Identify Pest: Got a Rat Problem? Get Rid of Rats
Get rid of rats in your home or business. A rat infestation is a serious problem–one of the most serious infestations you can have. It is important to get rid of rats immediately—and rat poison isn’t your only option.
Rats: History’s Champion Disease Vector
Rats have brought disease and misery to people since before civilization began. From the Black Death to today’s hantavirus (very, very rare in t he New York metro area), rats are a common vector for spreading bacteria, viruses, parasites and other pests, like fleas and ticks. Rats are filthy animals—they will swim through sewers and live in rotting trash, spreading contaminates wherever they go. Rats spread typhus, strep, meningitis and aggravate allergies. From their droppings to their breath, rats are veritable disease machines.
Rats and Property Damage
Rats can cause tens of thousands of dollars in property damage. They have been known to gnaw through PVC plumbing pipes, clog drains, undermine foundations, destroy structural support beams and to chew through wiring— all of which can cause water damage, building settling or collapse or even start a fire. Clearly, getting rid of a rat is a top priority.
New York Rats Are Legendary
Rats are famously common in New York City and famously big—but many people don’t realize that they are just as widespread in the suburbs of Long Island, Westchester and 
Rockland County. Most rats are about 13 to 18 inches long and weigh a half pound to a pound, although some have been known to reach the size of a cat and top out at thirteen pounds. Thankfully, these urban legend size rats are rare. Rats reproduce prolifically, giving birth three or more times a year to litters, ranging in size from six to twelve pups. They will eat nearly anything and seem to enjoy chewing through a PVC trash can as much as they do the trash inside it. Here is a checklist for places where you might find rats in and around your home or business.
Rats are covered in our effective and affordable Integrated Pest Management Annual Package KO-12 Program that provides you with pest protection throughout the year.
Get Professional Help with Rats
While some pests are relatively easy to get rid of, rats most definitely are not. A single method of dealing with rats is not likely to be successful. Rats are wily, adaptable and dangerous. They bite! Black rats and the very common Norway rat are resistant to many kinds of rat poison. If you have pets or young children, you may hurt them more than the rats. A professional rat exterminator like Knockout Pest Control will take a comprehensive approach involving traps, baits and chemical treatments. A professional is also expert at finding out how rats are getting in and closing off those avenues of infestation. You may also wish to explore a long term approach for keeping rats out. Once they have identified your structure as “home” they will keep trying to get in. It may take deterring several generations of rats before you have fully dealt with the problem.
Knockout Pest Control Can Knock Out Rats
Knockout Pest Control is your local expert at knocking out New York’s toughest rats–and we keep them down for the count. Every member of our team receives over 100 hours of classroom instruction and in-the-field training so you are guaranteed a knockout punch to your pest problem every time. We serve all of Long Island, New York City, and Westchester and Rockland Counties. Call 1-800-244-PEST or 1-800-244-7378 We respond like every pest problem is an emergency with fast, 24 hour service seven days a week. We don’t have the big red boxing glove in our logo for nothing!
Knockout is a proud member of the following trade organizations
IFMA
Founded in 1980, IFMA is the world's largest and most widely recognized international association for facility management professionals, supporting 24,000 members in 104 countries.
This diverse membership participates in focused component groups equipped to address their unique situations by region (133 chapters), industry (15 councils) and areas of interest (six communities). Together they manage more than 78 billion square feet of property and annually purchase more than US$526 billion in products and services.
BOMA
The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is a federation of 91 BOMA U.S. associations and 18 international affiliates. Founded in 1907, BOMA represents the owners and managers of all commercial property types including nearly 10.5 billion square feet of U.S. office space that supports 1.7 million jobs and contributes $234.9 billion to the U.S. GDP.
NPMA
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA), a non-profit organization with more than 7,000 members from around the world, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property. This commitment is reflected both in the continuing education of pest management professionals and the dissemination of timely information to homeowners and businesses.
NYPMA
The NYPMA is The Voice for pest management companies all throughout New York State. Becoming a member could be one of the best possible investments you’ll ever make for your business. Not only will you have the backing of the New York Pest Management Association behind your company, but you’ll also get listed locally within our directory. This is a big plus for consumers or businesses looking for a legitimate pest management provider they can trust.
CAI
CAI provides information, education and resources to the homeowner volunteers who govern communities and the professionals who support them. CAI members include association board members and other homeowner leaders, community managers, association management firms and other professionals who provide products and services to associations.
GreenPro
GreenPro, the world’s largest and most credible green certification program for pest management professionals, recognizes companies within our industry that are committed to providing commercial and residential customers with reduced risk, comprehensive, and effective pest control services.
Customer Reviews
AA++ in all respects. Contract treatments are effective (mice, termites & insects). Office staff informative but most of all, the field technicians are without exception, professional, personable and polite.
Rick T. Glen Cove, NY Read All ReviewsFirst time used it. Dealt with mice, bees and ants. Very good experience. The technician was patient and explains to me everything he did.
Chao C. Manhasset, NY Read All ReviewsWe have had a contract with Knockout Pest Control for 9 years. They have been highly responsive when we have needed them. It's worth the money.
Gina L. Long Beach, NY Read All ReviewsThe gentleman arrived on time was super nice took the time to explain the service which was provided and left in a timely manner. I will use again.
Dame F. Uniondale, NY Read All ReviewsI have been using Knockout Pest Control for almost one year now. They are consistently knowledgeable, on time, and overall provide excellent customer service. I appreciate the 30 minute advance call prior to a service visit immensely given our busy schedules. They will return until the issue is resolved or prophylactically as requested. I highly recommend this company.
Alexa K. Pelham, NY Read All Reviews