Nests or holes where rats might be living Gnaw marks or scratches on walls, cabinets, or trash cans Greasy streaks on walls and floorboards where rats have rubbed Moist rat droppings Narrow paths rats have worn down
Use an online search, such as “report rodents” with the name of your city and state, to find contact information for the local health department office.
Include as many details as possible. If you have additional documentation, such as photos, that you can’t include in your online report, simply make a note that you have them available if necessary.
For example, if you want to report a rat infestation at a restaurant, there may be a specific branch of the health department that deals with sanitation issues in restaurants. The health department’s website will have information on how to report a problem. Look for a tab or link on the homepage with the word “contact” or “report. "
If the infestation is on private property, you may need to schedule the inspection so you can be there to allow the inspector access to the property. If the infestation is on public property, such as in an alley, you may not be able to find out much about the results of the inspection. However, it’s still a good idea to follow up with the health department and make sure they’re taking action on your report.
For example, if the rats are on your private property, the health department inspectors typically will tell you what you need to do to eradicate the rats. They might also schedule follow-up inspections. If the rats were located on public property, you may not have to do anything personally.
Because of the health and safety risk, don’t attempt to capture or kill any of the rats yourself. Keep your distance. Keep pets and small children away from rat-infested areas as well.
Clean up rat droppings and streaks using a mild solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Keep all food in tightly sealed containers. Empty trash bins promptly and use secure lids on containers with food waste. Seal or cover holes with something metal that rats can’t gnaw through.
When you’ve finished writing your letter, proofread it carefully before you print it. Sign your letter and make a copy for your records. Mail your letter using certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep the card you get back with your copy of the letter as proof that your landlord received it.
Set your deadline a week to 10 days out from the date you send the letter. As with the first letter, mail it using certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof that they received your letter. Make a copy of the signed letter before you mail it. Be specific regarding what you will do if your landlord doesn’t eliminate the infestation. For example, you might threaten to contact the health department, report the landlord to a local housing board or other regulatory agency, or withhold rent until the problem is eradicated.
If you have a local housing board or tenant’s association, you might report the problem to them as well. They can ensure that your landlord does what they need to do to get rid of the rats.
Use sealant for cracks around doors and windows to ensure rats can’t get through.
Especially in the kitchen, scraps of food often get in these hidden areas. These scraps of food can attract rats and mice.
When you are in a park or other public place, take any trash with you and put it in a trash can rather than throwing it on the ground. [16] X Research source If you live in a building with a garbage chute, bag your garbage and tie it securely before you throw it down the chute.
If you have a woodpile outside, keep it further away from the house. Rats often take shelter in woodpiles.
If you have a yard or garden, remove any items that could provide them with shelter, as well as potential food sources, including rotten fruit or nuts from trees. This will make it less likely for rats to stay and breed. [20] X Research source
Clean areas around rat paths and walls where they enter as well. Rats use urine and scent glands to leave messages to other rats. If you don’t clean and disinfect these markings, more rats might return.
