This summer, it’s not just tourists that are taking over New York City’s sidewalks.
When people think of the city’s rats, they often envision rather large creatures darting through alleys or crashing through basements, much like in that animated film. And, well, they’re spot on.
A recent excursion with seasoned exterminator Fabio Ulloa revealed that we didn’t encounter a single rat, which was perhaps sheer luck.
Still, the absence of visible rodents didn’t mean they weren’t lurking around somewhere. What we found were tiny cracks in walls that they slip through, poisons set to drive them out, and ongoing battles between the city’s residents and these tenacious pests—all strong indicators of the rat presence.
“You have to seal those holes. If you just slap a stone over it, the rats will simply gnaw through. It’s easier than you’d think,” Ulloa pointed out, highlighting a fissure in a laundromat’s pipes in the Bronx. “They can chew through rock like it’s cardboard.”
After spending a hot summer day with Ulloa, who has dedicated 25 years to fighting this urban menace, we gained insight into why rats seem to flourish in the city, how to identify signs of an infestation, and what steps New Yorkers can take to keep these uninvited guests at bay.
Welcome to the Summer of Mice
Experts suggest that these little invaders become exceptionally active during the warmer months.
“As the season kicks off, it’s essentially rat hurricane season,” shared Gil Bloom, president of Standard Pest Management, an NYC extermination service. He noted that rodent activities ramp up as summer approaches.
This uptick in rodent-related complaints—up by 311—has a straightforward explanation. Rats thrive in warm conditions, particularly when there’s food, and with people spending more time outside, they’re more likely to notice them. But, Bloom humorously pointed out that many reports might just be about the same rats going in and out.
The Rat Dilemma
Opinions vary on whether New Yorkers are dealing with more aggressive rats these days. By June 28, there had been 7,960 reports of rat sightings through the city’s 311 hotline—down over 24% from last year’s 10,492 during the same time frame.
Bloom indicated that while things are better than during the post-pandemic surge, the city still doesn’t feel as filled as it did back in 2017 or 2019.
Different areas have different experiences. From 2023 to 2024, reports of rat disturbances dipped in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island; however, Queens and the Bronx saw increases, with Jamaica Hills experiencing a 119% rise.
Hard to Eliminate
These resilient creatures pose a continuing challenge. Ulloa recounted a job in Brooklyn where rats swam through sewer pipes, eventually chewing through multiple floors.
A Post reporter remembers an incident several years back when a rat managed to infiltrate a seemingly secure metal shed, scattering droppings and tearing open sealed packages in search of forgotten food. Bloom theorized it likely found an entry point from above.
Ongoing construction in the city provides rats with additional opportunities. “We’re putting in pipes and materials, and with all the workers on site eating meals, the garbage disposal isn’t always well managed,” Bloom explained.
This is significant, considering the estimated 3 million rats in the metropolis—about three for every person.
Unfortunately, using poison isn’t always effective. Ulloa said these clever creatures have adapted to avoid baits they recognize, leading exterminators to frequently switch their methods, including bait types and placement.
“If your exterminator always uses the same products, you’re not likely to succeed in getting rid of them,” Ulloa warned. He showed us a bait that resembled a bright pink treat, which was actually laced with a strong anticoagulant, causing the rodent to bleed out.
Because of the potential risks to pets and children, these poisons must be used in tamper-proof stations.
“If a dog eats this, well, we’re going to be buying a new pet,” he cautioned. “And you have to be careful with cats and kids too.”
Researchers have noted that NYC rats may have developed resistance to various rodenticides, creating further complications.
Health Risks
The dangers extend well beyond just the presence of these rodents. Rats are carriers of over 35 diseases. They can cause significant health issues and property damage.
Ulloa remembered an incident in a Queens apartment where rats chewed through wiring behind an electric stove, exposing live wires, which could have led to a fire.
He shared a striking image of a rat that met its end after chewing through a cable connected to a circuit breaker in Manhattan, ending up severely electrocuted.
Combating Rodents
So, what’s the best way to avoid disasters? Start by eliminating the food supply.
The city’s rat control plan, initiated by former rat czar Kathleen Corradi and continued under the current leadership, emphasizes reducing litter through initiatives like rat-proof containers and new rules requiring sealed trash bins for residents.
“Three years back, there were no mandates for trash containment,” Vincent Gragnani, a spokesperson for the Department of Sanitation, noted. “Garbage bags would just pile up on the streets.”
Presently, over 70% of the city’s waste, including all food scraps, must be kept in sealed containers, and adjustments to collection times are designed to further deter rats.
Officials believe these actions are playing a role in the recent drop in rat sightings.
Civic Engagement
Luckily, the public can also contribute to this effort. Bloom suggests residents look for signs like droppings and “scrape marks,” which indicate frequent rodent activity in a specific area.
Above all, cutting off their food source is crucial. “When rats become apparent, you need to figure out what they are eating,” he said. “Identify and eliminate that food supply.”
Ulloa shared an instance where leaving pet food outside attracted rats.
“I’ve seen people set out cat food in lots only to leave it all day,” he said. “And guess who’s having a feast?”
Fortunately, city rodent control initiatives have expanded public education programs, including one by the Department of Health that shares effective preventive techniques and even engages the community with hands-on projects.
Despite increasingly sophisticated measures and a decline in rat sightings, experts maintain that rats will likely always be a part of life in New York City.
“Rats are fiercely protective of their territories,” Bloom emphasizes. “They’re not going anywhere.”
