How Bad Are the Rats in New York City?
Rats in New York City are a serious public health issue. They are a common cause of many human infections. Rats carry leptospirosis, a disease that attacks the liver and kidneys. Last year, at least 13 people were hospitalized for the disease. Since 2010, sightings of rats have increased by 70 percent.
Scientists have studied rat behavior and have concluded that their population has increased and moved. They have also discovered that a recent pandemic has resulted in a large increase in rats. This is attributed to the outdoor dining structures that were built in response to the pandemic. These structures are designed to keep restaurants in business during the epidemic. The city’s former mayor, Bill de Blasio, has made this emergency program permanent.
Rats are a big problem in New York City, and residents of neighborhoods like Bed-Stuy are afraid to leave their homes because of rat infestations. Some residents are even concerned that the proposed Open Street project along Lewis Avenue will worsen the problem. As a result, 38 complaints have been made to the city’s 311 service since the pandemic began. Rats are especially prevalent in areas where construction is underway, because the construction drives rats outside.
There are many ways to control the population of rats in New York City. One method is to seal trash bins, which can prevent rats from gaining access to garbage cans. But in the meantime, rat bites are common in New York.