According to recent news reports, there are twice as many rats as people in New York City. NYC officials have declared war on rats in their latest effort to attack a population that experts estimate could be double that of the Big Apples 8.4 million people.
Rats have been benefiting from a close relationship with humans for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Humans derive no advantage from having rats around, but rats receive many perks. Most commonly: food, shelter and water. Frequently this has little effect, but in numerous cases, rats go too far, and their impact on human populations become unbearable.
The popular and informational television channel Animal Planet has named New York City the worst city for rats in the world. To decline the rat population, health inspectors will be targeting rat reservoirs such as parks, sewers, dumping areas and subways where they gather and breed. To prevent rats on your property NYNY WildLife Removal has come up with some great tips.
The many signs and tips of a rat infestation are:
· Live rats
· Rat droppings: Droppings are usually found close to garbage. If they’re moist and dark, it a sign that rats are in the area.
· Burrows: Look for places where rats live. Most rats live in nests or burrows. Burrows are holes in dirt or concrete from one to four inches wide, with smooth edges. Burrows can be found under bushes and plants. They will often have an entrance and exit hole.
· Gnaw marks from rats’ teeth: Look for holes and gnaw marks on wood and plastic garbage cans.
· Tracks or runways: Check walls and grass for signs of runways. Rats run along the same path many times a day, leaving dark grassy track marks along walls and worn down paths in grass.
· Excessive garbage or clutter that give rats a place to hide
· Rats usually come out during the nighttime, so walk around outside with a flashlight after dark. This will also help you see where rats are going and to check the burrows in the daytime.