New York has a rat map and it’s pretty F’n awesome!
Officially known as the Rat Information Portal (or more fittingly, the R.I.P.), the “NYC rat map” lets you visualize the insane amount of rats in New York City. Not only does it show you active “hot spots” across the City, but you’re actually able to zoom into each property and see individual inspections.
To no one’s surprise, rats are everywhere!
How To Use The Map?
If you’re eager to open the map, then here you go. It’s pretty straightforward and fairly easy to use. But before you do, there’s a few terms you might want to know first (because the map doesn’t exactly tell you the specifics).
Find other New York City tools here!
When you zoom in on properties and look at the legend, you’ll notice that the tool color codes properties by “rat inspection data.” Here’s what that means:
#1: Initial Inspection: This is an inspection made after a 311 call or a proactive inspection through the neighborhood indexing program.
#2: Active Rat Signs: “activity” is based off of 6 signs.
- Live rats
- Active runaways or rub marks
- Fresh Tracks
- Fresh gnawing marks
- Active burrows
- Fresh droppings
#3: Problem Conditions: This refers to areas where rats have “harborage” (such as dense vegetation or clutter) and “garbage” (we all know what that is).
#4: Compliance Inspection: This is a follow up inspection after failing the initial inspection.
#5: Baiting: Essentially attracting rats by applying rodenticide bait, or a health professional conducting a “monitoring visit.”
#6: Cleanup: When garbage or other rat attracting clutter is removed from a property by the New York City Health Department.
Other Information You Should Know About The NYC Rat Map
If you want to dig a little deeper, here’s some additional information about rats and the tool in NYC!
New York has a rat map Quick Start guide!
Find the rat map’s official terms and practices here.
Apparently, NYC rats are doing just fine despite 2020 restaurant closures!
Rat Indexing is a thing and it’s a way to address community hot spots.
NYC encourages a neighborhood response to the rat problem!
Yes indeed, there is a Rat Academy course you can take!
Rat information for tenants and property owners.
Find other New York City tools here!