Last year Buffalo Exterminators was interviewed by WKBW-TV (Channel 7) as part of a news investigation into a growing rat problem affecting neighborhoods in Niagara County. This rodent problem is more relvant today as ever.
The story, titled “They’re just disgusting”: Officials working to end rat problem in Niagara County, highlighted rising concerns from residents in Niagara Falls’ LaSalle neighborhood and nearby areas, where reports of rats entering garages, getting into garbage, and spreading rapidly had sparked widespread frustration — and legitimate health concerns.
A Community-Level Rodent Problem
According to the WKBW report, residents described:
- Rats running through neighborhoods
- Rodents digging into garages
- Garbage cans are being torn apart overnight
- Growing fears about disease spread and property damage
Videos shared on social media showed just how visible the problem had become, prompting community meetings and involvement from local officials.
Niagara County legislators and city officials emphasized that rat infestations are rarely caused by a single home — they spread when conditions allow them to thrive across an entire neighborhood.
What Attracts Rats to Residential Areas?
During the segment, officials and experts pointed out that rats are primarily drawn by:
- Unsecured garbage
- Food stored in basements or garages
- Cluttered yards or properties
- Structural gaps around foundations
Residents were encouraged to report problem properties to code enforcement and work together to reduce attractants.
But once rats establish themselves, cleanup alone is often not enough.
Signs a Rat Has Entered Your Home
WKBW spoke directly with two experts from Buffalo Exterminators, who explained how homeowners can tell if rats have made their way inside.
Key warning signs include:
- Droppings (the most common indicator)
- Chew marks on wood, wiring, or stored items
- Noises in walls or ceilings
- Holes or gaps around foundations and entry points
Basements are especially vulnerable, as many people store food, pet supplies, or clutter that rats can access easily.
How Professionals Handle Rat Infestations
During the interview, Buffalo Exterminators demonstrated how professionals approach rat control — which goes far beyond setting a single trap.
Their process includes:
- Walking the entire perimeter of the home
- Identifying entry holes and burrows
- Locating interior access points, especially in basements
- Using the proper combination of traps, baiting, and exclusion
- Educating homeowners on prevention moving forward
The segment even included a hands-on demonstration showing how traps are set correctly — a detail many homeowners underestimate.
Why Rat Problems Worsen Without Professional Help
Rats are highly adaptable and reproduce quickly. When infestations aren’t addressed properly:
- Colonies expand
- Property damage increases
- Health risks grow
- DIY efforts often fail or prolong the issue
That’s why large-scale neighborhood rat problems, like those seen in Niagara County, almost always require experienced pest control professionals working alongside community efforts.
Watch the WKBW Channel 7 Story
“They’re just disgusting”: Officials working to end rat problem in Niagara County
Local Experts When It Matters Most
Buffalo Exterminators is a locally owned and operated pest control company serving Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and surrounding communities. Their appearance on WKBW Channel 7 reflects what many Western New York homeowners already know: when rodent problems escalate, local experience matters.
If you’re seeing signs of rats — or want to prevent them before they become a neighborhood issue — professional guidance can make all the difference.
Call: 716-800-BUGS
Visit: buffaloexterminators.com
