For the residents of Fort Lee living near the George Washington Bridge, it has been a rather disgusting new world – communities flooded with rats. This results in a lot of vehicular traffic and construction projects, so the conditions are ripe for rats and/or mice. Residents on Hudson Terrace, Main Street, and nearby tell of increased droppings, scratching noises, and gnaw marks on food items.
However, with Fort Lee’s population density at around 37,000 residents per square mile, the issue passes rapidly between neighboring residences and common areas. This is when the bridge-area rodent pest program must go professional with a reliable Fort Lee exterminator.
Why Does the George Washington Bridge See a Rise In Rodents?
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Heavy Traffic Creates Food Sources
GW Bridge traffic creates significant food waste. All these vehicles drive through, and rats find snack food, fast food packaging, and beverage containers that drivers toss out of their cars for easy meals. Because Fort Lee is right by the bridge, those food sources pile up in parking lots, underneath overpasses, and on the approach roads.
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Construction and Infrastructure Changes
Bridge maintenance and local construction projects have scarred the existing rodent habitat. With the disruption of their underground tunnels and nesting areas, rats and mice are moving to neighboring residential blocks for shelter.
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Warmth from Bridge Infrastructure
The massive concrete and steel structure of the George Washington Bridge traps heat, especially in cooler months.
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Increased Foot Traffic
People crossing the bridge will typically also have carried food items, meaning extra waste. The public walking paths along the Hudson River waterfront provide abundant feeding areas for the rats. Tourist activity and commuter traffic are added to the mix, multiplying available food sources.
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Proximity to Water Sources
Rodent populations are reliant on access to water, which the Hudson River provides. Within Fort Lee lies that narrow area between the river and the bridge, where a rodent can get food and drink in an easy run. This means more rodents than the average suburban neighborhood can support.
Rodent Sightings and Risks for Nearby Residents
The first signs of rodent activity in Fort Lee residents are usually found in basements, garages, and around kitchen appliances. You might also see small dark droppings along the walls, or hear scratching noises inside the walls during the night, or chew food packaging in the pantry.
Rodent infestations are a high health risk. Rats and mice excrete droppings, urine, and saliva that can carry more than 35 transmitted diseases. Hantavirus, Salmonella, and Leptospirosis represent significant hazards to Fort Lee families. Rodents can also contaminate food supplies, and their allergens can lead to asthma attacks.
Another reason to be worried is property damage. Rodents can chew through electrical wiring, which can lead to house fires. Additionally, they destroy insulation, wooden parts, and personal items.
Alliance Pest Services has also reported a greater number of service calls from Fort Lee residents, especially within a half-mile of the George Washington Bridge. However, they have always used their local knowledge, expertise, and experience to combat the issue and get rid of rodents permanently from the homes of hundreds of residents.
Prevention Tips for Bridge-Area Homes and Apartments
- Check for holes or cracks in your structure bigger than a quarter inch in your home.
- Ensure all foods are stored in sealed containers, clean up crumbs immediately, and keep garbage bins securely lidded.
- Repair dripping plumbing, clear standing stagnant water in toilets and from the basement, and keep gutters clear and drains clear on either side of the property;
- Trim bushes and trees away from the exterior of the house, pick up any fallen fruits, and mow the grass regularly to reduce hiding spots.
- Keeping items raised from the ground and disinfecting surfaces, regular vacuuming, and organizing storage areas to identify mouse activity quickly.
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