Investigations

Under the provisions of Suffolk County Sanitary Code Article 5, the Bureau of Public Health Protection responds to general nuisance complaints involving garbage storage, sanitary waste overflows, stagnant swimming pools and rodent infestations, as well as complaints regarding inadequate heating and discontinuance of utilities in rental properties.

Rodent Infestations

Prevention and elimination of rodents on residential properties is a community effort. It involves identifying and removing food sources and harborage conditions as well as conducting coordinated extermination efforts.

Rodent colonies must have food to survive. While vacant homes, overgrown properties and sumps may be unsightly, they are rarely the root cause of a rodent infestation. These types of properties do not typically have a persistent food source available to maintain a rodent population. This food source often can be found within the neighboring properties in the form of bird feeders, chicken coops, uncovered garbage and animal waste.

When requested, the Bureau will conduct an investigation to help determine the cause of a suspected rodent infestation. In order for a comprehensive investigation to take place, it is important that all property owners in the affected area allow Bureau staff access to their yards to determine the possible source of the problem.

Any conditions noted during the inspection that are conducive to the harborage or feeding of rodents will require corrective action. Should property owners fail to take corrective measures, the Bureau may proceed with enforcement action in the form of an Administrative Hearing and possible fines.

The Bureau does not provide extermination services.

As part of an investigation, property owners receive educational material that includes:

• Identifying rodents - How to tell the difference between a rat and mouse and how to differentiate them from other rodent-like animals.
• Signs of rodent activity - Identifying droppings, gnaw marks, rub marks, and runways.
• Food sources - Identifying food sources such as bird feeders, uncovered garbage (organic waste), chicken coops, fruit/nut trees, and dog waste. Eliminating these food sources is crucial to preventing/eliminating infestations. Extermination efforts can only go so far if there is still a persistent food source.
• Harborage conditions - Identifying where rodents like to burrow such as under wood piles, low lying decks, and outdoor storage sheds.
• Extermination - It is recommended to use a professional exterminator, but homeowners may conduct their own extermination efforts if they wish. Rodenticide bait stations are most effective though snap traps can also be used.
• Cleaning - Rodent droppings and rodent contaminated areas should always be cleaned using a bleach/water solution and should never be vacuumed or dry-swept. Homeowners should wear appropriate PPE when cleaning.

Additional guidance can be found in our Rodent Control Booklet and on the CDC website.

Stagnant Swimming Pools

During the warmer months, stagnant water provides a highly effective breeding area for mosquitos. The Bureau works closely with the Suffolk County Department of Public Works, Division of Vector Control to investigate complaints regarding stagnant swimming pools and other possible mosquito breeding areas.

Some helpful information on eliminating breeding areas on your property, and how to protect yourself from mosquito bites can be found here: Mosquito Prevention and Personal Protection.

Complaints regarding stagnant pools may be directed to either the Bureau of Public Health Protection at php@suffolkcountyny.gov or directly to Vector Control.

Garbage Storage

Article 5 requires garbage to be stored in containers with tightly fitting lids so as not to provide a food source for vermin. Garbage is defined as putrescible organic matter. The Bureau will investigate complaints of improperly stored garbage, but does not handle complaints about improperly stored or accumulated trash.

Discontinuance of Utilities or Inadequate Heat Supplied to Rental Properties

Landlords are required to provide tenants access to electricity, water and adequate heating. If you are experiencing loss of utilities, the first step is to contact your landlord to make them aware of the situation. It is also appropriate to give them adequate time to correct the issue. Property owners are allowed to take temporary measures to rectify the problem until a more permanent repair can be completed. This may include the use of a generator, space heaters or delivery of bottled water. If the property owner fails to respond in a timely manner, the Bureau will begin an investigation into the matter. When contacting the Bureau, it is important to have your landlord’s name and contact information available.

Heating

Any time between October 1st and May 31st when the outdoor temperature is below 55°F, the minimum temperature inside must be able to reach at least 68°F in all habitable space. If these conditions are not being met and you have not received a satisfactory response from the property owner, please contact the Bureau for assistance.

Loss of Utilities

If you are experiencing a loss of electricity or water service due to maintenance issues with the system or due to the property owner’s decision to discontinue service, please contact the Bureau for assistance. This applies only to a complete loss of either of these services. Provision of hot water is not required under Article 5, nor are cases where partial electricity is available within the residence.

Sanitary Waste Overflows

The Bureau will investigate complaints of sewage exposed to the atmosphere. If you are witnessing an active overflow, please call the Bureau for assistance. Please be aware that issues with internal plumbing and overflowing cesspools in single-family rental properties are the responsibility of both the landlord and the tenant.

Additional Information

Mold

The Bureau does not possess the ability to test for mold, nor does the Suffolk County Sanitary Code or New York State Sanitary Code make specific reference to mold. However, measures to control mold growth do exist. Mold growth requires moisture. Sources of moisture may include roof leaks, plumbing leaks, or groundwater infiltration. Correcting such deficiencies, providing adequate ventilation and cleaning existing mold growths in accordance with recommended guidelines is generally successful in eliminating the problem. Correction of those conditions allowing moisture accumulation and inadequate ventilation is the purview of local code enforcement officials pursuant to New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. More information regarding mold can be found on the EPA website.

Offensive Odors

Offensive odors do not fall under the provision of Article 5. The Bureau does not investigate odor complaints.

Contact Us

Contact the Bureau of Public Health Protection via email at php@suffolkcountyny.gov or by phone at 631-852-5999.

Our office is located at 360 Yaphank Ave, Suite 2A in Yaphank, NY 11980

The Bureau is not required to take anonymous complaints. Your personal information is kept confidential under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Law.