How Bad Are Rats in New York City?
WouterRats are a nuisance that has plagued New York City for centuries. In an 1865 New York Times article, the author complained that “the rats of New York city would menace small dogs in broad daylight.” Now, in the year 2022, the rogue rodents are still harassing household pets, attacking pigeons, and even hospitalizing people through their urine. These pests can be found everywhere in the five boroughs, from subways to parks, and are always underfoot.
The most common type of rat found in the city is the Norway rat. These rodents live for around a year and can produce three to twelve litters a year. These creatures are tiny, and can squeeze through small gaps in buildings. Unlike mice, rats do not require a lot of food to survive. In fact, a single adult Norway rat can survive on less than an ounce of food a day.
New York City is still attempting to recover from a recent rat epidemic. The city’s rat problem may have mellowed a bit before the Covid-19 outbreak, but the rodents have come back in force in the aftermath. Infested areas are reporting higher numbers of sightings, and rat-infested areas have seen a dramatic spike in rat populations.
As the hospitality industry struggled to survive, outdoor dining became more popular, and rats scavenged outside more than ever before. Meanwhile, the Sanitation Department’s budget was cut, and illegal dumping in the city skyrocketed. The city has been trying to improve its sanitation system, but its rat population continues to grow.
