If you live in New York City—especially in Manhattan or nearby boroughs—you’re all too familiar with rats: the scurrying in subway stations, the sudden rustle behind trash bins, and maybe even sightings in your building’s basement. But when these rodents settle into your walls or crawlspaces, it’s not just a nuisance—it’s a serious health hazard. That’s where Positive Pest Management comes in, offering expert rat control for NYC residents since 2000.
Why Are Rats Such a Problem in NYC?
New York City provides the perfect environment for rat infestations due to a combination of factors:
- Dense population and constant food waste
- Older buildings with structural gaps and crevices
- Ongoing construction that displaces rodent populations
These conditions make it easy for rats to breed, nest, and thrive—often right under our noses. While a rat in the alley may seem harmless, once they infiltrate homes or commercial properties, they bring with them serious risks.
Positive Pest Management: NYC Rat Control Experts
Headquartered in Manhattan at 166 E 96th Street, Positive Pest Management has been serving all five boroughs, as well as parts of Westchester and Long Island, for over two decades. The company is Better Business Bureau-accredited with an A+ rating, a testament to its commitment to effective service and customer satisfaction.
Led by Bennett Pearlman, a former Regional Director of the New York State Pest Management Association, the company specializes in comprehensive rat control solutions tailored to the unique challenges of urban environments.
Their services include:
- Thorough rodent inspections
- Exclusion and entry point sealing
- Trapping and baiting
- Sanitation guidance and long-term prevention
Positive Pest works with residential properties such as brownstones, co-ops, and apartments, as well as commercial sites like restaurants, hospitals, and office buildings.
Signs You Might Have a Rat Problem
Rats are stealthy, but they often leave behind telltale signs. Some of the most common include:
- Droppings found in drawers, cabinets, or along baseboards
- Gnaw marks on food packaging, wires, or wood
- Scratching noises inside walls or ceilings, especially at night
- Greasy rub marks along walls or corners from their fur
- Sudden changes in pet behavior, such as barking at empty corners or fixating on certain spots
If you notice even one of these signs, it’s important to act quickly. Rats reproduce rapidly—two rats can multiply into hundreds within a single year.
How Positive Pest Tackles Rat Infestations
- Inspection and Assessment
The process begins with a detailed inspection of the interior and exterior of your property to determine the scope of the infestation and identify entry points.
- Exclusion and Sealing
Technicians seal up any holes, cracks, and gaps using rodent-proof materials to prevent new rats from entering. Common problem areas include vents, pipe penetrations, foundation cracks, and roof gaps.
- Trapping and Removal
Depending on the severity, Positive Pest uses safe and effective traps or bait stations. These are strategically placed to target active zones while keeping humans and pets safe.
- Sanitation and Prevention
Clients receive guidance on how to make their property less attractive to rodents. This may include waste management, securing food storage, repairing leaks, and keeping vegetation trimmed.
For ongoing protection, Positive Pest also offers maintenance plans with regular inspections and preventive treatments—especially beneficial for businesses and multi-unit properties.
Tips for Preventing Future Infestations
Even after a rat issue has been resolved, it's critical to stay proactive. Here are some key prevention tips:
- Use metal garbage bins with tight-fitting lids
- Take trash out regularly and close to collection time
- Store food and pet food in sealed containers
- Fix leaky faucets and remove standing water
- Trim trees and shrubs away from the building’s exterior
- Inspect your home seasonally for signs of rodent activity
Consistent maintenance and vigilance can go a long way in keeping rats at bay.
NYC-Wide Rodent Initiatives
Citywide programs are also making progress in rat control. New strategies include smarter waste collection methods and even contraceptive baiting to limit reproduction in high-infestation zones. These efforts are designed to work in tandem with property-level control strategies, making professional pest management more effective.
Customer Satisfaction That Speaks for Itself
Positive Pest Management has built its reputation through prompt service, expert solutions, and long-lasting pest control in New York. With hundreds of five-star reviews from homeowners, tenants, and building managers, the company is known for solving even the most stubborn rodent issues.
Many clients highlight their quick response time, thorough inspections, and the peace of mind that comes from working with a team that truly understands the pest pressures of living in NYC.
Contact Positive Pest Management Today
Rats are more than just a nuisance—they’re a public health threat. Whether you’ve spotted droppings, heard something in the walls, or simply want to prevent future issues, Positive Pest is ready to help.
