Report: NYC rat sightings increase significantly

Recent data has revealed that rat sightings have increased by 70%, according to a report by Fox News.

Between January 1st through to September 30th of this year, over 21,500 calls regarding rats were placed to New York’s dedicated 311 number. New York’s 311 service is dedicated to non-emergency calls.

The number of rat sightings has increased by 18,601 from last year with 7,400 sightings happening in April alone.

Rat complaints initially increased last year, The New York Daily News reported. Many New Yorkers have blamed the increase in rats on an increase in outdoor dining structures which had been built to accommodate the city’s covid restrictions.

In August, Mayor Eric Adams announced ordered the complete demolition of the outdoor dining structures.

Despite the ban on indoor eating having been lifted some time ago, statistics show that the rat problem has gotten worse.

“These deserted dining sheds have become eyesores for neighbors and havens for rats, and we are going to tear them down,” he said. “And, with this initiative, we are also taking the essential step toward a permanent Open Restaurants program that all New Yorkers can be proud of every day. I want to say it loud and clear: Outdoor dining is here to stay.”

New York City Council members touted a five-point “rat action plan” to deal with the issue. This includes rat-proof trash cans. The plan would also look to establish “rat mitigation zones.” The council hope to rubber stamp this action plan this month.

In July, the Department of Sanitation requested that residents take out their trash later, with exceptions for refuse in cans or bins, WNBC reported. Mayor Adams added that padlocks should be put on trash cans.

According to The Rat and Mouse Club of America, rats can survive on only 60 calories of food per day.

In 2021, 13 people were taken to hospital as a result of leptospirosis, a condition which attacks the kidneys and liver. One of those people died.  Rats are known carriers of this disease.