‘I love rats but we can’t live with them’: the headache of rising rodent populations around the world
Robert Corrigan has been dealing with the ‘smart’ rodents all his life – and believes there are better solutions to deal with the growing infestation in the world’s cities
TL;DR
- Climate change, specifically warmer winters, is leading to increased rat populations globally.
- Rats are intelligent mammals that can carry dangerous pathogens, posing a threat to human health.
- Traditional rat control methods like poisons are harmful to wildlife and humans, and less effective in the long term.
- Fertility controls and stricter public health regulations are emerging as more humane and sustainable solutions.
- Alberta, Canada, has achieved near-eradication of rats through a comprehensive, long-term public effort and legislation.
- Challenges remain in widespread adoption of new methods due to cost, practicality, and regulatory hurdles.