Exterminators look underground to explain city's growing rat population
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So in December the Department of Health initiated a Rodent Control Academy to gather city-employed exterminators for a three-day, once-a-month course to promote continuing education and build cooperation.
"The objective is to educate city workers about all manner of rodent control from biology and behavior to integrated pest management," said Department of Health spokesman Eric Riley.
Exterminator Fred Fago of Top Notch Pest Control in Brooklyn has been killing rats for 20 years. He says improper garbage disposal is the city's main problem.
"The oldest method is the best method, and that starts with sanitation," Fago said, adding that a building will only become infested if humans allow it to be. Fago, who exterminates rats in private residences and businesses, says the problem usually starts in the basements with unkempt garbage collection spaces.
Rats primarily feed at night, but if given enough food and water, daytime feeding is common, said Vincent Errante, president of Universal Pest Control Corp. in Brooklyn.
"If you see rats during the day, then you've got a problem." Errante added that there is no "peak season" for rat infestations. "It's pretty much year-round," he said.
Fago also cites careless construction work in basements and building foundations that can give rats convenient pathways into homes.
"These days, everybody is quick about it. And after they install the pipes or TV and electricity wires, there's always some opening for them to get through."
For added protection, some buildings will use steel plating or a reinforced combination of glass and concrete to rat-proof walls.
Though it is rare, rats can also find their way through sewers and basements into open water pipes, surprising residents by coming through toilets and kitchen sink drains.
"It doesn't happen much, but I've gotten one or two calls like that," Fago said.
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