The only cities in the United States that have more problems with rats are Los Angeles and Chicago. New York, like Chicago, has a problem that Los Angeles does not have. New York experiences all four seasons. We are now in the coldest part of the winter, with overnight temperatures that reach below freezing. It is due to this cold weather that the winter becomes the worst time of the year for rats and other rodents.
While pests such as ants and mosquitos are dormant this time of year, rats are still out there, and just like the rest of us, they are cold. Rats are not only looking for a warm place to stay, they are also scavenging for food, and if they can find a place that can satisfy both basic needs, they will make themselves at home. Then you have real problems.
When it comes to rats and businesses, there is the obvious problem of customers being turned off and leaving bad reviews. However, the problems go far beyond bad reviews. There are issues of rats carrying diseases, the damage that they can cause, and the fact that once you have rats, they will reproduce quickly and even attract more rats from the outside.
The most common disease carried by rats is Hantavirus, which can be passed easily through rodent excrement. Hantavirus is a serious respiratory disease that can be fatal, especially when the person is already dealing with respiratory issues. Other diseases that can be spread to humans and animals include leptospirosis, salmonellosis, rat-bite fever, and even the plague. Yes, THE plague.
Once rats get into a building, they are going to get into every area of the place, looking for food and places to nest and reproduce. If they get into a wall by gnawing through wood or drywall, they will chew through wiring, creating a fire hazard, ductwork and practically anything else that gets in their way. All the while they are eating and excreting waste.
Rats breed and reproduce very easily. They reach sexual maturity at five weeks of age, and they come into heat every 4 or 5 days. After a gestation period of around 22 days, rats can have a litter of anywhere from 6 to 13 babies. Short incubation periods and large litters mean that once you have a couple of rats in your building, left unfound and untended, the number of rats grows very quickly.
The excrement we mentioned a couple of times has a very strong odor and is a sign for other rats that a haven with food and shelter has been found.
Positive Pest Management only employees’ professional technicians that know the business of eradicating and excluding rats from any building, whether it is residential, commercial or industrial.
Positive Pest Management provides the highest quality Rodent Control and Exterminating Services in New York City. We service residential and commercial customers in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.
Positive Pest has the experience and skill to handle any extermination situation related to rats or mice. Typically, these pests are controlled with traps, baits, and rodent exclusion work, which helps to reduce places where they can harbor.
Positive Pest Management is operated by Benett Pearlman, who is a former 10-year Regional Director of the New York State Pest Management Association. Positive Pest Management specializes in commercial, residential, and industrial properties. We’re in the trenches every day, troubleshooting on site, and committed to permanently solving all your rodent problems efficiently and cost-effectively.
Please feel free to contact us whenever the need arises.
