
If you’re having trouble getting rid of rats on your own, there are a few things you can do to get help. You can contact your local animal control or wildlife removal service to have them come and take care of the problem for you. You can also call a building and pest inspections specialist to help you get rid of the rats. Either way, make sure you take care of the problem as soon as possible so it doesn’t become a bigger issue.
Closing Thoughts
By taking these precautions, you’ll make it much harder for rats to get into your apartment. And if you do happen to find one lurking around, there are humane methods of rodent control that will get rid of them without harming them. So there’s no need to panic if you spot a rat in your home – just take some proactive measures to prevent an infestation from happening in the first place.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
