What causes a rodent infestation? How do you get rid of them!?

Question

Last summer we had these neighbors move in next door and they are huge slobs! They tore down a shed and left all the wood and crap laying in their yard and they had a pile of boxes everywhere. Ever since then we have had rats, mice, and roaches in our brand new house. You think that is what caused the infestation? Should I tell their landlord? It is a huge health hazard and I have small children. I want to get rid of them. I tried glue traps, poison, plug holes with steel wool. Nothing seems to work. Anyone have any other ideas? Thanks!

Answer 1

Telling their landlord will not solve your problem. I'd call the health department for your county, town, whatever.

But first, I would call in a professional exterminator. Let the job be done once and for all. You should plan on vacating the premises with your children, so that you're not exposed to the chemicals they will probably have to use.

Many times, roaches are introduced to a completely clean, tidy home on the bottom of shoes. If your kids have spent any time with said neighbors, that may be the source of your roach problem.

Good luck to you, hope things get taken care of soon!

Answer 2

Rodents simply require a bed and some food, so messy yards are often perfect for them. Your problem is covered by local environmental laws. Get in touch with your local authority and request that they look into the matter. Quite often they will help treat your problem free from charge - passing the cost on to the offending tennant or landlord.
Self treating is often a slippery road to nowhere. If you cannot get free assistance get some professional advice and pay. The costs are often as cheap as d.i.y.

Answer 3

We had one from our neighbor upstairs however, i make sure there is nothing on the floors and nothing they could eat from my home, so I haven't seen one in months. You can try to call the landlord but if nothing seems to work just make sure you have nothing in the home to feed the critters. They won't stay if there is nothing to eat. The roaches, well when I lived in the south its just a problem whether you spray every month or not. Those are the worst.

Answer 4

What Causes Mice Infestation

Answer 5

Call the County or City and complain, as it is a health hazard! I "Googled" the words rodents and the name of my county (San Mateo, CA) and came up with this information: (Contact the Vector Control Program of the Environmental Health Division to file a complaint or ask questions regarding rodent control, please call [phone]. You may also use our online complaint form.)

Here is a link to a brochure from our county regarding rodent control.http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/vgn/images/portal/cit_609/292468rats.pdf

Since the problem is not on your property, you can't clean up theirs, but you should be able to check your house. Call a Pest control company to rat proof your home and yard.
The adjoining landlord is responsible as well. Usually a contract has a clause that states: The Premises shall not be used or allowed to be used for any unlawful purpose, or for any purpose reasonably deemed hazardous by Lessor because of fire or any other risk or in any other manner which would disturb the peaceful, quiet enjoyment of any other neighbor of the Premises.
The land lord is responsible to make sure that there are no hazardous conditions on the property. Plague spread by rodents can be serious.
The landlord must provide and maintain the rental property, and must obey the rules of the rental agreement. The landlord (or his/her representative) must be accessible to the tenant and must: keep the premises up to code; maintain the roof, walls and structural components; keep common areas reasonably clean and safe; provide a reasonable program for control of pests; provide necessary facilities to supply heat, electricity, and hot and cold water; provide reasonably adequate locks; maintain appliances furnished with the rental unit; and comply with any duties imposed by local laws.
Tenant Obligations
The tenant must:pay rent; keep the premises clean and sanitary; not damage or permit damage to the unit; dispose of garbage; properly use fixtures and appliances; restore the property to its initial condition, except for normal wear and tear at the end of the term; comply with the rental agreement.
If the tenant fails to perform his/her duties, the landlord may seek to evict the tenant. If a tenant fails to maintain the premises, the landlord may:

Evict the tenant.
Make repairs and bill the tenant.
Sue the tenant for damages or to force compliance with the rental agreement.
Upkeep and Repairs

The landlord must maintain the premises in compliance with specific building codes and local ordinances; common areas must be kept clean and safe; facilities and appliances must be in reasonably good working order. Damage caused by weather, acts of God (such as earthquake, accident), or damage caused by unknown third parties are generally the responsibility of the landlord.

A tenant has certain responsibilities to keep the unit clean and safe, and may not deliberately or negligently destroy, damage or remove any part of the premises and must notify the landlord (in writing) when major repairs are needed.

Once notified of a defective condition and unless circumstances are beyond the landlord's control, the landlord has a certain amount of time to make repairs:

24 hours to restore lost heat or water or remedy a condition that is imminently hazardous to life; 24 hours to provide hot or cold water, heat or electricity; 72 hours to repair major plumbing fixtures and, if supplied by the landlord, the refrigerator, range and oven; not more than 10 days for other repairs. (Washington State)

Answer 6

Call the city health department - they'll help.

Remove all food sources. Nothing to eat - no mice. Keep up with the traps, poison, etc.

Get an outdoor cat from the pound - feed him just enough to keep him around , but let him be a mouser.

Answer 7

I have also asked the same question four times, and haven't got a proper answer

Answer 8

Don't believe that is right