Rat Control
Burrows, droppings, garbage and ground line problems.
Rodent Control
Rodent Inspection in NYC
The inspection is where rodent work starts. It answers three questions: what is here, how did it get in, and what is drawing it.
Short answerA rodent inspection looks for evidence, entry points and the food and shelter that support rodents, inside and outside the property. The findings are explained in plain terms and decide what work, if any, is needed.
What the Inspector Checks
- Evidence: droppings, gnaw marks, rub marks, burrows, nests and odor.
- Entry points: pipe penetrations, foundation gaps, doors, vents, utility openings and drains.
- Conditions: garbage handling, food storage, clutter, moisture and planting.
- Shared spaces: basements, trash rooms, common areas and neighboring units where relevant.
What You Get Afterward
A plain explanation of what was found and where, what it means and what it does not, and the work that follows from it. Ask for the scope in writing. Price follows scope, so read the cost guide to see what moves it.
How to Prepare
Note where and when you saw activity, photograph anything you can, and clear access to basements, under sinks and behind appliances. Tell the inspector about pets and children. If you rent, let your landlord know an inspection is happening.
Not sure what you are dealing with? An inspection finds the source and sets the scope.
Questions and Answers
What happens during a rodent inspection?
The inspector asks what you have seen and where, then checks for evidence such as droppings, gnaw marks, rub marks and burrows. They look at likely entry points around pipes, doors, foundations and utilities, and at conditions that feed or shelter rodents. You get an explanation of the findings, which decide the scope of any work.
When should I call an exterminator?
Call when you see droppings, gnaw marks, a live rodent in daylight, or hear regular scratching in walls or ceilings. Activity that continues after you set a few traps, or comes back after a treatment, is the clearest sign that the entry route has not been found. Food businesses should call at the first sign.
How do I get a price for rodent work?
Schedule an inspection. The findings decide the scope, and the scope decides the price. Bring photos of what you have seen, note where and when, and tell us the property type and whether you own or rent. If you rent, check with your landlord first, because in most NYC rentals the owner is responsible for pest control.
Related pages
Mouse Control
Apartments, kitchens, pipes and shared walls.
Rodent Exclusion
Finding and closing the openings rodents use.