Efforts include hi-tech mapping tools to help sterilise the population and educating the public about not leaving food waste for the rodents
New York is waging a war on multiple fronts to combat the near-ubiquitous rats that plague city streets and the subways, leaving some residents afraid to let their children walk on pavements.
Faced with an overwhelming and ever-growing problem, officials have moved beyond gassing burrows to suffocate rodents and are now using hi-tech mapping tools to try and sterilise the population.
Alongside targeted interventions, officials are mounting an effort to educate the public about the need to avoid leaving behind food waste that feeds and sustains the rat population.
Caroline Bragdon, director of neighbourhood interventions for Pest Control Services within New York City’s Department of Health, said the lack of food “stresses” rats and other vermin.
