New York City Rat Control Worries

MYFOXNY.COM - Budget cuts could mean more rats for New York City.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is slashing the number of pest control aides in an effort to save $1.5 million.  57 out of 84 full-time pest control aide positions will get the axe.

The cuts are part of the Health Department's efforts to meet a mandated 15 percent budget reduction to help close a $2 billion budget gap for the city.  The Health Department's Pest Control Services works with 19 other agencies to coordinate the city's response to rats in New York City

The Health Department claims that it will still be able to respond to situations needing immediate attention.

It issued a statement to Fox 5 News saying, "Rat conditions vary over and there are likely many lots that need cleaning but do not necessarily have ongoing significant rat problem. Reducing the number of lot cleaning teams will enable the program to more effectively target properties contributing to neighborhood rat infestation.."

The city says that complaints were down slightly in 2009. They say if your building has a rat problem and the landlord won't do anything about it, you should call 311 to complain.

The NYCDHMH website provides more information on how to prevent rat infestations as well as what to do if rats are present.

Just how bad is it in your community? Click HERE for the rat complaint tracker.