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Your Guide to Rat Prevention
NYC rat patrol was created for its residents in mind. Our mission is to shed light on NYC's rat control problem and give New Yorkers safe and effective ways to take back control of their streets and homes. With 20 years of rat experience under our belt, we have the info and tips you need to master NYC rat prevention an
City Rats Under Control
Alright, let's try to dive into a few of the city's secrets and explore the world of rats in New York City. It might seem a bit crazy, but I'm here to guide you through the madness and shed light on what's happening under our very noses.
New York City's real underground scene is comprised of its sewer systems, pipelines, subway tunnels, and waterways all beneath your feet. New York City has been an ever-growing place with remnants of its older self contributing to the growth of its rat population. One of the best-documented hidden waterways in Lower Manhattan is Collect Pond. Believe it or not, it supplied the drinking water for colonial settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. Collect Pond still exists, and rats thrive very well in the area due to a host of reasons, with Collect Pond being the major one. Underground rats are somewhat out of reach and that has always been a problem in my eyes. So, the only thing left to do is control what we can, which is on the surface level: Our trash!
NYC has a strained relationship with garbage, mostly due to the dense population, and we all know that trash acts like a magnet for rats. When we do not handle our garbage well, we're practically sending out invitations to dinner. Norway rats usually consume around 1 to 2 ounces of food each day. However, this can vary depending on their size and the amount of food available. They'll eat different things like grains, fruits, and even meat, but they are scavengers and will adjust their diet to suit their environment (meaning they will eat anything). They're skilled at finding food wherever they can, which helps them survive in the city. When there's plenty of food available, like in a city with lots of garbage, it makes life really good for rats. When rats have easy access to food, they can eat more and have healthier babies. This abundance of food helps their population grow quickly because more rats can survive and have offspring themselves. It's like a cycle: more food means more rats, and more rats mean they need even more food. This is why places with a lot of food around, like cities, often have more rats.
So, the story of NYC's rats revolves around the delicious food scene, our trash habits, their hidden hangouts, and their incredible survival skills. By understanding this story, we can figure out more effective ways to rat control. My job is to help spread awareness of our growing rat populations in NYC and teach residents the best and quickest ways to NYC rat prevention and start killing rats!
Rat Prevention Tips
Trash Cans
Its no secret rats love trash, So lets learn how we can keep them away yours. We are going to go over a lot. From which trash can to choose all the way to where to place a bait station or snap trap to be safe and effective. The right trash can is one of the most effective ways rat control. NYC rat prevention is the goal.
DIY Home Rat Inspection
Lets put our private eye skills to the test. Learn how to identify active rodent signs on your property and what to do after we have confirmed the need for rat control efforts to begin. From sealing up holes in cement to properly harassing a earthen burrow we got you covered. Killing rats is our thing but we must come together for true NYC rat prevention
The Norway Rat
How to keep them out
This section is for the more tactical approach. Learn what you're up against. Lets dig a little deeper into the Norway Rat. Some amazing facts and cool info you may not have known.
How to keep them out
How to keep them out
How to keep them out
our step-by-step advice, expert tips, and handy suggestions for materials will help you find and seal those entry points like a pro. Keep those rats out for good and give your home the protection it deserves. Ready to get started? Let's make your space rat-proof with some effective rat control.
NYC Resources
How to keep them out
NYC Resources
New York City offers helpful resources that are available to residents to help tackle rat problems. You can use the Rat Information Portal provided by the NYC Department of Health to report and monitor rat sightings. They also offer useful materials on preventing and managing rat issues. Additionally, the city provides Rat Academies that offer basic information about rodent prevention. They also offer rodent-resistant trash cans and have community programs like the Rat Reservoirs Program, and you can request inspections and pest control services via 311.
Meet the Sewer Rat
Rat Origins
Rat Reproduction
Rat Reproduction
The Norway rat, also called Rattus norvegicus, originates from northern China The Norway rat earned its name due to a historical misconception, as it was wrongly associated with originating from Norway instead of its actual origin in China. . By the 18th century, it had reached Europe, eventually making its home across different continents.
Rat Reproduction
Rat Reproduction
Rat Reproduction
Norway rats are very quick reproducers. Female rats have around 4 to 7 litters a year, with about 7 to 14 pups per litter. It only takes about 3 weeks (or 21 days) for the new babies to arrive and to add insult to injury they're ready have their own babies at 2 to 3 months old. This insane reproduction rate is a big reason why their numbers can quickly skyrocket, making it a real problem to keep them in check.
Rat Survival
Rat Reproduction
Rat Survival
The Norway rat is a no nonsense street-smart survivor. It can literally change its diet to fit what's available, easily sets up shop in our parks, playgrounds and other NYC landscapes. The brown rat can also handle different climates like a pro, ready and able to start new colonies in any environment. Lets not forget us human either, These rats will learn our habits and change its actions for survival to fit according to it. If that's not scary I don't know what is.
Rat Colonies
Lets get you ready!
Rat Survival
Street rats would like to eat multiple times a day if possible. They are opportunistic feeders, taking advantage of available food in their environment. Depending on the availability of food, they might eat anywhere from 15 to 20 times a day, consuming small amounts each time. Their feeding habits are closely tied to their surroundings, and they are known to explore various locations for food, including trash bins, food waste, and even discarded scraps. This frequent feeding pattern helps them survive and thrive in urban environments where food sources are plentiful.
Prep Your Space
Lets get you ready!
Lets get you ready!
Norway rodents, often called brown rats, form colonies that can vary in size. Factors like food and habitat influence their numbers. These colonies can range from just a few individuals to several dozen. In urban areas, you might find even larger populations. These rats are social creatures, relying on cooperation for survival. To manage them, it's crucial to disrupt their access to resources and nesting spots, which helps decrease their colony size.
Lets get you ready!
Lets get you ready!
Lets get you ready!
Check out our supply shop and pick up what you need to keep the rats out for good!
Rat-Resistant Bins
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TRASH CAN
- Look for trash cans that are specifically designed to be rat-resistant. These cans often have features like locking lids, made of heavy-duty materials, and a secure covering that seals or snaps on to stop rats from getting in. A tight seal ensures that rats can't enter the trash can and access the food waste.
- Always opt for trash cans made of durable materials that rats cannot chew through, such as metal or thick plastic. Rats can be persistent in trying to access food, so a robust design is crucial. Choose a trash can that is easy to clean and sanitize regularly. Proper cleaning helps eliminate odors and food residue, reducing the attractiveness of the trash can to rats.
- Consider elevating the trash can off the ground or using a stand to discourage rats from climbing into it. Rats are skilled climbers and jumpers but by keeping the trash can away from walls, fences, or buildings, you make it more challenging for rats to jump from these structures and make a complete mess of whatever's inside, also placing the trash can away from walls provides better visibility for you the resident as well to notice any rat signs and fix it before it gets out of control.
- Make sure to pick a trash can that will fit your family home, apartment or buildings need. Overflowing trash bins or open cans with the lid sitting on top of the garbage bag is a huge reason for the infestation of rats. Select a trash can with an appropriate capacity for your needs. Smaller cans will fill up quickly and need more frequent emptying, while larger cans can accommodate more waste without overflow.
These simple tips can make a real difference in keeping rats out of your trash area in NYC. Remember, it doesn't have to be a complicated task - just a few small changes can go a long way. Invest in trash cans with secure lids, keep the area tidy, and consider raising the cans off the ground. Working together as a community and spreading the word can also make a big impact. Let's join forces to create a cleaner and rat-free environment for everyone to enjoy!
Rat Signs to Watch
Droppings are always going to be the #1 sign of an active rat problem in your home. So its good to know exactly what you are looking for. Norway rat droppings, typically measure around 1/2 to 3/4 inch, have distinct characteristics: blunt ends and a tapered shape. Fresh droppings are dark, moist and soft. So keep an eye out!
Those dark rub mark stains you see along walls and floors are another great indicator of a rat infestation as well. Those stains are called sebum and are left by rodents when they press or squeeze their bodies against or through something. These marks are a result of the oils present in rat fur, and act as a map of their well-worn routes. As these rodents navigate their environment, they leave be
Being able to spot openings that rats create in or around your home's structure is key to getting rid of them. Check outside around your home for signs of gnawing or worn-out spots. Look for loose materials too, since rats love to make gaps bigger. Regular checks help you find these openings early and stop rats from getting in, protecting your home from their damage. Check out our rodent proofing
Seal Rodent Holes Now
Tools and Materials
- Exterior-grade cement filler or patch
- Stainless steel woven fill fabric
- Long Flathead screwdriver
- Foam sealant or cement caulking
- Scissors
- Spackling Knife
- Safety gloves and goggles
Step 1: Safety Gear
Before you begin, make sure you're wearing appropriate safety gear, including goggles and gloves, to protect yourself during the process. The fill fabric has fibers that separate and can go inside your eyes. Also, if no gloves are worn, the fabric can prick your fingers. You've been warned!
Step 2: Find & Clear Burrow
Find where the structural hole created by the rodent is on the exterior of your home. Clear away any debris, dirt, or loose cement around the hole using a cleaning brush or broom, use some needle nose pliers or your hand (wearing gloves) to remove any rock or debris blocking inside of hole as well. This ensures a clean surface and open tunnel to burrow for effective sealing. Keep in mind that it could be a bolt hole, an area where rats hide in, and one may pop out.
Step 3: Seal with Barriers
- Point the foam sealant applicator inside the structural burrow and spray creating the first barrier of defense. Make sure to spray enough to cover the entire area as much as possible.
- Unroll the fill fabric and cut sections as needed about 6-12" in length depending on size of opening.
- Split fabric roll apart like you are creating 2 sheets of fabric from one. (see video)
- Place fabric roll cut inside structural burrow and using the long flathead screwdriver, stuff the fabric inside hole as deep as possible until resistance is felt. The 2nd barrier has been created.
- Apply another shot of foam sealant exactly as you did in step 1 to create your 3rd barrier of defense.
- Add the second fill fabric strip inside the burrow as you did in step 4 and press in with the screwdriver, creating your 4th barrier.
- Apply your cement repair patch inside to fill the remaining space if needed, and on top of the surface opening to finish the 5th layer sealing. Great Job!
Step 4: Level & Finish
- Smooth out the surface of the patched area using the spackling knife. Blend it seamlessly with the surrounding cement. This not only strengthens the seal but also maintains the appearance of the structure, while also making sure your finished work does not become a trip hazard to the public.
Step 5: Protect & Cure
- Caution off area as best as possible so no damage occurs while top cement patch is drying . Make sure to look for any areas you may have missed and repeat cycle if you did so. Keep and eye on how the cement dries to ensure the safest smoothest surface possible.
Get Assistance Now
Helpful Resources
Explore these essential links for rat issues.
NYC Health Resources
The NYC Health Department offers a wide variety of services towards rat prevention. From teaching Rat Academies to offering a comprehensive map of rat inspections completed in all 5 boroughs. NYC Health provides enforcement by issuing fines properties also dispatching their own rat exterminators toviced ignore. Click te link to find out if your neighborhood PASSED or FAILED. I found this to be very informative with a easy to use interface. Check out www.nyc.gov/rats
NYC Parks Support
NYC Parks Dept. offers some great volunteer opportunities in your area focused around cleaning up and beautifying NYC parks. Click on the link at the bottom and check out their stewardship programs which offer the most assistance impacting rat populations. Parks also offer its Green-Thumb program as well. https://www.nycgovparks.org/
311
NYC's 311 information and reporting system offers New Yorkers the opportunity to make rat sighting complaints anonymously or by leaving your contact information which is always preferred. 311 will then transfer the complaint to the appropriate agency. https://portal.311.nyc.gov/report-problems/