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NEW YORK - The task at hand for producers of the History Channel’s “Modern Marvels” program was one not so difficult for New York City pest management professionals: find an account that clearly illustrates the everyday challenges of rodent control in NYC for an upcoming program on rats (see related story). Enter Bob Young, service manager of Terminix’s northeast division, and a veteran of New York City’s never-ending rodent battles, which includes providing rodent work at Ground Zero in the aftermath of 9/11.
Young had several accounts in mind for the segment and, after gaining permission, settled on a challenging warehouse/production facility. As is the case with most facilities that have rodent problems, sanitation needed to be addressed, but exclusion issues and clutter were the major culprits. “They say rats can enter through a hole the size of a quarter. There were openings you and I could fit through - problems like poorly fitted doors,” Young said. “So even if you captured and controlled some rats on the inside, they would just keep coming in. There also was a lot of dust, and clutter, especially from workers leaving behind food.”
Young used several rodent control products, including liquid rodenticides, but the majority of the work was done using mechanical devices to get a quick knockdown.
“We would catch maybe six rodents during the day, but they really came out at night,” Young recalls. “These were Norway rats and they were smart. Once they heard (machines and workers) stop, they knew it was safe to come out. I think (the TV cameramen) were able to get some good shots of the rats looking right at the camera and scurrying out, so I’m looking forward to the seeing the show.”
While filming the segment, Young was interviewed by a “Modern Marvels” producer and he gave his insights and perspective on rodent control. He thinks the final product will be a great educational program. “It was nice to see rodent work presented from our perspective,” he said. “I think it will open people’s eyes to the challenges we face everyday and give them a better understanding of the need to improve on sanitation and exclusion. I think it will be beneficial to our industry.”
The “Modern Marvels” program on rats is set to air on April 30 at 8:00 p.m. EST. NPMA Technical Director Greg Baumann also was featured throughout the show as one its rodent experts.