Escaping Rats & Roaches in Tokyo

[MadGaijin]

I moved out of an apartment that was seemingly infested with roaches, and escaped to a gaijin house in the need of refuge, after a year at that gaijin house, rats have entered the walls and are making all kinds of noises. It's difficult to sleep. I'm ready to move again.

How can we find a decent accommodation in Tokyo free of rats or roaches?

Do I have to bite the bullet and actually rent an accommodation more than 100,000 in order to find such a residence.

Anyone know?

I know it's difficult to find, but rats carry hundreds of diseases, and roaches aren't too healthy either.

[Deathblob]

I moved out of an apartment that was seemingly infested with roaches, and escaped to a gaijin house in the need of refuge, after a year at that gaijin house, rats have entered the walls and are making all kinds of noises. It's difficult to sleep. I'm ready to move again.

How can we find a decent accommodation in Tokyo free of rats or roaches?

Do I have to bite the bullet and actually rent an accommodation more than 100,000 in order to find such a residence.

Anyone know?

I know it's difficult to find, but rats carry hundreds of diseases, and roaches aren't too healthy either.

There was some guy here with a few spare cats I think, maybe check if he got rid of them yet?

... or, with Hanami season with coming up, you might want to invest in a yakinezumi stand.

[HarryHurry]

Rats are very much misunderstood creatures and I think you should make more effort to reach out to them.

Don't disparage your rats, hug them...,

[HarryHurry]

Love 'em....

[HarryHurry]

Not too keen on this rat, though....

[InitialD]

What is the big deal, you can have breakfast in bed.

Rats and roaches are edable, and the way the worldwide crisis is going more people will be eating them soon.

[TJrandom]

For clarity – the cost of accommodation is in no way related to the presence, or not – of rats. Rats are everywhere, like it or not – unless someone makes the effort to get rid of them. I saw a rat today – in daylight, I saw a rat a few weeks ago – again in daylight. I killed two rats a couple of months ago that had made up their mind to take up residence in my home. Today I hear no rats running about my home – ‘cause they are now dead. But the moment I do hear one, I will act – and get the rascal.

Go to a hardware store, DIY store, etc. – and buy two tools of the trade. The first is a folded in half cardboard – with a sticky surface which is exposed when opened – and find a nice place where rats might come across it. I suggest an attic – and an opening is likely to be inside and above a closet. On that sticky surface – add a couple of nuts, maybe some cheese, or peanut butter – and wait. They come in a packet of 5, a box of 10, etc. 5 are enough, and they are made for this. The second tool is rice that is coated in an anti-coagulation poison. Place a dish of it here and there – again – where rats are likely to be milling about. It will come in a little box, packet inside, with the image of a rat on the outside. Both work. Both will be found wherever there are pest control products sold. Keep them away from cats, dogs, birds, and small children.

[Since1990]

I would suggest the newer the apartment the better. Don't rent a place that has a supermarket on the first floor, etc.

[TJrandom]

Ah – roaches too…

There is a gas bomb for roaches – just add a bit of water and out comes a lethal fog of poison. Stay out for a couple of hours, wash dishes again. Then repeat this about 10 days later – so that you get the new hatchlings from the eggs that were laid by the now deceased generation. No more roaches – except those that you bring in, or that come in from adjacent accommodations. Do this twice a year if the surroundings are badly infested – but otherwise, once a year should do it.

[YokohamaTommy]

Such cultured people here on GP.

[InitialD]

For clarity – the cost of accommodation is in no way related to the presence, or not – of rats. Rats are everywhere, like it or not – unless someone makes the effort to get rid of them. I saw a rat today – in daylight, I saw a rat a few weeks ago – again in daylight. I killed two rats a couple of months ago that had made up their mind to take up residence in my home. Today I hear no rats running about my home – ‘cause they are now dead. But the moment I do hear one, I will act – and get the rascal.

Go to a hardware store, DIY store, etc. – and buy two tools of the trade. The first is a folded in half cardboard – with a sticky surface which is exposed when opened – and find a nice place where rats might come across it. I suggest an attic – and an opening is likely to be inside and above a closet. On that sticky surface – add a couple of nuts, maybe some cheese, or peanut butter – and wait. They come in a packet of 5, a box of 10, etc. 5 are enough, and they are made for this. The second tool is rice that is coated in an anti-coagulation poison. Place a dish of it here and there – again – where rats are likely to be milling about. It will come in a little box, packet inside, with the image of a rat on the outside. Both work. Both will be found wherever there are pest control products sold. Keep them away from cats, dogs, birds, and small children.

Yes rats are everywhere as well as raoches. I once stowed away on a ship and we ran out of food but found you can always catch rats and roaches where ever you are, no need to starve.

Rats are very much misunderstood creatures and I think you should make more effort to reach out to them.

Don't disparage your rats, hug them...,

Don't disparage your rats, eat them. Thats what they do in many countries.

[MadGaijin]

For clarity – the cost of accommodation is in no way related to the presence, or not – of rats. Rats are everywhere, like it or not – unless someone makes the effort to get rid of them. I saw a rat today – in daylight, I saw a rat a few weeks ago – again in daylight. I killed two rats a couple of months ago that had made up their mind to take up residence in my home. Today I hear no rats running about my home – ‘cause they are now dead. But the moment I do hear one, I will act – and get the rascal.

Go to a hardware store, DIY store, etc. – and buy two tools of the trade. The first is a folded in half cardboard – with a sticky surface which is exposed when opened – and find a nice place where rats might come across it. I suggest an attic – and an opening is likely to be inside and above a closet. On that sticky surface – add a couple of nuts, maybe some cheese, or peanut butter – and wait. They come in a packet of 5, a box of 10, etc. 5 are enough, and they are made for this. The second tool is rice that is coated in an anti-coagulation poison. Place a dish of it here and there – again – where rats are likely to be milling about. It will come in a little box, packet inside, with the image of a rat on the outside. Both work. Both will be found wherever there are pest control products sold. Keep them away from cats, dogs, birds, and small children.

The problem is that I live in a guest house at the moment, and the rats are in my walls and ceiling and won't come out, because the walls are designed to be strong to keep rats out, so I just hear them at night and can't sleep. There is not a way to catch them on sticky cardboard if they don't come out. So it may be best that I move.

[HarryHurry]

The problem is that I live in a guest house at the moment, and the rats are in my walls and ceiling and won't come out, because the walls are designed to be strong to keep rats out, so I just hear them at night and can't sleep. There is not a way to catch them on sticky cardboard if they don't come out. So it may be best that I move.

You must be one scary dude if the rats won't even come out and face you at night.

Stop scaring those cute rats, you baastard...!

[HarryHurry]

ALF Rat Liberation Movement....

[Genkii]

I had one like this. Really cute. If he didn't gnaw on my internetcable he would still be alive..

[TJrandom]

... So it may be best that I move.

The rats have won the day.... just leave some nibbles behind for them when you move.

[Koenji]

Move into a newly built concrete building, in the highest unit possible. keep your windows closed at night during the warm season.

[HarryHurry]

I had one like this. Really cute. If he didn't gnaw on my internetcable he would still be alive..

Did he catch a virus...?

[twelvedown]

We're too poor in my apartment building to afford the luxury of rats and roaches. (What would they eat?)
I remember back in the day living in a share house so filthy that mice were ever present.
We got used to them and when girls were over we would say "Think of them as little horses"

Once my housemate accidently cooked one in the pop-up toaster. It was very sad but my housemate's reaction, after eating the toast and THEN finding it had been resting on an incinerated mouse was wonderful.

[blacksunshine]

Where in the heck do you guys all live with all these problems. I've lived in three different apartment buildings in Tokyo and never had any of these problems (one of which was on the first floor of the building)

[MadGaijin]

Where in the heck do you guys all live with all these problems. I've lived in three different apartment buildings in Tokyo and never had any of these problems (one of which was on the first floor of the building)

If you move into any guest house or apartment under 80,000 yen, your likely to experience them. I've come to realize that it also depends what part of Tokyo you live in. Some areas like around the emperors palace has a low rat population. But try living in a guest house around Jujo, Shin Nakano, Asakusa or in Roppongi, and you'll have rats in your walls.

I'm looking for a place I can afford without rats and roaches. I called a few guest house companies and advised them I would like to move into a house that has guaranteed no rats or roaches, and all of them laughed at me and said they could not guarantee it because all their guest houses have either or.

Maybe you already have rats or roaches and don't see them, because they are good at hiding in walls. Anyway, I need a solution to my problem, and you obviously are oblivious to the greater rat/roach problem in Tokyo, so don't think you would have any good advice to give on the matter.

[MadGaijin]

We're too poor in my apartment building to afford the luxury of rats and roaches. (What would they eat?)
I remember back in the day living in a share house so filthy that mice were ever present.
We got used to them and when girls were over we would say "Think of them as little horses"

Once my housemate accidently cooked one in the pop-up toaster. It was very sad but my housemate's reaction, after eating the toast and THEN finding it had been resting on an incinerated mouse was wonderful.

Funny story, but seriously, look buddey! I'm looking for a solution here.

[HarryHurry]

. I called a few guest house companies and advised them I would like to move into a house that has guaranteed no rats or roaches, and all of them laughed at me and said they could not guarantee it because all their guest houses have either or.

.

The story of the gaijin who requested a 3LDK, tatami rooms, south-facing windows, and no rats or cockroaches will be told at the annual conference of Guest Houses Inc Japan for years to come....

[TJrandom]

Funny story, but seriously, look buddey! I'm looking for a solution here.

Posts 7 and 9 above - gave the solution. If you do not have access to the necessary spaces - then try to get the landlord to do it. Those rats and roaches will be there until somebody takes action, and will return if that action is not repeated periodically. This is true for all buildings, in the country or city, old or new.

The building I work in - a new high rise, has both - but they also have a maintenance team that takes periodic action. Thus, these pests are kept under control.

[blacksunshine]

If you move into any guest house or apartment under 80,000 yen, your likely to experience them. I've come to realize that it also depends what part of Tokyo you live in. Some areas like around the emperors palace has a low rat population. But try living in a guest house around Jujo, Shin Nakano, Asakusa or in Roppongi, and you'll have rats in your walls.

I'm looking for a place I can afford without rats and roaches. I called a few guest house companies and advised them I would like to move into a house that has guaranteed no rats or roaches, and all of them laughed at me and said they could not guarantee it because all their guest houses have either or.

Maybe you already have rats or roaches and don't see them, because they are good at hiding in walls. Anyway, I need a solution to my problem, and you obviously are oblivious to the greater rat/roach problem in Tokyo, so don't think you would have any good advice to give on the matter.

The newer your building, the less chance of problems. The last place I lived on my own was 79,000 yen a month and on the 8th floor of a concrete building -- no rats or roaches problems. As someone else mentioned, newer buildings, what floor your on, and if they employee a 管理人 to help keep things up all make a difference.

That said - I've never lived in a guest house and I've always rented apartments myself through a real estate agent. I've lived in Suginami, Minato, Kita and Setagaya-kus without a problem

[InitialD]

Move into a newly built concrete building, in the highest unit possible. keep your windows closed at night during the warm season.

Not a good idea, those will be the worst places when the next big quake hits in the next few yrs.

[MadGaijin]

Not a good idea, those will be the worst places when the next big quake hits in the next few yrs.

Why do you say that?

[uhura_in_2010]

I lived in a guest house in Nishi Kasai run by a company called Raise House. I lived there for 6 months and never saw ONE RAT OR COCKROACH. I don't know how they hell they did that, because even though the rooms were clean (individual and dormitory style rooms), the kitchen was pretty smelly and not so clean-- but never a pest.

I remember once that someone actually left plates of food on the floor in the lounge for 2 days. Not even 1 ant.

I moved to that place because I was in your situation before: I'd moved into a share house and on the first night I moved in, I went to the kitchen at 2 am, turned on the light, and two giant roaches were chillin' on the table like they were my roommates before another giant one came down the wall to join them. They chose the table, I suppose, because the floor was covered in ants. I got out of there in 1 week with my rent returned and on the last night, 2 of those suckers invaded my room because they knew what was up. I slept in an internet cafe that night.

I don't know about their other locations, and Raise House is kind of an iffy company, but that Nishi Kasai guest house was awesome.

[uhura_in_2010]

I lived in a guest house in Nishi Kasai run by a company called Raise House. I lived there for 6 months and never saw ONE RAT OR COCKROACH. I don't know how they hell they did that, because even though the rooms were clean (individual and dormitory style rooms), the kitchen was pretty smelly and not so clean-- but never a pest.

I remember once that someone actually left plates of food on the floor in the lounge for 2 days. Not even 1 ant.

I moved to that place because I was in your situation before: I'd moved into a share house and on the first night I moved in, I went to the kitchen at 2 am, turned on the light, and two giant roaches were chillin' on the table like they were my roommates before another giant one came down the wall to join them. They chose the table, I suppose, because the floor was covered in ants. I got out of there in 1 week with my rent returned and on the last night, 2 of those suckers invaded my room because they knew what was up. I slept in an internet cafe that night.

I don't know about their other locations, and Raise House is kind of an iffy company, but that Nishi Kasai guest house was awesome.

The rent at the Nishi Kasai place was around 50,000 - 60,000 a month for a single room. I was sure I'd have some pest problem at that price, but there was none.

And if you happen to find a place free of giant rats and giant roaches, let me know. I'm looking to move too and that is my only requirement.

[sideways_gun]

I'd moved into a share house and on the first night I moved in, I went to the kitchen at 2 am, turned on the light, and two giant roaches were chillin' on the table like they were my roommates before another giant one came down the wall to join them. They chose the table, I suppose, because the floor was covered in ants. I got out of there in 1 week with my rent returned and on the last night, 2 of those suckers invaded my room because they knew what was up. I slept in an internet cafe that night.

WOW I love the way you write. So candid and comical
I have utilised the bug bomb..... roaches urgh. Rats I could probably befriend but roaches are the scourge of mankind.

[wernst]

yeh im not sure but Im not scared of rats, unless they come like a plague. Roaches however disgust me, what the purpose is of these little ____s I dont know.

I keep a spraycan with roachpoison ready for any invaders. We usually only have like 1 or 2 a year, but that is still 1 or 2 too many.

spray them and watch them suffer. MUHAHAHA.


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