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NYC law targets construction sites as part of new rat abatement program | Dump Trucks Charlotte NC

The New York City Council passed the Rat Action Plan Thursday to address the notorious rodent infestation that continues to plague the city. Drew Angerer via Getty Images

Columbus Ohio Dump Truck Company Brief:

  • A new set of laws will go into effect next year that aim to curb one of New York City’s most notorious problems: rats. The regulations will have a direct impact on columbus oh dump truck company in the city.
  • The New York City Council passed the Rat Action Plan Thursday, a package of four bills that set new pest management standards. Among other measures, it will require applicants for certain construction columbus oh dump truck company permits in the city to certify that a licensed exterminator was retained to effectively treat the premises for rodent extermination.
  • The New York Building Congress supports the legislation to tackle the perennial problem. “Our members will continue to provide cleaner, safer — and eventually rat-free — jobsites,” said Carlo Scissura, NYBC president and CEO. “Assuring that is not only good for our undaunted workers, but New Yorkers in general.”

Dump Trucks Columbus OH Insight:

The new laws, which go into effect in April 2023, will affect both residential and commercial construction projects. Contractors will be required to pay for the cost of the exterminator service.

The new laws apply only to buildings that have been designated in rat mitigation zones for at least seven months.

During Thursday’s council meeting, Councilmember Erik Bottcher said that construction sites are contributors to the city’s notorious rodent woes.

“You’re digging up the ground, you’re unearthing stuff that’s there, creating places for rats to find harbor and shelter,” he said. “So, before you get your building permits, you’re going to have to hire an exterminator. It’s common sense.”

New York City ranked second, only behind Chicago, in cities with the most rat infestation treatments, according to a recent report from pest control columbus oh dump truck company Orkin. City residents have filed close to 36,000 rodent complaints so far in 2022, already more than the total number of complaints filed in 2019, according to city data.

Beyond construction, the plan focuses on keeping existing properties rat free. Buildings that receive two or more rodent-specific violations are required to use rodent-proof trash containers for at least two years.

It also requires the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to designate rat mitigation zones by no later than April 1, 2023, and to set times buildings must set out their garbage for collection. The department also will issue an annual report on the success of rat mitigation measures in those rat mitigation zones.

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