A New York City Exterminator Tells Us The Places He'd Never Live Near To Old Multi-Unit Buildings

New York City is a vibrant and diverse metropolis, but it also has its share of pests. Cockroaches, rats, and mice are common problems for many residents, especially in older buildings. We spoke to Larry Bernhardt, a professional exterminator from Top Notch Pest Control, who has been working in the city for 13 years. He shared his insights on the worst places to live in terms of pest infestation, and what to look out for when buying an apartment in New York City.

 

The Perils of Pre-War Buildings

According to Bernhardt, one of the places he would never want to live is next to old, multi-unit buildings, also known as pre-war buildings. These are buildings that were constructed before World War II, and they are often characterized by their architectural features, such as high ceilings, hardwood floors, and fireplaces. However, they also have many drawbacks when it comes to pest control.

 

"There's a bunch of holes in the buildings. They're not up-to-date regulation-wise. Old piping, stuff like that, will always cause pest problems, a bunch of places for the rodents and pests to hide," Bernhardt said.

 

He explained that these buildings are often connected by pipes, wires, and vents, which create pathways for pests to travel from one unit to another. Moreover, these buildings are usually poorly maintained and have inadequate sanitation, which attracts pests and provides them with food and shelter.

 

Bernhardt said that he has seen some horrifying cases of pest infestation in pre-war buildings, such as hundreds of roaches on the walls, mattresses, and furniture, and rats and mice gnawing on wires and pipes.

 

The Risks of Living Near Parks and Restaurants

Another place that Bernhardt would avoid living is next to parks and restaurants. He said that these places are sources of food and nesting grounds for pests, especially rodents.

 

"Next to a park because you don't know what's going on inside of the park with all the rodents. Rats tend to burrow, and if there's a bunch of ground that they can burrow into, they're gonna tend to nest there. Once they start looking for food, if there's not food ready for them, they're gonna make their way into buildings. Especially in the winter, they're looking for warmth. If your building is the closest to the park, you're gonna be the first place that they go," Bernhardt said.

 

He added that restaurants are also magnets for pests, as they produce a lot of waste and grease, which can attract and sustain pests. He said that he has seen roaches crawling out of drains and grease traps, and rats and mice hiding in dumpsters and storage areas.

 

Bernhardt said that living near parks and restaurants can also pose health risks for residents, as pests can carry and transmit diseases, such as salmonella, leptospirosis, and hantavirus.

 

The Best Floor to Live On

Bernhardt said that the best floor to live on in terms of pest prevention is the top floor. He said that pests generally start to go from ground up, especially rodents, so the lower floors are more vulnerable to pest invasion.

 

"The worst floor to live on would actually be the first floor. Pests generally start to go from ground up, especially rodents. So, you'll get your rat issues and your mouse issues from the ground up," Bernhardt said.

 

He said that living on the top floor can also help avoid other problems, such as water damage, mold, and noise.

 

How to Protect Yourself from Pests

Bernhardt said that there are some steps that residents can take to protect themselves from pests, such as:

• Inspect the apartment before moving in, and look for signs of pest activity, such as droppings, stains, holes, and chew marks.
• Seal any cracks, gaps, and holes in the walls, floors, and ceilings, and around pipes, wires, and vents, to prevent pests from entering and hiding.
• Keep the apartment clean and tidy and dispose of garbage regularly and properly. Store food in sealed containers and clean up any spills and crumbs. Avoid leaving dirty dishes and pet food out overnight.
• Use pest-proof containers, bags, and boxes to store clothes, books, and other items, and avoid cluttering the closets and cabinets.
• Report any pest problems to the management, and request for professional pest control services. Do not attempt to use traps on your own, as they can be harmful to your health and the environment.

 

New York City is a wonderful place to live, but it also has its challenges, especially when it comes to pest control. By being aware of the places that are more prone to pest infestation, and taking preventive measures to keep pests away, residents can enjoy their apartments and their city without worrying about unwanted guests.