Quote:
Originally Posted by rgr555
How hard is it to completely protect a townhouse from rats? Or a prewar apartment? It's doable right?
I know roaches may be impossible but rodents are the same?
For $43k a month its a problem that shouldn't exist. Rich people couldn't take care of the problem? Wondering if there are any exterminators that frequent this forum. I'm curious :P
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For an experienced and good exterminator, and or someone who knows what they are doing ridding a building of rats isn't difficult. Depending upon size of infestation and a few other factors it may take awhile, but can be done. As evidenced by how many buildings in NYC are rat free compared to those that aren't.
First and foremost you have to seal rats out of a building. This is called "exclusion" and means finding every single possible entry point and sealing them up properly so rats cannot get in. Property isn't secure sooner or later rats will just come back.
After tightening things up next thing is to clean up the place if necessary. Property around on and inside must be cleared of clutter, rubbish, garbage, filth, etc... Any and all food must be stored in rodent proof containers in areas where rats cannot get at it. Stop leaving food and water out for Fido or Kitty. Sweep and mop kitchen floors, clean in and behind stoves/ranges, ovens, under refrigerators, etc..
Final front is to plug any holes inside, then also start baiting/trapping. Rats are smart creatures so while it may be easy to pick off some early on; the older/smarter ones may take some time. But they have to go otherwise will breed and problem starts again.
In really bad cases a place will have to be fumigated.
What usually happens in apartment buildings is landlords or whoever cheaps out. The hire the lowest bidding exterminator who does nothing more than feed the rats.
For a townhouse like the one those tenants are claiming is infested rats could be coming or came in many ways.
You've got that exposed English basement on ground floor with separate entrance. There are a number of ways...
Having rats in basements/cellars in not unheard of; fairly common in buildings that don't take precautions. There are just so many ways they can get in, that even best of buildings catch a few now and then. If problem is caught early and dealt with a building will remain rat free. But if allowed to get out of hand as the population grows things will move to upper floors.
Problem is NYC and Manhattan in particular has some of the oldest housing stock in the country. Old foundations develop cracks, gaps form around pipes and such leading into or out of building (gas, water, sewer, electric... Doors that lead to basement/located on ground floors left open and or have gaps at base leaving room for rats to squeeze (or just walk) under....
Added attraction is that basements are usually warm, especially those where heat is from steam/hot water. Those boilers going all the time make it nice and cozy down there. Even if rats have to go outside to find food, they will come right back home if there is a way in/out.
Walking around the UES and other parts of Manhattan at night frequently see rats running *from* the gutter or bags of garbage towards a building. There they disappear into the alleyways leading downstairs and or foundations.
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