Mice or Rats?

Yuck

Author

The Harlem Neighborhood Block Association
January 03, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Rats and mice are common, but preventable. In NYC, rats tend to be seen on streets and sidewalks, and in backyards and basements, while mice are almost always found inside homes.

Rats and mice thrive where there are sources of food and shelter and where property owners fail to prevent and adequately respond to their presence.

Mice, Rats and Health

The presence of rats in communities has been historically associated with a variety of infectious diseases. Today, rats are principally recognized for their contribution to neighborhood stress, poor quality of life, contamination of food, and for their contribution to the destruction of infrastructure. Mice can contaminate food, and their urine and dander are potent allergens, which can exacerbate the symptoms of asthma in sensitive people.

Prevention

Simple steps can be taken to safely control these pests:

  • Report housing conditions such as water leaks, holes or cracks in walls, floors and ceilings and signs of rodents (droppings, or gnaw marks) to property owners. When owners fail to address these conditions, NYC residents can call 311 to report the problem.

  • Use caulk and plaster to seal holes and cracks in walls, floors and ceilings.

  • Store food in sealed containers, and do not put out food for stray cats, pigeons or squirrels.

  • Remove garbage daily from apartments, and put garbage on the curb as close to pickup time as possible. Use hard plastic or metal cans with tight fitting lids.

  • Reduce clutter and piling of newspapers and cardboard.

  • Keep landscaped areas around properties free of tall weeds and trim shrubs that are close to the ground.

  • Control pests safely and effectively. Commercial and multi-unit property owners must hire a pest control company to place rodent baits. Employ pest control services that use preventive measures - not just pesticides. Rodent bait should only be used in enclosed tamper-proof containers.

  • Get together with your neighbors to address mice and rat problems on your block or neighborhood. Clean up several yards in the same area, and encourage buildings near you to work with you to reduce garbage problems, weeds, or clutter that attract rodents. This way, re-infestation from nearby rodents is less likely.

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