Are Rats Bad in NYC?

Rats are one of the most common pests in NYC. They are notorious for being quick to reproduce. One female rat can have as many as eight pups within five weeks. Since the 1700s, rats have been infesting the city’s parks, streets, and basements. Other species of rats tried to invade the city during the US trade with Africa, but failed to gain a foothold.

The City of New York has recently launched a $32 million anti-rat campaign that will target the worst infested areas. These areas include the Grand Concourse in the Bronx, Bushwick and Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn, and the East Village and Lower East Side.

The city’s rat problem has been a growing concern in recent years. Approximately two million rats now call the Big Apple their home. They thrive in sewers, streets, abandoned buildings, parks, subways, shoe stores, and restaurants. Even dog parks have been invaded by a rat population.