New York City has one of the most significant rodent problems of any city in the world. Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) are widespread in outdoor areas, subway infrastructure, and building basements, while house mice (Mus musculus) are the most common rodent inside NYC apartments and commercial buildings. Both species spread disease, contaminate food, and cause property damage.
Signs of Infestation
- Droppings (rat droppings: 0.5-0.75 inch capsules; mouse droppings: rice-sized)
- Gnaw marks on food packaging, wiring, and structural materials
- Grease marks (rub marks) along walls and baseboards
- Scratching or squeaking sounds in walls at night
- Burrow holes near foundations (3-4 inch openings for rats)
- Nesting materials — shredded paper and fabric
Our Treatment Approach
Effective rodent control requires exclusion (sealing all entry points), strategic snap trap placement, and ongoing monitoring. Tamper-resistant exterior bait stations are used for building perimeter control. All treatments comply with NYC Local Law 55 and EPA regulations.
Why Hire a Professional?
Rodent exclusion requires identifying every entry point — gaps as small as a quarter inch for mice — and properly sealing them with appropriate materials. Professional technicians have the tools and knowledge to find hidden entry points and implement lasting exclusion. Trap placement and rodenticide application require experience for maximum effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do mice get into NYC apartments?
House mice can squeeze through gaps as small as 1/4 inch. They enter through gaps around plumbing pipes, holes in walls, poorly sealed doors, and gaps around radiator pipes.
What diseases do rats carry in NYC?
NYC rats can carry leptospirosis, hantavirus, rat bite fever, and salmonellosis. Mouse and rat droppings also trigger asthma and allergies.
How can I tell if I have rats or mice?
Rat droppings are 0.5-0.75 inch dark capsules. Mouse droppings are tiny (rice-sized). Rats are also much larger and typically found in basements and outdoor areas, while mice are common inside apartments.
How long does rodent control take?
Active rodent populations can typically be brought under control within 2-4 service visits. However, ongoing monitoring and exclusion maintenance are recommended for long-term prevention.
Does building management need to be involved?
Yes, for building-wide rodent problems. Entry points in shared building areas — basements, utility rooms, and exterior foundation — require coordination with building management.