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
What Is The Cost Of Rat Removal?
Having rats in your home comes with the immediate need to get them removed if you don't want them to cause damage that you can't afford. And to remove them permanently, you have to get it done properly.
The first thing you need to do is hire skilled professionals. We have seen many homeowners choose pest control companies where they are asked to pay a sum monthly just to remove the rats in their homes without getting the results they desired.
You can't afford to make the same mistake. If you want to hire a professional to help remove the rats in your home, you need to choose a wildlife removal service. Apart from getting rid of the rats in your home, they will find and seal off all possible entry holes and prevent further reentry. With their services, you will be able to get it done once and for all.
There is no exact fixed cost for removal. The amount you will be paying depends on several factors. Ideally, if the rat problem you are having in your home is not a complex one, the total cost of removing the rat might run between $300 to $500.
The cost of a rat removal service depends on the part of the country you reside in, the number of rats that need to be removed, the number of service traps that will be needed to remove all the rats, the number of repairs that need to be done, and if cleanup is needed after removing the rats.
The initial cost you will have to pay might seem expensive but you need to understand the fact that it is worth it.
