Source: The Guardian
Rat populations are surging in major cities globally due to rising temperatures, according to a study published in Science Advances. Researchers analyzed rat sightings and infestation reports from 16 cities, finding significant increases in 11, with Washington DC (390%), San Francisco (300%), Toronto (186%), and New York City (162%) seeing the most dramatic growth. Warming climates allow rats to breed year-round, particularly in cities with milder winters that previously acted as natural pest control.
Toronto, described as facing a “perfect rat storm,” has seen rat-related calls nearly double since 2019, driven by construction, flooding, and climate changes. Rats cause billions in property damage, spread over 60 diseases, and negatively impact urban biodiversity and human mental health. Cities like Tokyo and New Orleans, which have implemented cleanliness and educational campaigns, saw declines. Researchers emphasize urban design changes—like better waste management—over reactive removal efforts to combat this growing problem.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/31/rat-numbers-cities-climate-temperatures-rodents