NEW YORK — When we talk about rodent problems in New York City, there’s probably one specific critter that comes to mind, but in Glen Oaks, Queens, rats aren’t the problem.
Residents say squirrels are wreaking havoc on cars.
“I have not seen any rats here, I’ve only seen squirrels”
Glen Oaks resident Mary Bernstein relies on her car for commutes. But lately, turning on the ignition brings a sense of dread.
“I’m in trepidation thinking that maybe the squirrels got in it,” she said.
She says tiny trespassers, sneaking under the hood and gnawing on cables, have put her car out of commission twice this year, leaving her to get towed to the dealership.
All rodents gnaw to shorten their teeth, which grow continuously. In Bernstein’s leafy neighborhood, she has no doubt who the culprit is.
“I have not seen any rats here,” she said. “I’ve only seen squirrels.”
While insurance has covered her costs so far, she worries about neighbors facing the same problem. One post in a Glen Oaks Facebook group cited $4,000 worth of chewing damage.