Frigid Weather Brings Challenges for Both Humans and Rodents
This week’s freezing temperatures have forced many New Yorkers to bundle up and seek warmth indoors. But they aren’t the only ones feeling the chill—New York City’s infamous rat population is also struggling to survive.
With temperatures dropping as low as 20°F (-6°C) in recent days, the city’s rodent residents are being forced into hiding, which is providing a unique opportunity for officials to combat their population.
Cold Weather Slows Down Rat Activity
Unlike some other animals, New York’s Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) don’t hibernate during the winter. However, they do become less active when the cold persists, according to the city’s rat czar, Kathleen Corradi.
“It’s stressing out rats. It’s putting them in their burrows,” Corradi explained. “So we kind of get to double down now while the rats are ‘feeling the heat’ from this cold snap.”
Freezing temperatures are also limiting the rats’ food supply, as fewer people are outside to discard food scraps. Less food combined with the harsh conditions leads to more stressed, malnourished, and vulnerable rats, many of which may not survive the winter.
How the Cold Impacts the Rat Population
Rats that have already burrowed deep into subways, sewers, or building crawlspaces have a better chance of surviving, said Jason Munshi-South, an ecology professor at Drexel University who has researched New York City’s rats.
However, rats that haven’t secured a warm shelter may venture into unusual hiding places, such as:
- Car engine blocks, seeking warmth from residual heat
- Basements or crawlspaces, if buildings have open access points
- Sewer pipes and subway tunnels, where temperatures are slightly higher
Still, many weaker rats—particularly those that are already sick or malnourished—are likely to freeze to death in these conditions.
“Harsh winters like we are having so far will keep the rat population at a lower level if we have sustained cold, freezing periods,” Munshi-South said.
A Prime Opportunity for NYC’s Rat Control Efforts
With fewer rats out in the open and their breeding cycles slowed by the cold, city officials see this as the perfect time to intensify efforts to reduce their numbers.
Rats are known for their high reproduction rates, with females able to breed multiple times a year under the right conditions. Their populations are usually most active from spring through fall, making the winter months an ideal time for pest control strategies.
NYC’s Ongoing Battle Against Rats
New York City has long fought a war against its rat population, with various administrations introducing different tactics over the years. While there’s no official count of NYC’s rats, their presence is undeniable, with sightings reported in streets, subways, parks, and even restaurants.
The Adams Administration’s Anti-Rat Measures
Current Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat who has personally battled rat infestations in his Brooklyn home, has taken an aggressive stance against the city’s rodent problem. His administration has focused on:
- Creating the “Rat Czar” position – Appointing Kathleen Corradi as Director of Rodent Mitigation to oversee city-wide pest control efforts.
- Mandatory trash containerization – Instead of piling garbage bags on the curb, residents and businesses must use enclosed bins to reduce food sources for rats.
- Expanded extermination efforts – Increasing the city’s use of rodenticides and other pest control strategies.
Will the Cold Help NYC Win the Rat Battle?
While the winter chill is putting pressure on NYC’s rat population, it likely won’t eliminate them entirely. The rodents are highly adaptable and have survived in the city for centuries despite harsh conditions.
However, the combination of extreme cold and proactive city efforts may help reduce their numbers significantly—at least for now.
New York City’s ongoing war against rats has reached a critical moment as freezing temperatures drive the rodents into hiding. With food sources dwindling and many rats unable to survive the cold, city officials are taking advantage of the situation to double down on pest control efforts.
While winter may give New Yorkers a temporary break from the city’s rodent problem, the battle is far from over. As temperatures rise in the spring, the question remains: Will NYC’s efforts be enough to keep the rat population under control?
