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Who Should Handle Rat Infestations In A Yakima County Rental Property?

Serving Families Throughout Ellensburg
big rat in the grass
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People from all over come to Yakima County to hike Mount Adams or get the views on Naches Peak Loop Trailhead. The county is so beautiful it can lead to renters moving in for extended stays. But due to all the wildlife, it also means pests can try to move into these rental properties. Rats are an unfortunate occurrence, and the Yakima County pest control experts at Prosite want you to know what’s important, both legally and preventively.

How To Be Sure It’s Rats Inside Your Rental

Rats can become a problem for any resident. They are constantly seeking food, shelter, and water, which are three things all homes need to provide for the tenant. These rodents carry disease, so if you see signs, it’s important to act fast in ousting them. Signs of rats are:

  • Droppings that are 3/4 of an inch
  • Gnawing on wood, cardboard, or food packaging
  • Sulfurous odor of frequent urination
  • Tracks and tail trails
  • Gathered materials for nests
  • Sounds of scratching or bumps from rats inside walls

The difference between mice and rats is in size, tail, and nose. If you manage to spot a rat, you’ll notice it is larger than a mouse. Rats can grow up to 18 inches with the length of the tail included. The tail will usually be hairless and the nose will be rounded and blunt.

Can Tenants Sue A Landlord For A Rat Infestation?

The law in Washington stipulates that landlords are responsible for providing any tenant with a suitable, sanitary, and pest-free abode. If an infestation is existing prior to the time of the tenant’s occupation, the landlord will be the one to hire pest control. If you’re a property owner, we recommend calling us at Prosite before any lawsuit can take place. Our prompt and infallible service will make any tenant happy.

Other considerations about legal problems with an infestation is the start time of infestation. If a landowner can validly prove an infestation moved in after the tenant and as a result of their residency, they may be able to avoid culpability. However, courts tend to side with tenants in the majority of cases. It is best to handle renter concerns swiftly and efficiently.

Six Tips For Dealing With A Rat Infestation

Rat control is a proactive endeavor. The best way to get rid of rats outside or inside is to deprive them of what they look for. However, a heavy infestation will require professional assistance to be sure it’s handled with proper sanitation standards and with immaculate results. Six tips to get rid of rats are:

  1. Seal the cracks and openings in your home exterior. A rat can get into any opening larger than 1/2 an inch, and a mouse can access 1/4-inch holes.
  2. Prune and remove any gerrenry that is touching the house exterior. These are ample pathways and bridges for rodents to find entry.
  3. Get rid of debris, clutter, and unused equipment from the yard. 
  4. Store your firewood on a raised platform and far from the house.
  5. Clean up any unintended food sources. This can include compost, fallen fruit from trees, or berry bushes. Keep plants trim and clutter low to prevent rats in garden areas.
  6. Keep all food in protective, sealable containers. 

Once rats find food, water, and shelter, they make their nest. Prevent the opportunity and keep a clean environment with no hiding spaces and no useable materials.

How To Get Rid Of Rats In Your House Or Apartment

Once rats are in, they pose a serious health and comfort problem. Pest control professionals like us know how to tackle any infestation on any property. At Prosite, we offer routine maintenance for homeowners seeking consistent peace of mind. If you don’t want to worry about renters threatening legal action, take a proactive step and schedule our regular services at affordable prices.