NYC Rodent Hotspot: 8 Million New Yorkers vs. 3 Million Rats

Here’s How JP McHale Is Fighting Back

Yelp’s latest report ranked New York City #3 among the Top 20 U.S. Rodent Hotspots, a ranking that won’t surprise anyone following the  New York Post’s Exclusive Report on Central Park Playgrounds Overrun by “brazen rats who even raid baby carriages. 

ABC News has also reported that there are 3 million rats vs. 8 million New Yorkers; 1 rat for every 3 people. 

To date, the citywide Health Department has received approximately 40,000 rodent complaints since the start of 2025. For NYC residents, landlords, and business owners, rodents are more than an annoyance. They pose health risks, reputational vulnerability, structural damage, and ongoing operational expenses. JP McHale Pest Management has been working to address this issue using science-based solutions to suppress rodent populations in New York City and throughout Long Island, Westchester, Rockland, the Hudson Valley, and Connecticut. 

 Why NYC Struggles with Rodents

●       Abundant food sources – Overflowing trash bags and street-level waste provide constant access to food.

●       Warmer winters – Studies show cities like NYC with milder winters and climate shifts help rodents survive longer.

●       Longstanding populations – Decades of infestations have created resilient colonies across the city.

Why Acting Now Matters

Rodent infestations can lead to:

●       Health risks like leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonella.

●       Costly property damage from gnawed wiring and insulation.

●       Reputation and compliance issues for commercial clients.

How JP McHale Is Protecting NYC

Serving over 5,000 NYC homes and businesses, JP McHale combines local expertise with cutting-edge technology to keep properties rodent-free:

●       SMART Rodent Control – 24/7 digital monitoring and data-driven prevention for homes and commercial spaces.

●       Science-based solutions – Integrated programs combining exclusion, monitoring, and eco-conscious treatments.

●       Year-round protection – Preventive Home Pest Protection Plans that adapt to seasonal pest behavior.

●       Local knowledge – Our technicians are New Yorkers, so they understand the city’s unique architecture, from brownstones to high-rises, ensuring no entry point goes unchecked.

Rodent Prevention Tips Every New Yorker Should Know 

For Residents

●       Mind the small spaces – Mice can squeeze through gaps as narrow as a pencil. Seal cracks around radiators, under sinks, and behind appliances.

●       Follow the city’s waste rules – In line with NYC’s new containerization law, use hard-lidded bins instead of leaving trash bags on the sidewalk.

●       Don’t feed the pests – Avoid leaving pet food out overnight or crumbs near heat sources.

●       Report quickly – Notify your superintendent or management at the first sign of droppings or gnawing. Early reporting prevents building-wide spread.

 For Landlords and Property Managers

●       Inspect shared spaces often – Boiler rooms, laundry areas, and trash storage are prime harborage zones.

●       Coordinate waste storage – Ensure bins are sealed and stored off the sidewalk until pickup times.

●       Seal up entryways – Use metal flashing or concrete for holes around pipes, vents, and foundation gaps.

●       Partner with professionals – Routine monitoring ensures your building remains compliant and your tenants are safe.

For Business and Restaurant Owners

●       Manage waste daily – Clean grease traps, mop under shelving, and secure dumpsters.

●       Store smart – Keep dry goods in sealed containers at least 6 inches off the floor.

●       Stay compliant – Health inspections are stricter than ever, and proactive pest control protects your reputation.

From Brooklyn brownstones to Midtown high-rise apartments and offices, JP McHale’s SMART technology and expert technicians deliver 24/7 monitoring and lasting rodent control. 

For more information, call (833) 425-2947 or email sales@nopests.com.