New York lawmakers are proposing new rules to address the rat population issue in the city, focusing on humane methods such as contraception and a ban on glue traps. City Council Member Shaun Abreu introduced a proposal for a pilot program that would distribute rat contraceptives as a more ethical and humane alternative to lethal chemicals. The idea gained fresh attention following the death of an escaped zoo owl who was found dead with rat poison in his system. The contraceptive, called ContraPest, targets ovarian function in female rats and disrupts sperm cell production in males.
Currently, exterminators in New York use various methods to kill rats, including snap and glue traps, poisons, and carbon monoxide gas. Some professionals, like Rashad Edwards, opt for carbon monoxide as a more humane method, as it euthanizes the rats slowly by putting them to sleep and then killing them. However, some lawmakers in Albany are considering a statewide ban on glue traps due to concerns about the inhumane treatment of animals that can get caught on the sticky surface. Edwards, who also uses glue traps for other pests like ants, believes they are essential for reducing overall pesticide use.
The battle against rats in New York is a recurring issue that every generation has faced. Mayor Eric Adams appointed a “rat czar” last year to lead efforts in battling the rodent population. Recently, the city implemented measures to reduce the amount of food available to rats by mandating businesses to store trash in boxes. Despite ongoing efforts, the war on rats seems endless, with the recognition that rats can never be fully eradicated, only managed. Exterminator Edwards acknowledges the intelligence and resilience of rats, but emphasizes the need to control them effectively.
Some lawmakers in Albany are advocating for a ban on glue traps at the state level, following the lead of two cities in California that have already implemented similar bans. The federal level is also considering a bill that would ban glue traps nationwide, citing a more humane approach to managing rat populations. State Senator Jabari Brisport, who represents part of Brooklyn, sponsored the bill proposing the new guidelines and believes there are more effective and ethical ways to deal with rats. The focus is on embracing common sense and humane methods for controlling rodent populations in urban areas.
While the ongoing battle against rats continues in New York, the push for more ethical and humane methods is gaining traction among lawmakers and pest control professionals. With a recognition that traditional methods such as poisons and traps may not be the most effective or ethical approach, there is a shift towards exploring alternative solutions like contraception and bans on certain types of traps. The ultimate goal is to manage the rat population in a way that is both effective and compassionate, recognizing the role of these resilient creatures in urban environments while also prioritizing public health and safety.
