Once rodents get a foothold in your home, they can be an unpleasant nuisance. They also carry serious diseases and a whole host of viruses. In 2017, one Bronx resident died, and another two became ill with leptospirosis, a disease carried by rat urine. Along with the diseases they carry, rats in particular can pose a danger to small children and the elderly. Knowing how to keep rats and mice away from your NYC home with effective pest control will provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your family is safe from these vermin.
How common are rodent infestations in NYC homes?
Unfortunately, rodent infestations are quite common in New York City. In 2015, a Columbia University researcher estimated the rat population in New York City was approximately 2 million. And despite the fact that the city spends millions of dollars each year on rodent eradication, there seems to be no end in sight. Mice are easier to detect because they don’t necessarily attempt to hide from humans. Rats, however, prefer to lurk in dark places, away from humans. Despite the fact that they avoid humans, if they’re cornered, they’re much more aggressive than mice. Look for the tell-tale signs that you have mice or rats in your home. Rat droppings are easy to spot, they are larger than coffee beans and are usually found around the stove and refrigerator. They also like to chew cables.
Mice are much smaller and can enter your home through the smallest of openings. You can usually hear mice rummaging in cabinets or inside walls. If you have pets, they may start pawing at the walls. Mice are much more active at night, and although they aren’t as dangerous as rats, they are quite destructive. They will destroy books, furniture, and food with their gnawing, droppings and urine. There have also been studies which have linked mice to cases of asthma. They may not be as bad as rats, but you still don’t want to have them in your home.
What can you do to keep rats and mice away from your home?
First, look around your home and have any holes or crevices sealed, no matter how small. Your objective is to make it as difficult as possible for rodents to find a way into your home. Seal gaps around pipes, faucets, and vents. Doors and windows should be screened.
Be sure to keep all food in heavy-duty plastic or metal containers with lids. Keeping your kitchen clean is extremely important because rodents can live on crumbs!
Eliminate as many water sources as possible. Leaks, condensation from radiators, and faucets provide them with the water they need to survive.
What can you do if you already have rats or mice in your home?
Professional pest control experts understand rodent behavior and have several different methods to eradicate them from your home, including traps and chemical products. They place bait in a tamper-proof bait station which protects pets and people. A professional exterminator can also assess whether there are rat burrows which should be destroyed, and advise residents on the proper steps to take to prevent rodents from returning to the home.
The rodent problem is serious, but there are ways to keep rats and mice away from your NYC home with the help of professional services, such as Biotech Termite & Pest Control. If you or looking for a exterminator in Manhattan or any other part of the tri-state area, don’t hesitate to contact Biotech today.