As New York City braced for a coming snow storm, the invisible effects of Hurricane Sandy are still being felt. Experts were at first unsure as to the fate of the thousands of rats that call New York’s subways home. Although it first appeared many drowned, it is now becoming clear that countless rodents survived and have moved further inland.
Exterminators around the city are experiencing high call volumes for rat-related problems. Many suspect the rodents were displaced by Sandy and then decided not to leave the homes and businesses they sought refuge in. Although rodent violations are down in the city, this has more to do with the fact that the city has scaled back enforcement in storm-hit areas to allow them time to recover than an actual reduction in rodent infestations. Some experts believe the plague of rodents may last until the weather outside becomes more favorable to mice and rats. Unfortunately, many businesses and homeowners simply cannot wait that long.
Thankfully it was the folding, not the storm itself, that drove rats inland. Last weekend’s snow did not drive anymore rats from the sewer and subway systems. Keep an eye on legislative bill tracking to see if any laws dealing directly with the pest problem emerge.