A Seaford block near the Long Island Rail Road is dealing with an unwelcome summer surge in furry visitors, as residents say rats are bolting across backyards, turning up around pools and even showing up in broad daylight. Families say they are keeping kids and pets inside, steering clear of garages and waiting for officials to step in, all while worries about safety and sanitation keep climbing.
Neighbors told reporters they have trapped dozens of rodents in recent weeks, with one resident estimating they had caught “at least 50.” Others described rats skittering around pool areas and near garage doors. Michelle Mofshin said she is “afraid to open up the garage door,” while Bart Dangelo said he keeps his young children out of the yard because of daytime sightings. The Nassau County Department of Health told News 12 it had received multiple complaints, would investigate and reminded residents that property owners are responsible for extermination.
What officials say
The Nassau County Department of Health handles residential rodent complaints through its Community Sanitation Program and offers step-by-step guidance for residents trying to cut down rat activity. According to the Nassau County Department of Health, residents are urged to seal exterior holes, remove food sources and standing water and make sure trash is secured in containers with tight-fitting lids.
The department notes that residents can call 516-227-9715 on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. for information or to file a complaint through the Community Sanitation Program. County guidance also lays out basic “exclusion” tactics and sanitation steps designed to make it less likely that rats return after an infestation has been treated.
Where the rats may be coming from
Pest technicians who spoke to reporters pointed to burrows near public parcels and along the LIRR right-of-way as potential breeding grounds, which can send rats spilling over into nearby yards and pool areas. That local assessment surfaced in earlier coverage by News 12, which also noted that town procurement records show the Town of Hempstead holds contracts for exterminating services and rat-bait monitoring on public sites.
According to those accounts, the town says it performs routine pest control on town-owned land and dispatched crews after residents raised alarms about the Seaford block.
What neighbors can do
Public-health officials and pest professionals say the first step is shutting rats out. That means sealing gaps in foundations and around pipes, securing garbage in closed containers, removing fallen fruit and avoiding leaving pet food outside. County guidance stresses that taking away food, water and shelter is key to long-term control.
Residents who continue to see rats despite basic cleanup and exclusion efforts are encouraged to contact the Community Sanitation Program at 516-227-9715 for next steps. In the meantime, neighbors on the affected block say they are hoping a coordinated response from the town and county will finally tip the balance back in their favor.
