Rodent Control NYC
Rats and mice — trapping, exclusion, and prevention for NYC buildings
Book NowNYC has an estimated 2+ million rats, and house mice are even more numerous. Rodent control in New York City requires a comprehensive approach that combines trapping, exclusion, and sanitation to address both existing infestations and prevent future ones. Bugged Out Pest Management provides proven rodent control programs for homes, apartments, and businesses across all five boroughs.
Signs of Rodent Control Problems
Evidence includes droppings (rice-grain sized for mice, olive-pit sized for rats), gnaw marks on food packaging, wood, or wiring, grease marks along walls and baseboards, scratching or scurrying sounds in walls especially at night, and nesting materials (shredded paper, fabric, insulation).
Our IPM Approach
Our rodent control IPM program includes comprehensive inspection to identify species, entry points, and activity areas, strategic trap placement based on rodent behavior patterns, exclusion work sealing entry points with steel wool, copper mesh, and appropriate materials, sanitation recommendations to eliminate food and harborage, and ongoing monitoring to maintain rodent-free conditions.
Why Hire a Professional
Rodents are intelligent and cautious. Ineffective trapping can make them trap-shy, complicating future control efforts. Professional exclusion requires identifying and sealing every potential entry point — rodents can enter through gaps as small as a dime (mice) or a quarter (rats). Poison baits used incorrectly can create odor problems when rodents die in wall voids.
Service Areas
We provide rodent control services across all five NYC boroughs:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have rats or mice?
Rat droppings are about 3/4 inch with blunt ends. Mouse droppings are 1/4 inch with pointed ends. Rats leave larger gnaw marks and more prominent grease trails. A professional inspection confirms the species and determines the appropriate strategy.
How long does rodent control take?
Active infestations typically require 2-4 weeks of intensive trapping and exclusion. Ongoing monitoring and prevention programs maintain results long-term. Building-wide programs for apartments may take longer depending on building size and condition.
Is my landlord responsible for rodent control in NYC?
Yes. NYC Housing Maintenance Code requires landlords to maintain pest-free conditions including rodent control. DOHMH and HPD can both issue violations for rodent conditions in residential buildings.
Do you use poison for rodent control?
We prefer trapping for interior rodent control to avoid odor issues from rodents dying in walls. Exterior tamper-resistant bait stations may be used as part of a perimeter program. Treatment methods are selected based on the specific situation.
Can rats enter through toilet drains in NYC?
Yes. Norway rats can swim up through sewer lines and enter buildings through defective toilet seals. This is more common in NYC than most residents realize. Proper plumbing maintenance and check valves can prevent sewer rat entry.
How do I prevent rodents from coming back?
Exclusion (sealing all entry points) is the most important factor. Combined with proper waste management, food storage, and ongoing monitoring, exclusion work provides long-lasting rodent prevention.