New York City has come up with a new way to manage its rat problem—using birth control. Under a plan approved by the city's council, special traps with contraceptive pellets will be placed in rat-accessible areas. These pellets are designed to reduce the fertility of rats, helping to slow down their population growth. Starting next year, the city will implement this strategy to address the rat issue.

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<h2>How the pill works</h2>

The birth control product called Contrapest was developed by Senestech. It induces a form of menopause in females and reduces sperm production in males. Over time, repeated use can reduce the number of rats by up to 95%, according to the company. Unlike other methods, this one doesn’t harm the environment or other animals.

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<h2>Monitoring the traps</h2>

The containers will be checked every month to see how much of the pellets are being eaten by the rats. This will help them understand how well the plan is working and make adjustments if needed.

<h2>New York’s rat problem</h2>

New York City is known for having a big rat problem, with an estimated 3 million rats living in the city, according to pest control firm MMPC.&nbsp;The figure is based on a widely-quoted 2014 study by Jonathan Auerbach and his methodology.

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Despite many efforts to control the rats, they remain a common sight, even becoming a social media sensation. Last year, the city appointed its first-ever "rat czar" to help lead the fight against the rodents.

One famous moment in the city’s history was the "pizza rat" video, where a rat was seen dragging a slice of pizza down subway steps, showing just how deeply these creatures are woven into the fabric of New York City.

(With inputs from agencies)

New York City has come up with a new way to manage its rat problem—using birth control. Under a plan approved by the city's council, special traps with contraceptive pellets will be placed in rat-accessible areas.

New York City has come up with a new way to manage its rat problem—using birth control. Under a plan approved by the city's council, special traps with contraceptive pellets will be placed in rat-accessible areas. These pellets are designed to reduce the fertility of rats, helping to slow down their population growth. Starting next year, the city will implement this strategy to address the rat issue. Also read | Painting found by junk dealer turns out to be Picasso’s original portrait worth $6.5 million How the pill works The birth control product called Contrapest was developed by Senestech. It induces a form of menopause in females and reduces sperm production in males. Over time, repeated use can reduce the number of rats by up to 95%, according to the company. Unlike other methods, this one doesn’t harm the environment or other animals. Also read | India issues travel advisory regarding Iran; warns nationals to avoid 'non-essential' visit Monitoring the traps The containers will be checked every month to see how much of the pellets are being eaten by the rats. This will help them understand how well the plan is working and make adjustments if needed. New York’s rat problem New York City is known for having a big rat problem, with an estimated 3 million rats living in the city, according to pest control firm MMPC. The figure is based on a widely-quoted 2014 study by Jonathan Auerbach and his methodology. Also read | Walz vs Vance: US Vice Presidential debate memes take the internet by storm Despite many efforts to control the rats, they remain a common sight, even becoming a social media sensation. Last year, the city appointed its first-ever "rat czar" to help lead the fight against the rodents. One famous moment in the city’s history was the "pizza rat" video, where a rat was seen dragging a slice of pizza down subway steps, showing just how deeply these creatures are woven into the fabric of New York City. (With inputs from agencies)

New York to combat rat infestation in city with birth control pills

In Washington, the city's growing rat population has become a cause for concern. With warmer winters, a rising population, and the proliferation of outdoor dining areas after the Covid pandemic, the rat problem has been exacerbated. As a response, a group of residents has taken matters into their own hands by organizing weekly "ratting" expeditions.

<h2>How 'ratting' works&nbsp;</h2>

As per AFP, during these expeditions, a group of humans and their dogs go on a hunt for rats. The diverse group of participants includes individuals of different races, ages, and backgrounds, some of whom travel from neighbouring states to join in the ratting activities.&nbsp;

The group utilises various dog breeds, such as dachshunds, terriers, and sighthounds, which are adept at chasing and capturing rats.

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<h2>Why not just use rat poison?</h2>

As per the hunters, their dogs are more effective in controlling the rat population. The dogs quickly catch and kill the rats, quickly snapping their spines, preventing them from suffering prolonged agony.&nbsp;

"Primitive but effective," says one of the hunters, 75-year-old Teddy Moritz, aka 'Grandma Death'. "It's a good way to organically control rats," she adds.

Rat poison, in contrast, takes time to exterminate the vermin and can harm other species like such as hawks and owls in the process. Another way of pest control is 'snap traps' that can also take days to kill rats.

Talking to AFP, rodentologist Bobby Corrigan said that while scientific data validating the efficacy of ratting is limited, the use of dogs for pest control dates back centuries, particularly on farms.

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"There's no doubt about it — these days, dogs are making a resurgence in being used as a rat control tool," he said.

<h2>Washington's rat problem</h2>

The District of Columbia, as Washington was previously known, consistently makes the top five list of America's rattiest cities. According to local media reports, there was a significant increase in the number of calls to a city hotline for rat issues in 2022 compared to the previous year. The hotline received nearly 13,400 calls from concerned residents seeking assistance with rat-related problems. In comparison, last year they answered some 2,000 fewer calls.&nbsp;

Over the course of a three-hour expedition, the group achieves more than 30 rat kills, disposing of the bodies in trash cans. The participants emphasise the teamwork between humans and dogs, considering it an effective method of pest control that benefits the city.

<h2>Dogs, cats and humans</h2>

Dogs are not the only animals involved in tackling Washington's rat problem. Cats also play a role, primarily preying on mice.&nbsp;

The Human Rescue Alliance launched the "Blue Collar Cats" program in 2017, which matches stray cats with local businesses. The cats receive vaccines, shelter, a dedicated caretaker, and a reliable food source, and neutered to prevent breeding.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In Washington, the city's growing rat population has become a cause for concern. With warmer winters, a rising population, and the proliferation of outdoor dining areas after the Covid pandemic, the rat problem has been exacerbated.

In Washington, the city's growing rat population has become a cause for concern. With warmer winters, a rising population, and the proliferation of outdoor dining areas after the Covid pandemic, the rat problem has been exacerbated. As a response, a group of residents has taken matters into their own hands by organizing weekly "ratting" expeditions. How 'ratting' works As per AFP, during these expeditions, a group of humans and their dogs go on a hunt for rats. The diverse group of participants includes individuals of different races, ages, and backgrounds, some of whom travel from neighbouring states to join in the ratting activities. The group utilises various dog breeds, such as dachshunds, terriers, and sighthounds, which are adept at chasing and capturing rats. Also read | 33-year-old man falls 4,000 feet to his death from Grand Canyon's Skywalk Why not just use rat poison? As per the hunters, their dogs are more effective in controlling the rat population. The dogs quickly catch and kill the rats, quickly snapping their spines, preventing them from suffering prolonged agony. "Primitive but effective," says one of the hunters, 75-year-old Teddy Moritz, aka 'Grandma Death'. "It's a good way to organically control rats," she adds. Rat poison, in contrast, takes time to exterminate the vermin and can harm other species like such as hawks and owls in the process. Another way of pest control is 'snap traps' that can also take days to kill rats. Talking to AFP, rodentologist Bobby Corrigan said that while scientific data validating the efficacy of ratting is limited, the use of dogs for pest control dates back centuries, particularly on farms. Also read | Watch | US high school student denied diploma after she danced her heart out in graduation ceremony "There's no doubt about it — these days, dogs are making a resurgence in being used as a rat control tool," he said. Washington's rat problem The District of Columbia, as Washington was previously known, consistently makes the top five list of America's rattiest cities. According to local media reports, there was a significant increase in the number of calls to a city hotline for rat issues in 2022 compared to the previous year. The hotline received nearly 13,400 calls from concerned residents seeking assistance with rat-related problems. In comparison, last year they answered some 2,000 fewer calls. Over the course of a three-hour expedition, the group achieves more than 30 rat kills, disposing of the bodies in trash cans. The participants emphasise the teamwork between humans and dogs, considering it an effective method of pest control that benefits the city. Dogs, cats and humans Dogs are not the only animals involved in tackling Washington's rat problem. Cats also play a role, primarily preying on mice. The Human Rescue Alliance launched the "Blue Collar Cats" program in 2017, which matches stray cats with local businesses. The cats receive vaccines, shelter, a dedicated caretaker, and a reliable food source, and neutered to prevent breeding. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Primitive but effective': Washington turns to dogs and cats to help deal with rising rat problem

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