Rodent Prevention for NYC Homes and Businesses

Food, water, shelter and safe ways to move around. In practice that means garbage that is not in sealed containers, clutter and stored materials against walls, overgrown planting, and cracks or holes in foundations, sidewalks and doors. Removing those conditions makes a property less attractive, but rats already present still need to be dealt with.

Store food, pet food and dry goods in sealed hard containers. Keep garbage in sealed bins and take it out close to pickup time. Clear clutter and boxes off floors and away from walls. Note where you see droppings, gnaw marks or hear noise, and photograph them. Avoid blocking runways or sealing holes you have not inspected, because that can trap animals inside.

Rodents are active all year in New York. Many people notice more indoor activity as temperatures drop, because animals look for warmth, food and shelter inside buildings. Warm months bring more rat activity outdoors, with garbage and outdoor dining in the mix. Treat the season as context, not as a reason to wait on an inspection.