Millions of rats spreading parasites and diseases are roaming every corner of New York City.
Trash cans provide an easy food source for rats in New York. (Photo: BI)
Earlier this year, New York Mayor Eric Adams appointed the city’s first “rat czar” to oversee efforts to combat the rampant rat population. In this role, former teacher Kathleen Corradi has been tasked with reducing the number of rats in New York by any means necessary. This decision came after residents reported nearly 3.2 million sightings of rats through the city’s 311 hotline. Rats in New York are so prevalent that tourists often spot them while strolling around, according to Business Insider.
In the past, New York focused on measures to manage the rat population, including traps and poison to prevent their proliferation. Scientists even developed a contraceptive bait, according to Jason Munshi-South, a biology professor at Fordham University. However, this method proved too costly and ineffective in practice.
Despite years of attempts to eradicate these creatures that can transmit parasites and diseases, rats continue to frequently appear in subway stations, trash cans, or scurrying down streets in search of food. According to Munshi-South and other experts, including urban rodent researcher Michael Parsons also at Fordham University, the enablers of the rat infestation in the city are the men and women with poor habits. He emphasized that Corradi needs to shift to scientifically-based measures instead of relying on unverified methods like composting to reduce the rat population. Authorities must understand rat biology, conduct clean-ups during the day when rats are less active, and develop a more effective waste management system across the city.
“For rats to disappear, everyone in the city, including restaurants, schools, and grocery stores, must be ready to address the underlying issue of excess food</em," Munshi-South stressed. “New Yorkers waste about 2.9 million kilograms of food every day, equivalent to 0.5 kilograms per person. To reduce the rat population, New York’s habits of dining out and takeout need to change.”
With a population of over 8 million people, a 2022 survey estimated that around 2 million rats are living in the city.
