If you live in Nassau County, you might have heard about a growing rat problem. East Meadow, Massapequa, and Seaford have had the greatest increase in rat sightings and infestations, but it’s not solely located there. Rat populations are more active and visible on Long Island – and all over the country according to the CDC, USA Today, and other media outlets.

Why Are Rats a Problem Now?

Ironically, COVID-19 is making rat populations more visible – and aggressive. Nassau County officials say the rat population is surging. Other officials say it’s not that rats are breeding more, but that rat populations have shifted and become more visible.

With restaurants closed or limited to take out, closed movie theaters, and more, the dumpsters and litter that usually provide the vast majority of their diet is diminished, so rats have moved to other locations seeking food. That is probably why the Seaford train station is now a hub for increased rat activity – trash from essential workers taking LIRR are a substitute food source.

Rats are also popping up in residential neighborhoods seeking food. Lax homeowner habits can be invitations to rats and other pests.

How to Avoid Rat Infestations

The number one way to avoid a rat infestation in your house or on your property, is to eliminate rats’ access to food. That includes:

Closing lids firmly on trash cans
Keeping food tightly sealed
Getting rid of trashcans with holes and cracks

In addition to those actions, the following steps will further help protect your home from a rat infestation.

1. Fill holes and cracks in your foundation and home’s perimeter.

Rats can get through a hole the size of a quarter. Repair holes and fill smaller gaps with steel wool, which rats can’t chew through.

1. Remove nesting areas

Remove trash and debris from your property such as cardboard, old appliances or cars, downed tree branches, etc. Store firewood off the ground and away from the house. Avoid tree mulch as a ground cover because mice and rats can nest in it.

1. Trim trees and bushes

Tree branches and bushes touching the house provide rats and mice a path to travel into your home. Shrubs close to your home can also provide a place for rodents to hide.

While all of those steps will make your home and property less attractive to rats looking for food sources and places to nest, if you already have a rat infestation or your neighborhoods do then you need more. Professional rat control will solve the problem without putting your pets or family at risk.

Arrow Exterminating Is the Rodent Experts

If you have a rat infestation problem – or think mice and other rodents might be in your walls, call in the professionals at Arrow Exterminating. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help you live in a critter-free environment. To get started, contact Arrow Exterminating today.