Summer’s Unwelcome Guests: Rats

Several Huntington residents are complaining this summer that rats showing up on their property, in their basements, in their gardens, trees and around their vehicles.

Some residents provided photos of rats, dead or alive, on their property, while blaming a variety of reasons for what they believe is an increase in the rat population–construction, dislodging rat hiding spaces or lead to debris that creates new places to hide; the rain, which draws thirsty rats in search of water, and poorly disposed of garbage, with some people putting out their trash in plastic bags rather than secured garbage cans.

Complaints came from residents in Halesite, South Huntington, East Northport and other parts of town.  Several were concerned about putting down traps or poison, concerned for other animals, such as cats. Others posted unoriginal ideas and photos of disfavored politicians.

Exterminators had several ideas to keep rats away: Several suggested such tools  ammonia, mothballs, garlic, peppermint oil, lavender, crushed cayenne pepper, pepper spray, rosemary, sage or old peanut butter.

The town said it had not heard complaints about an increase in the rat population.  Residents can contact the code enforcement office online.

Rats On the Rise