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Mice And Rats Invade Ossining Homes After Sandy

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Pest control agencies said calls for rodents have increased more than 10 percent in Ossining and Briarcliff Manor since Hurricane Sandy. Photo Credit: Courtesy flickr User Dunleavy Family

OSSINING, N.Y. – The Daily Voice Reports that Hurricane Sandy caused flooding and power outages throughout Ossining and Briarcliff Manor, but local pest control agencies said it could also be causing pests like mice and rats to invade homes near the Hudson River in Westchester  County.

“Pest control agencies in Westchester and the Hudson Valley said calls have increased 10 to 20 percent in the last three months compared to previous years and that Hurricane Sandy could be the cause. Many rats and wild mice live near abundant food sources like lakes and rivers, according to Critter Control of the Hudson Valley. While it is difficult to track their patterns, it is likely that many rats and mice fled the Hudson River when it flooded during Hurricane Sandy, said Errol Fisher, president of Elmsford-based Citadel Pest Control.

“We typically get calls for mice and rats at this time of year because they are fleeing into homes to get warm but overall we’ve seen more than a 10 percent increase this year, especially after Hurricane Sandy,” Fisher said, adding that his company has seen a higher increase in Ossining and Briarcliff Manor. “When they are displaced from their homes that are in close proximity of the water and it floods, they can move up into homes to try to survive.”

“We had a very warm winter last year so the populations of most animals, especially rodents, were way up this year before Hurricane Sandy,” Wright said. “Sandy had an impact for sure in bringing that down as it may have destroyed some dens. I don’t know that it would have permanently chased them out and into homes but it’s possible that’s been a reason for the increase in calls.”

Fisher and Wright recommended that residents take several precautions in preventing rodents from entering their homes. They agreed that the first step in prevention is sealing up all holes that could lead into homes or garages.

“It’s very important that this is done well because a mouse can fit into a hole the size of a dime and mice and rats can both chew softer materials to make bigger holes,” Fisher said. “The most effective and humane method of preventing rodents is sealing up all cracks and holes so they can’t get inside.”

While rat traps, glue pads and other rodent prevention merchandise is easily available, both agreed that the methods are often ineffective.

“Placing traps is not that easy to do right and can be dangerous for little children and pets,” Wright said. “We get a lot of calls for live trapping and that’s fine if the mice haven’t made dens in your home but if they have, it’s very likely they’ll return in the next two days. Overall, trying to trap rodents yourself can be harmful and bottom line it’s not effective.”

About:  JP McHale Pest Management Inc. is a family owned and operated enterprise located in Westchester County. Fast, effective service is delivered to strategic areas in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Counties we work in include Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Fairfield, Bergen, Hudson, Morris, Passaic and Essex. We absolutely love what we do and look forward to delivering peace of mind to you and your surroundings. Our programs are very effective, we guarantee it, or your investment is fully refunded.

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