New York City is a very busy place, not only for humans but for pests as well! The city is full of unwanted invaders; from old buildings to overcrowded neighborhoods, restaurants to subway systems. From homeowners to tenants to business property managers, knowledge of the common bugs can help identify an issue and help you resolve the problem before it becomes a serious problem.
When facing vj mice-roaches-rats-bedbugs-ants, it’s essential to understand the habits of each pest to prevent and control them effectively.
Mice: Small Pests with Big Problems
One of the most prevalent indoor pests in NYC is the house mouse. They can fit through openings as small as a dime and gain access to homes through cracks and gaps around pipes, holes in doors, and any damaged door.
Inside, mice contaminate food, chew electrical wires, chew through insulation and spread bacteria with feces. They are prolific breeders, which can lead to a mouse infestation from a small problem to a big problem in just a few weeks.
Prevention Tips
- Cover any cracks and entryways of your home.
- Use airtight containers to store food.
- Maintain kitchens clean and free of crumbs.
- Clear away debris that might be used for nesting.
Roaches: Experts at Hiding
Cockroaches can be found wherever there is warmth and humidity, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. The most frequent species of cockroach in NYC are German and American.
Infestation with Roaches is indicated by the following:
- Live and dead cockroaches
- Small black droppings
- (or eggs themselves) near cabinets or appliances
- It is very prone to musty smell in heavily infested areas.
Keeping moisture under control and eliminating food sources are key steps in preventing infestations.
Rats are a serious urban problem!
Rats are bigger, more destructive, and more difficult to destroy than mice. Norway rats are particularly prevalent throughout New York City, in parks, walls, basements, and sewers.
Rats can chew through wood, pipes, and electrical cables, causing damage to property. They can also be carriers of disease and contaminate stored food.
It may be necessary to seek professional intervention since populations of rats can become quite large and hard to manage without professional help.
Bed Bugs: Small Bugs that make sleeping difficult.
Bed Bugs are great hitchers! They were carried in suitcases, furniture, clothes and even on public transportation. Bed Bugs aren’t attracted to dirt; they only look for blood meals, or human hosts.
During the day these pests prefer to stay in the mattress, bed frame, furniture and very small wall cracks, and then will emerge at night.
Common Warning Signs
- Itchy bite marks
- The presence of small blood stains on sheets of paper.
- Dark or discoloured spots around the mattress seams
- The presence of live bed bugs
Since Bed Bugs are very good at hiding, treatment is generally effective only when the bugs are identified and treated with Bed Bug Control tactics.
Ants: Troubad of the Small but Persistent
Ants tend to make their way into homes looking for food and water. Many species are nuisance pests, but they can become a nuisance when colonies have invaded the inside of buildings.
These are common attractions: Kitchen countertops, sinks, pet food bowls, and sugary spills. Others may also build nests in walls or under flooring.
Often, the ants can still be found and breeding when the ones you can see have been eliminated.
Why Early Action Matters
The worst thing property owners can do is wait for the infestation to become visible. Many pests complete their life cycle rapidly, are hard to see, and only become noticed when quite a bit of damage has been done.
Regular checks, cleanliness and timely repairs will minimise repair costs and occupants’ health risks.
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a combination of inspection, exclusion, sanitation, monitoring and targeted treatments which provides longer term control with minimal use of un-necessary pesticides.
It is important to recognize when to call in a professional.
There is a possibility that DIY products can decrease the pest activity, however they do not often eradicate nests or breeding populations. Pest control professionals know pest habits and where they enter and are able to create a treatment plan specifically for your pest problem.
If you have a problem with vj mice-roaches-rats-bed bugs and ants, professional help can work faster, safer and more effectively than commercial products.
Conclusion
New York City living is always surrounded by pests looking for food, water and shelter. Mice, roaches, rats, bed bugs and ants all pose different problems, but will be minimized if there is early detection and preventative maintenance.
A clean property, by sealing entryways, drying out the environment and other methods, will give you a healthier, more comfortable home/business and help you prevent these common urban pests from invading.
