What to Do When Your Neighbor Has a Rat Problem

The presence of rats not only makes a dwelling less enjoyable but also poses the risk of various rodent-borne diseases and costly damages.

It’s frustrating to have to deal with a rat infestation, especially when it occurs due to a neighbor’s callous attitude.

If your neighbor has a bunch of rats on their property, you will most likely hear them scurrying along or gnawing behind the walls or beneath the floor. In apartment buildings, you may notice rats in common areas and hallways.

In suburban neighborhoods, you may also spot a rat or two in your (or their) garden/yard.

In case the rat infestation on your neighbor’s property is severe, you may even be able to notice a distinct smell from a distance.

Can You Have a Rat Problem If Your Neighbor Has It Already?

Rats can travel long distances in search of food, water, and shelter.

While roaming around your neighbor’s property, even the slightest whiff of food from your dwelling can encourage rats to search for ways to get in. They may even build a nest in your garden.

At times, rats do not even need direct motivation to invade your property. They may just be out on an exploratory mission to find new travel/escape routes, food & water sources, etc.

Therefore, there is a high chance that you will have a rat problem in the near future when there are rats on your neighbor’s property, especially if:

• You have ignored rat-proofing
• You do not maintain hygiene on your property
• Your neighbor is not keen to address the problem right away

Put simply, you can’t just sit back and hope for the best.

But, what should you do when your neighbor has a rat problem? Let’s find out.

Directly Approach Your Neighbor to Discuss the Rat Problem

There is no harm in directly speaking with your neighbor. Just try to be polite and avoid sounding accusatory. You need their support and the best way you can get it is to be as friendly as possible.

Let them know that you have spotted rats or noticed definite signs of a rat infestation. See if they are willing to have a discussion about the cause or what they are doing to fix the problem.

Emphasize that a rat problem in one building affects all others in the area. It is your shared goal to eliminate rats from all properties nearby.

You can also agree on scheduling an inspection of all properties that are right next to each other, by a rat control specialist in Los Angeles, so as to approach the problem holistically.

Contact the Building Management If You Live In a Large Apartment Building

In case you reside in a large apartment building, the chances are that the building management provides rat extermination service for free.

The news of rat infestation travels quickly and it can have a negative impact on apartment sales and rentals.

So, you can check with the building management if they can directly speak with your neighbor about the rat problem and take all steps necessary to eliminate rats from their apartment as well as the hidden and common areas of the building.

Contact the Local Association If You Reside in a Suburban Neighborhood

In an urban neighborhood, you will most likely have a homeowners’ association that you can speak with. Such associations often provide/fund resources needed to control rodent infestations.

Even if they can’t provide monetary assistance, they can still recommend the best rat control service in the area or persuade your neighbor to take necessary remedial measures and do so immediately.

Alert Local Public Health Authorities

It is possible that your neighbor continues to ignore your requests to deal with rats or makes no effort to prevent repeat infestations in the future. It can happen especially if the rat-infested apartment or building is empty.

On such occasions, you can alert local public health authorities or the pest control department. Be sure to collect evidence of a rat infestation such as a video, to ensure the authorities have reasonable cause to take necessary action.

Final Words

Do not let yourself believe that a rat problem will be over on its own. Also, keep in mind that DIY rat control methods do not work! While your neighbor tries to control the infestation, be sure that your dwelling is rodent-proof. You do not want the nasty rats looking for alternative sources of food, water, and shelter to invade your home.

If you notice signs of rodent infestation in your house or want to undertake rodent-proofing as a precautionary measure, call us at (818) 583-7287 and speak with a rodent control specialist right away.