Basement food is one of the main attractions for rats in residential buildings
2023.10.04
In autumn, building managers are more frequently asked by residents to tackle the very unpleasant challenge of eliminating rat infestations. As the weather cools down, rodents and other pests begin to seek warm and safe corners, and often take refuge in residential buildings, especially apartment blocks. Rodents are not only uncomfortable for people, but also dangerous to health by spreading a wide range of diseases.
Spreading dangerous diseases
Rats and mice are unwelcome guests in people’s homes during the cold season and are carriers and spreaders of infectious diseases. They are dangerous because of diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonellosis, as well as tick-borne encephalitis and lyme disease, which can be contracted by humans through contact with rodent urine, faeces and saliva, or if a rodent bites or scratches. These food-seeking animals can also contaminate human food supplies. These diseases can cause serious health problems ranging from fever and respiratory problems to more serious, even life-threatening ones.
Mice and rats that enter homes also often chew on wires, insulation and wooden structures, which can damage the building’s electricity supply or even cause fires.
Entry through leaky openings
According to Rūta Aglinskaitė, Civinity Namai’s works manager, rodents most often enter buildings through garbage chutes, basements, main pipe runs and often crawl into ground-floor flats.
“Quality building airtightness is very important. We urge residents to take special care of the common areas of the building: seal vents and keep basement windows and doors open, do not use garbage chutes, do not store food waste in the basement, avoid storing food there, and if there is no other option, close it up tightly,” warns R. Aglinskaitė. – A possible rat infestation in the building is indicated by broken pipe guards, the presence of faecal matter and extraneous noises in the apartments.
If noticed, contact professionals immediately
If the occupants of a building do notice rodents in the building, special pest control and repellent measures can help. However, in some cases, these measures are not enough and professional disinfection services should be contacted. According to Aglinskaitė, the building administrator is responsible for rat control in common areas and should be contacted first.
“If you notice rodents in your building, we recommend that you do not delay and report it to the building administrator right away – the sooner we know about the problem, the faster and more effectively we can help. The building manager in turn will order a rodent extermination service, as well as help with leaks in the building and organise the cleaning and clearing of the basement,” she says. R. Aglinskaitė.