New York City Mayor Eric Adams is building a team called the “NYC Rat Pack” to address the increasing rat problem in the city. This team consists of volunteers who will be responsible for educating the public, participating in activities, and taking various actions related to rat control.
Members will receive specialized training, attend a two-hour course at the “Rodent Academy” organized by the Department of Sanitation, learning how to protect communities from rat infestations. After completing the course, they will participate in actual rat control activities.
Mayor Adams’ goal is to make New York City the “least rat-friendly” city in the United States. To achieve this, the city government is inviting community groups and individuals to join this initiative, collaborating with Kathy Corradi, known as the “Rodent Control Czar.” Volunteers will participate in patrols, learn to identify rat breeding grounds and control methods, and be equipped with necessary tools such as shovels and wood chips to manage rat habitats.
Mayor Adams also emphasizes a series of preventive measures, including cleaning up garbage and debris, using sturdy rat-proof trash containers, maintaining the environment around properties, and repairing cracks and holes that could serve as rat pathways. In addition, the city government encourages not feeding wild animals in public places to reduce food sources that attract rats.
The Department of Sanitation advises New Yorkers to follow the following steps to reduce the number of rats: clean up all garbage and debris, avoid providing hiding places for rats; store garbage in hard plastic, rat-proof containers and ensure lids are tightly closed; keep landscape areas around properties free of tall weeds and trim low shrubs; inspect buildings and foundations for cracks or holes and repair them; dispose of garbage in trash bins in public places, and do not feed birds or other wildlife.
Mayor Adams urges citizens to join the “Rat Pack” and participate in the Rodent Academy courses and volunteer activities. Those interested can visit nyc.gov/service and search for “Rat Pack.”
Nicole Wong, head of the New York Parenting Support Association, said that the rat problem in Sunset Park is severe, partly because residents casually discard food and feed pigeons after weekend gatherings. She pointed out that feeding pigeons indirectly feeds rats, as food residues attract rats. Despite multiple promotional campaigns, many residents are still unaware of the severity of the problem. Some people also leave household garbage on the streets on Eighth Avenue, leading to the discovery that “rats are now bigger than ever” when cleaning Eighth Avenue and surrounding parks regularly. Wong encourages everyone to understand and support the “Rat Pack” initiative, working together to protect New York City.