New York City rat sightings drop 22 percent in early 2026
New York City recorded 22 percent fewer rat sightings in the first seven months of 2026 compared to the previous year, putting the city on track for its lowest reported sightings since the pandemic. The decline followed a campaign by former Mayor Eric Adams that included appointing a rat czar and requiring trash bins throughout the five boroughs to reduce waste left in plastic bags on streets.
The drop shows urban pest control programs can reduce rodent populations in major cities.
Source: Who’s winning New York City’s war on rats: rodents or trash bins? (theguardian.com). Spotted via Good Good Good.
Written by the HappyGood desk from the primary source linked above and checked against it. Every story links its source. Corrections: [email protected].