Rat infestation takes a physical, mental and economic toll on affected communities. While improvements in technology have created highly efficient rodent-killing solutions, many cities around the world are actually seeing an increase in their rat populations.
Impact of Extermination Methods on Rat Population
Once an extermination campaign ends, the results are generally temporary as rat populations quickly rebound, a phenomenon dubbed the “boomerang effect.” Rats themselves have been undergoing a couple of significant changes.
• Rats who survive extermination attempts tend to have genetic traits that make them better equipped to avoid danger. One specific gene that’s been identified actually makes rodent-killing chemicals ineffective. As these traits are passed on through reproduction, generations of “super rats” are developing.
• On the other hand, reduction in rat population causes a corresponding reduction in genetic variation, which in turn hinders their ability to respond to changing environments. Reproduction within this limited gene pool creates a type of inbreeding, leading to weak and sickly rats less likely to survive.
Choose Stern Environmental for Effective NJ Pest Control
During the winter months, rats need to find warm, dry places to get out of the cold. Where do these rodents end up going for shelter when it’s freezing outside? You might find them in any of the following places:
Residential and Commercial Buildings
Rats can make their way into homes, businesses and other structures, such as sheds or garages. These places provide them with a warm, insulated place to stay out of the cold. This behavior keeps NJ rat control professionals busy in winter, since these rodents can spread disease and cause other problems.
Cars and Trucks
Cars and trucks that aren’t used often, or at all, provide shelter for rats. These pests can get into engine compartments and vehicle interiors where they’ll build nests and travel back and forth through the ventilation system.
Rats don’t always invade human spaces when they’re looking for warm shelter during winter. Some make underground dens or burrows to stay in when it’s cold outside. These dens give them a dry and warm place to survive.
Rats that remain in outdoor areas during winter sometimes seek shelter in caves. They’re able to store a large amount of food in these caves before winter arrives, so they won’t have to forage in the cold.
If you need professional NJ rat control for your commercial business, please contact Stern Environmental.
Although it’s colder outside, rats can still be a problem for restaurant owners. These rodents dig through garbage all winter long in order to find sources of food. Without NJ rat control, this could lead to big problems for your restaurant in terms of cleanliness and safety. Keep the following in mind to protect your property from rats this winter.
The dumpsters on your property are one of the biggest sources of food for rats. Having lids that aren’t closed tightly and a lot of easy access to food can result in a rat infestation during winter. Make sure that the dumpsters on your property are securely closed at all times, and keep containers or bags with food inside dumpsters sealed as much as possible.
When rats know they can find food in your dumpsters, their next step could be going inside your restaurant. Rats can get into small openings and gaps anywhere on your property. Identifying and closing these entry points helps keep them out. Delivery personnel and employees should use caution when opening and closing doors, so rats don’t sneak in.
Rat Prevention Tips
Other ways to keep rats away include cleaning up spills and sweeping up food debris as quickly as possible. Trash from inside should also be emptied daily.
Rats in NJ can cause serious problems for commercial property owners. Norway rats and roof rats are among the more common rodent species in the state. Learning more about these rats, including what they look like, can help you know when to get professional NJ pest control.
Roof rats are smaller than Norway rats, measuring up to 18 inches long from head to tail when fully grown. These rats have darker coloring and smoother fur with a long, black tail and pointed muzzle. These rats usually stay higher up, such as on rooftops or trees, compared to Norway rats. They also prefer warmer climates.
Norway rats are large, with a body length that measures up to ten inches long, not including their tail. These rats have a bulkier body than roof rats, along with a shorter tail, blunt muzzle, rougher coat and smaller eyes. They also have a brownish coloring that’s lighter than roof rats’ coloring. Norway rats tend to stay lower down where they search for food.
Both rats can spread disease, chew electrical wiring, contaminate food and cause other problems for building owners. Prompt removal is important when you have an infestation of either of these rodents.
If you have Norway or roof rats in your building, contact Stern Environmental right away. Our NJ pest control experts can get rid of these rodents to prevent damage and disease.
Most people are familiar with the fact that those who live in New York City are frequently dealing with rat problems. But unless you live there, or have spent a significant amount of time there, you don’t really understand the scope of the issue. NYC rat control is a serious problem, but just how bad is it, really?
Rat Sightings in New York City
Between January 2010 and September 2017, there were 101,914 rat sightings that were reported. That phrase, that were reported, is key because so many of them go unreported to the city. Therefore, we can conclude that there were actually many more sightings that occurred. What’s even worse is that between these two time periods, there was an increase of 63%. That’s a lot!
On top of that, most of the rat sightings occurred in buildings that housed three or more families. Commercial buildings are not as common for rat infestations, which comes as quite a surprise.
Brooklyn – A Rat’s Safe Haven
According to the latest heat map visualization, Brooklyn is where rats are most often found. But that doesn’t mean the rest of the city is immune to them. They are plentiful, and found just about everywhere.
NYC Rat Control
The good news is your NYC rat control professionals are on the job. If you have a rat problem, contact us. We have highly effective pest control solutions.