New York lawmakers are proposing rules to humanely drive down the population of rats and other rodents, eyeing contraception and a ban on glue traps as alternatives to poison or a slow, brutal death. Politicians have long come up with creative ways to battle the rodents, but some lawmakers are now proposing city and statewide measures to do more.
In New York City, the idea to distribute rat contraceptives got fresh attention in city government following the death of an escaped zoo owl found dead with rat poison in its system. A city ordinance is being proposed to establish a pilot program for controlling rats in subway stations and empty lots using birth control instead of lethal chemicals. The contraceptives, contained in salty, fatty pellets, target ovarian function in female rats and disrupt sperm cell production in males.
New York exterminators currently use snap and glue traps, poisons, and carbon monoxide gas to kill rats. Some are considering a statewide ban on glue boards due to concerns about ensnaring small animals. However, some pest management experts argue that sticky traps are useful for reducing overall pesticide use by targeting specific areas.
Advocates for more humane methods of rodent control emphasize the need to embrace common-sense approaches. They argue that killing rats is not a sustainable solution and that more ethical methods should be prioritized. Two cities in California have already banned glue traps, and a federal bill is under consideration to ban them nationwide.
New York City has a long history of struggling to control rat populations, with the current mayor even appointing a 'rat czar' to address the issue. While the war on rats continues, experts acknowledge the resilience and intelligence of these creatures, noting that eradication is unlikely but management is essential.
