Seasonal Pest Guide for NYC

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.

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.