Rats In Essex County: Hot Summer May Cause Rodent Surge, Experts Say

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — New Jersey residents have had to grapple with heatwaves this summer, and while these extreme weather patterns have obvious consequences – such as water shortages and increased wildfire risk – there is another frustration that hot weather may bring, experts say.

Rats.

Throughout the Garden State, including Essex County, cities and towns have been grappling with a rise in rodent activity after hot summers. It isn’t a new problem: rodent issues have been reported in West Orange, Bloomfield, Newark, Nutley and South Orange-Maplewood – among other places.

“As the weather warms up and we start to spend more of our time outside we may encounter wildlife that may have otherwise gone unnoticed, including rats,” the Montclair Health Department says.

Other experts agree.

“The summer heatwaves we’ve experienced have created the perfect storm for a surge in rodent activity,” said Zachary Smith of Smith’s Pest Management.

“When the environment becomes too hostile for rodents in the wild, they turn to our homes for food and shelter,” Smith said. “Unfortunately, that means an invasion is likely.”

Summertime droughts are one big factor, Smith explained:

“When droughts hit, the landscape undergoes significant changes. Vegetation withers, water sources dry up, and ecosystems become stressed. These conditions drive rodents to seek out new environments where they can find the resources they need to survive — namely, food and water. Your home, with its reliable water supply and food sources, becomes an attractive target … In times of scarcity, they will invade homes, garages, and outbuildings, searching for sustenance. The lack of natural food sources and diminishing populations of predators, such as birds of prey, exacerbate the problem, allowing rodent populations to grow unchecked.”

The weather isn’t the only factor when it comes to rodent activity, town officials throughout Essex County say.

According to the Bloomfield Health Department, in addition to “repeated mild winters,” other factors that can lead to increases in rodent activity include “aging infrastructure and redevelopment” and “improper trash and waste management practices.”

• See Related: Rats, Rodents In Bloomfield: Health Department Has Tips For Residents

There are several steps that residents and businesses can take to help control the rodent population, according to the West Orange Health Department. They include:

1. Store garbage in airtight, fly-proof containers such as heavy-duty garbage bags or covered containers.
2. Do not feed birds so that food or bird seed is placed on the ground. Use bird feeders and sweep up fallen seeds.
3. Do not leave pet food outside. Rodents like pet food as much as dogs and cats.
4. Remove fruit that has fallen from trees as soon as possible and place it in suitable containers.
5. Seal openings in homes or businesses by installing door sweeps, and repairing basement and attic windows and holes or cracks in foundations.
6. Do not accumulate debris such as tires, pipes, or building materials to prevent rodent harborage.
7. Do not allow water to collect in receptacles such as tires or old cans.
8. Keep weeds and shrubbery trimmed.
9. Exterminate when needed.

“The combination of heatwaves and drought is likely to lead to a rise in rodent activity across the country,” Smith said. “By taking proactive steps now, you can reduce the risk of an infestation and protect your home.”

• See Related: Nutley Battles Rats After ‘Perfect Storm’ Of Weather, Construction
• See Related: SOMA School District Gets Letter About ‘Mice In Buildings’
• See Related: ‘Rodent-Proof’ Trash Bins Debut In Newark; City Launches Pilot Program

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