How Bad Are Rats in New York City?
WouterRats in New York City have multiplied and spread across the city. New Yorkers believe that there are more rats than ever before. This can be partly attributed to the recent reactivation of the construction industry, which deprives entire rat populations of shelter. However, this is not the end of the rat problem in New York.
The city has been fighting the problem of rats for centuries. The current mayor, Bill de Blasio, has pledged $32 million to tackle the problem. His efforts have seen workers lay more poison and traps to get rid of the rodents. The sanitation department has also been using dry ice to blast the rats’ nests. Some building owners have been fined for not cleaning up their garbage and rat waste. One rat was even swallowed by a heron in Central Park.
New Yorkers reported more than 15,000 sightings of rats this year compared to just 12,000 in 2014. The city’s 311 hotline saw an increase in rat sightings by 60 percent in the first four months of 2019. However, experts say that New York City still has a long way to go to eliminate the rat problem.
The rats in New York City are carrying a range of pathogens that can be harmful to humans. They are responsible for serious illnesses including food poisoning and fevers. These pests also carry lice and mites that can cause allergies. Some people can even develop allergies to rodent feces and urine.
