Overview of the Rat Campaign

Despite recent assertions from Mayor Eric Adams claiming victory in the fight against rats in Brooklyn, the reality remains that rodent issues persist across New York City. This was highlighted during a recent public engagement led by the city’s new Rat Czar, Kathleen Corradi, as she took to the streets of Lower Manhattan for a structured educational initiative referred to as a “rat walk.”

Meet the Rat Czar: Kathleen Corradi

Kathleen Corradi has taken on the critical role of coordinating New York City’s anti-rat efforts. During her recent “rat walk,” she introduced participants to a group of dedicated citizens, part of what she dubbed the New York City Rat Pack. Her aim is to overhaul public perceptions of rats and promote grassroots involvement in this initiative.

“We want New Yorkers, we need New Yorkers thinking about this in a different way and joining us in collective action,” stated Corradi.

Community Engagement Through Education

Corradi addresses how education is crucial for effective rat mitigation. The city’s new “rat walks” serve not only to inform the community about rats and their habits but also to illustrate how human activity contributes to the rat population. For example, she pointed out that discarded food waste, such as oil from a trash bag, can sustain rats for over a week.

She emphasized that simply exterminating rats is not a viable long-term solution; instead, changing public habits is essential. In areas like Columbus Park, she noted that rat-proof garbage cans only work when New Yorkers utilize them properly.

“People would open it up, stick a pizza box inside, no longer rat-proof,” Corradi remarked.

Progress in the Fight Against Rats

Despite the overarching challenges, Corradi remains optimistic about the progress being made in reducing rodent sightings within the city. She reported a decline in rat complaints and an increase in compliance with health department standards.

“More properties are passing health department inspections in 2025 than they were in 2020,” said Corradi.

Getting Involved: Join the Effort

For those looking to contribute to the anti-rat movement, the city of New York is organizing additional rat walks across the boroughs in designated rat mitigation zones. The objective is to dispel fears surrounding rats and empower citizens with knowledge on effective management strategies.