Many a midnight stroll around Manhattan has been ruined by the sight of a long-tailed rat scurrying across the sidewalk. Unfortunately, New Yorkers have more than just a creepy-crawly feeling to worry about — those rats have fleas that carry the bubonic plague virus and other serious illnesses.
Cornell and Columbia researchers have estimated that the average NYC rat carries around 4 fleas. Some rats walk around with dozens of the parasites attached to their coat and biting them.
Why rat fleas pose lethal risk to New Yorkers
These aren’t your dog’s fleas — the Oriental rat flea can do more than just bite and itch.
If a rat flea jumps from its rodent host and attaches to someone’s shoe or pant leg, the human being might soon get bit by the virus-carrying insect.
Even simple contact with rat hair or droppings (think about walking the city streets…) and people are at risk for exposure to a variety of diseases spread by bacteria and viruses.
Protect yourself from rats and fleas
Across the five boroughs and beyond, many locals consider rats part of the NYC scenery, but the dangerous risks make it highly important to protect and defend:
- Seal off all entry points
- Use tight-fitting lids for garbage
- Call a rodent control professional for infestations
Stern Environmental provides expert control methods for extermination, removal, and future prevention. Contact us immediately if your building has a rat problem.