Just like any other residential or commercial property, apartments and apartment buildings can fall victim to rat infestations. Quite possibly the worst roommates ever, rats only care about two things: food and shelter. The critters are agile and cunning and will seek out protection anywhere that is close to accessible food sources. If your apartment isn’t secured, then you may be at risk.
To limit your exposure to rat-related contamination and damage, you should understand what attracts rats in the first place and do what you can to prevent these pests from entering your apartment.
What Attracts Rats to Your Apartment
Rats aren’t too picky. They want to live in a place where they are warm, sheltered, and supplied with food and water. If they are able to access your property, they are more than likely to stay if the space meets their requirements. The only way to prevent rats from moving in is to understand and remove what attracts them.
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Warmth and comfort
Rats are warm-bodied animals and do not like to be left out in the cold. They will scurry and search for a place inside, especially when the temperature gets low outside. If you’re in a rental, then call your property manager to make them aware of any rat activity in your apartment and ask if there is any history of infestations in the building that may have left open access points for other rodents to enter.
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Open food
Rats have a unique sense of smell. Open food in the pantry is likely to attract these pesky animals to your apartment. Cut off their food supply by sealing each food item in a plastic container.
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Leftover waste
Whether it’s your leftover dinner from last night or your pet’s food bowl, rats can smell it and they want what you’re serving. Sweep up, vacuum frequently, and don’t let the aroma from meals linger. Also, seal all of your trash bins to keep rats from getting a closer look.
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Dripping faucets
Water is essential to all living things. When rats get thirsty, they’ll be looking for an easy source of water. Dripping pipes are the perfect watering hole to lure rats to your apartment. Contact your property maintenance worker to ensure your pipes are not leaking.
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Clutter
Rats like to hide in heaps and piles. If you have large loads of smelly laundry on the floor or very little space to keep things organized, then rats will probably become your new roommate. Set up a cleaning schedule to make sure everything is put away properly and try to reorganize your things to make it less cluttered.
If you suspect you have a rat infestation in your Orlando area apartment, then call your local rat removal experts as soon as possible. Rats can contaminate your apartment, cause a lot of damage, and spread diseases to you and your pets.
Rely on the Rat Removal Experts at Critter Control® of Orlando
If your property in the Orlando area has been invaded by nuisance rats, rely on the professional rat removal experts at Critter Control® of Orlando. Whether you have an existing pest problem or want to prevent one from ever starting, you can count on us for safe and effective services.
To schedule an inspection for your Central Florida home, business, or apartment and receive a free estimate for our humane and efficient rat removal services, call us today at 407-295-7194.
