Kings County, New York City Rat Control Situation:
Hi, I found your site very informative and helpful. I live in a ground floor duplex in New York City and we have had a rat problem in between our two floors since last August. The management company has sent an exterminator out several times-- to remove carcasses from the ceiling, place rodenticide in the ceiling, and fill any holes outside the apartment building. The problem is still going on almost a year later and we can't seem to figure out how they are getting in.
There is definitely less scratching and scurrying now compared to a few months ago, but the smell is consistently unbearable as something dies in the ceiling every few weeks to the point that I am ready to just move out. I have asked the management company to take a more proactive approach to the problem rather than reactive when I call and complain, perhaps gut the ceiling to expose the problem area, but they don't seem willing to do it. I can imagine there are a lot of droppings and urine in addition to at least 3-4 dead carcasses. Would the smell disappate if no more rats could get in (i.e. if we found and closed the access points), or is that something that will just continue to fester?
I am trying to make a case to the management that it is necessary for them to clean all the droppings and carcasses to restore the apartment to a sanitary environment. I noticed on your site you mentioned that rats can smell the droppings and urine of other rats, indicating the area is a safe habitat. I also think opening the ceiling might expose the access points. Apparently my unit is the only one of 47 in the building with a reported rat problem. Do you have any suggestions? Best regards, Alexandra
My response: Sounds like a very tough case. The entry holes into the building, or at least, the apartment, must be found and sealed! Check behind the oven, for example. The odor will disappear as soon as all rats are gone and any biomass dries up.
Thanks for the response! I got them to remove the entire ceiling and they said they removed some carcasses and closed a bunch of holes inside. I was on a business trip the past week and will see the result tonight. Fingers crossed the problem is resolved!
New York City Rat Control Tip of The Week
Different Rat Traps That Are Humane
A rat infestation is a big problem for almost every household. If you are having the same issues, you need to understand the fact that you are not alone in this problem. Although, you need to take quick removal actions because the rats won't leave unless you make them.
To help you achieve this, we will be sharing different rat traps that are humane that you can use to remove rats from your home. With the following traps, you won't have to bother about rats causing a nuisance in your home anymore.
Glue Boards
Glue traps are perfect for rats nesting in an enclosed area. These traps are designed with plastic and a semi-solid liquid that is believed to glue rats to its surface when they try to walk on it. To use a glue board, all you need to do is place it along the routes of the rat. The trap will intercept the rat's path and it will be trapped in the process.
The only issue with the use of this trap is that you will have to keep inspecting it from time to time in order to dispatch the rat from the board when it finally is trapped.
Fenn Traps
Fenn traps are designed for use in tunnels. The design of this trap makes it possible for it to trap rats only and prevent interaction with other non-target species. It's a special mechanism that makes it possible to kill the rat humanely by constricting and suffocating it.
Snap Traps
Snap traps are one of the most commonly used rat traps and are most suitable if you want to trap rats in your attic and other places in your home with limited access. It also kills rats instantly and is very effective in removing rats.