NYC Mayor Adams to Host First National Urban Rat Summit, September 18-19, 2024

New York City is set to host its inaugural National Urban Rat Summit from September 18 to 19, bringing together top experts in rodent control to share strategies for reducing the city’s rat population. Organized in collaboration with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program at Cornell University, the summit will feature municipal pest control experts and researchers from across the U.S. and Canada, including representatives from Boston, New Orleans, and Seattle.

The summit comes as the city advances its integrated pest management (IPM) strategy, which includes citywide efforts to containerize garbage and reduce conditions that attract rats. Mayor Eric Adams, who spearheaded the event, said, “Our integrated pest management approach and our ‘Trash Revolution’ are making real progress in reducing rat sightings and improving the quality of life across the five boroughs.”

Key sessions will feature presentations from pest management experts like DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan and Dr. Matt Frye of Cornell University. Day one will focus on academic presentations and municipal experiences in rodent control, while day two will tackle the challenges of rat mitigation in various urban spaces such as parks, construction sites, sewers, and public housing.

“Rodent control is crucial to public health,” said Dr. Vasan. “Rats carry diseases and cause stress. We’re giving New Yorkers evidence-based strategies to combat the problem.” Kathy Corradi, the city’s Director of Rodent Mitigation, added, “This summit is a step forward in managing urban rat populations and will help us continue our efforts to make the city cleaner and safer.”

New York City has already seen a reduction in rat sightings following Mayor Adams’ push to containerize trash. DSNY Commissioner Jessica Tisch highlighted the progress, noting that 70% of the city’s trash will soon be in containers, reducing rats’ access to food. The city is also rolling out a new garbage truck to collect trash from high-density areas.

Additional participants include NYCHA Chief Lisa Bova-Hiatt, NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, and public health and pest management experts from various cities. The event will provide a platform for cities to exchange knowledge on sustainable rat mitigation practices and improve public health outcomes.

Through integrated efforts, including advanced rodent control technology and neighborhood inspections, New York City is making steady progress in reducing its rat population. Mayor Adams’ administration remains committed to creating a cleaner, healthier environment for all residents.