NYC's Temporary Rat-Killing Success Fails to Address Ongoing Problem

New York City's new rat-killing method, which involves pumping carbon monoxide into rat burrows, has successfully eliminated rats on a strip in the Upper East Side. However, experts warn that this method alone will not solve the city's rat problem in the long term. Addressing the underlying issues of access to food, garbage, and nesting places is crucial to prevent rats from returning. Additionally, the carbon monoxide method can only be used in well-ventilated outdoor areas, limiting its effectiveness in subway stations and sewers. A combination of strategies, including containment of garbage and a cultural shift in behavior, is needed to eradicate New York City's rat population.