Rising Temperatures Drive Urban Rat Population Surge
A new study links climate change to increasing rat infestations in cities, with warming winters extending breeding cycles and intensifying the problem.
- A study in Science Advances found rat sightings have significantly increased in 11 of 16 cities analyzed, with Washington, D.C., seeing a 390% rise over the past decade.
- Warmer winters, driven by climate change, allow rats to breed more frequently and forage for longer, accelerating population growth in urban areas.
- Urban heat islands, dense populations, and poor waste management further contribute to rodent proliferation, as rats thrive in human-built environments.
- Cities like Tokyo and New Orleans have reduced rat numbers through proactive strategies like public education and improved sanitation practices.
- Experts emphasize the need for preventative measures, such as securing food waste and reducing debris, rather than relying solely on rodenticide and reactive extermination.
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