Thread

1. rdwallis · 1790410370 · focus · HN ↗

   The article lists climate change as the cause of the rise in rat populations in major cities but wouldn't cat neutering and spaying campaigns have a more direct impact? The huge reduction in feral cats over the last few decades seems a more likely direct cause, not just in how big the rat population is but also in the visibility of the rats in major cities. Rats don't have to hide as much if there are fewer cats around.

   1. crote · 1790414925 · focus · HN ↗

      I doubt it. There are plenty of cities without significant feral cat populations without rat problems.

      In my part of the world cats are a rare sight on the streets, and virtually all of them wear a collar so they aren't feral. Meanwhile I can't recall ever having seen a rat, and according to the local statistics almost all rat extermination happens at farms.

      Don't want rats in your city? Don't leave trash lying around in places easily-accessible to rats.

      1. phoronixrly · 1790416536 · focus · HN ↗

         Agreed from my observations as well. Animals like rats, pidgeons, gulls need food. In urban environments this means trash. Live in a society that keeps its environment free of trash (including properly kept landfills) and pests will be significantly less.
      2. expedition32 · 1790438538 · focus · HN ↗

         There are always rats you just can't see them. Rats are intelligent creatures they know that humans go crazy.

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