NYC rat reports plunge to lowest levels since pandemic under anti-rodent program

According to 311 data, New York City recorded roughly 9,900 rat-related calls in the first seven months of 2026, marking the first time the figure has dropped below the 10,000 threshold since 2020 and representing a 22% decrease from the comparable period in 2025. The trend aligns with anti-rodent initiatives launched under Eric Adams, who declared a “war on rats” in 2022 and emphasized a strategy focused on eliminating food sources.

Key actions include containerizing trash, with more than 70% of waste now required to be placed in sealed bins and a plan for complete sealing by 2031. The Empire Bins program, which installs large, sealed street trash containers, has been credited with significant drops in sightings in areas like Manhattan Community Board 8, where residents report far fewer rats. Local workers such as Susana Merlin and James Fuentes observed fewer nighttime disturbances and a cleaner streetscape. While the city celebrates the progress, officials acknowledge that some neighborhoods still need further investment.