Independent action

There is a wide range of various pest control products available in retail. These products are generally more expensive and less effective than professional ones, but when used correctly, they still work. For advice, we can consult experts or seek help online.

Private homeowners are not legally required to carry out deratization or disinsection, even if an infestation is present on their property. We know that infestations can spread further into the public sewer system and to neighboring houses; therefore, each individual should take the issue seriously, being responsible for their own property and, in doing so, for society as a whole. Unfortunately, there is a common misconception that municipalities or local authorities are responsible for dealing with pests on private property as part of the disinsection of the public sewer system.

Every homeowner can do a lot on their own:

• Gardens: Gardens should be properly maintained – trim hedges, maintain compost bins and the surrounding area, remove overgrowth, identify rodent nests, ensure that vegetable gardens do not have fallen, spoiled, or decaying fruit, eliminate standing water, etc.
   
• Sewer Access Points: Sewer access points must be kept accessible – it is essential to be familiar with your private sewer network, and access points should not be covered with soil or heavy objects. Typically, they can be opened without difficulty using proper tools.
  Furthermore, waste should not be disposed of into the sewer system (e.g., toilets, sinks, kitchen basins, external stormwater access points); instead, they should be maintained, inspected, and cleaned regularly, and, where applicable, oil should be added to oil traps.
   
• Indoor Spaces: Regularly inspect indoor areas – cellars and storage rooms should be clean, attics accessible, and external premises well maintained. It is advisable to take preventive measures against rodents, such as sealing potential entry points (holes, vents with mesh, gaps with silicone, etc.). Floor traps should be cleaned on a regular basis and filled with clean water, with prompt action taken if an infestation is suspected.
   
• Communication: It is very rare that an infestation is isolated; therefore, it is important to speak with neighbors, contact the property manager, submit a report to the relevant authority, seek advice from experts, and order deratization or disinsection. There is often the mistaken belief that infestations occur due to dirtiness, which can make individuals feel ashamed, but prompt action is essential.

Local communities can contribute by raising public awareness, promoting coordinated cooperation, and highlighting the difference between infestations on private property and those in publicly accessible sewer systems. It is advisable to issue notices for specific districts and streets where disinsection is required, ensuring that residents receive them. Additionally, hotspots and observed pest occurrences in your local community (KS) should be reported, and a list of managers for multi-apartment buildings, restaurants, commercial properties, etc., in your community should be compiled to facilitate mutual communication during regular operations.