Rats Have Taken Over New York City: 5 Simple Steps Every Homeowner Can Take to Fight Back
New York City has always been a bustling metropolis, but in recent years, it’s earned a less flattering reputation: the rat capital of the world. From subway tunnels to backyards, rats have infiltrated every corner of the Big Apple, with their population booming thanks to abundant food sources, mild winters, and urban sprawl. For homeowners, this isn’t just a citywide problem—it’s a personal one. Rats aren’t content to stay in the streets; they’re sneaking into properties, gnawing through walls, contaminating food, and spreading disease.
As professional exterminators, we’ve seen firsthand how relentless these rodents can be. But the good news? You don’t have to surrender your home to the rat invasion. By taking proactive steps, you can protect your property and send these unwelcome guests packing. Here are five practical, effective steps every NYC homeowner can take to help get rid of rats on their property.
Step 1: Seal Up Entry Points
Rats are masters of infiltration, squeezing through holes as small as a quarter. Walk around your home and inspect the foundation, walls, windows, and doors for cracks, gaps, or openings. Pay special attention to areas where pipes or wires enter the house—these are prime rat highways. Use steel wool, caulk, or metal flashing to seal up any vulnerabilities. A tight home is your first line of defense against a rat takeover.
Step 2: Eliminate Food Sources
New York’s rats thrive on easy meals, and your property might be their buffet. Store all food—human and pet—in airtight containers, and avoid leaving leftovers out overnight. Secure your garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and keep them away from the house. Fallen fruit from trees or compost piles can also attract rats, so clean up yard debris regularly. Starve them out, and they’ll look elsewhere for their next feast.
Step 3: Declutter Your Yard and Home
Rats love a good hiding spot. Piles of wood, overgrown bushes, or cluttered basements are like five-star hotels for rodents. Keep your yard tidy by trimming vegetation away from your home’s exterior and removing any junk piles. Inside, organize storage areas and avoid letting clutter build up. The less cover you give rats, the less likely they’ll settle in.
Step 4: Set Traps Strategically
Traps are a homeowner’s best friend when rats are already on the premises. Snap traps, baited with peanut butter or cheese, are effective and affordable. Place them along walls, behind appliances, or near droppings—rats rarely travel in open spaces. Check traps daily and dispose of any catches promptly to avoid attracting more pests. For larger infestations, consult a professional exterminator to escalate the fight.
Step 5: Partner with a Professional Exterminator
While DIY efforts can make a dent, New York’s rat problem often requires expert intervention. A licensed exterminator can assess your property, identify hidden nests, and deploy advanced techniques like bait stations or exclusion methods to stop rats in their tracks. Regular maintenance visits can also prevent future invasions, keeping your home rat-free for the long haul.
The Time to Act Is Now
Rats aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a health hazard, carrying diseases like leptospirosis and hantavirus. With their numbers surging across NYC, waiting to address the problem only gives them more time to breed and burrow into your life. By following these five steps, you can reclaim your property and send a clear message: your home is no place for rats.
Ready to take the fight to the next level? Contact Northeastern Exterminating today for a free inspection and customized rat control plan. Together, we can turn the tide against New York’s rodent overlords—one home at a time.
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