The blizzard and bitter cold has some of New York City’s smallest residents burrowing for warmth.
Could the harsh weather end up curbing the number of rats in the city?
Rats, like New Yorkers, are resilient, experts say
New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene told CBS News New York:
“Cold winter weather may reduce rat activity, but it does not eliminate the rats in New York City. Extreme cold can cause stress and slow reproduction leading to fewer surviving pups, but rats are highly adaptable. They can continue breeding if they have access to warmth and reliable food sources, including building interiors and improperly stored waste. That’s why the NYC Health Department responds to all 311 rat complaints year-round and conducts roughly 150,000 inspections annually. Our approach to pest management focuses on reducing food sources, improving waste containerization, and correcting structural conditions that allow rats to thrive.”…