How Many Rats Live in New York City?
WouterThere are no reliable statistics on how many rats live in New York City, but there are a few things you can look for. The number of reported sightings of rats in the city has increased in recent years, but the number did not increase in 2014. In fact, in the latest fiscal year, the number of initial health inspections for “active rat signs” almost doubled. Rats carry diseases like leptospirosis, which can infect humans.
Rats have always had a prominent place in New York society. As far back as 1865, a New York Times article complained about the city’s “unenviable reputation for rats” and how these creatures would menace small dogs in broad daylight. Today, rats continue to harass household pets, engage in cannibalism, attack pigeons, and contaminate food. These rats are also ravaging public housing complexes throughout the five boroughs, making them a serious threat to human health. In New York City, rat populations are everywhere: in the subway, in the walls, and underfoot.
Rat populations in New York City are increasing despite measures taken to control them. Rat control professionals say the population of rats in New York City will continue to rise as temperatures rise. This is due to a decline in the city’s Sanitation Department budget, and increased dumping. Moreover, construction has increased the number of rats in New York City, causing them to scavenge for food outside of their homes.
