The Big Apple's Big Secret: How Many Rodents Rule the Concrete Jungle?
Ah, New York City. City of dreams, towering skyscrapers, and... well, let's face it, a whole lotta rats. These furry little (okay, not so little) residents are as iconic to the city as yellow cabs and Broadway shows. But just how many of these sewer surfers are sharing the concrete jungle with us? Buckle up, because this is where things get fuzzy (not literally, please keep your snacks away from the rats).
The Great Rat Race: Estimating the Uncountable
For years, the number of rats in NYC has been a mystery shrouded in pizza crusts and discarded hot dog buns. Urban legends claim there are five rats for every human, but is that just a tall tale spun by jittery New Yorkers? Not quite.
In 2014, a brave soul named Dr. Johnny Auerbach (the Indiana Jones of rat statistics?) took a stab at counting the critters. Using fancy math and a whole lot of reported rat sightings, he estimated there were around 2 million rats in the city. That's enough to fill Yankee Stadium... twice... with wriggling whiskers.
But wait, there's more! A recent study (because let's face it, who can resist counting NYC rats?) suggests the population has ballooned to a whopping 3 million. That's nearly a third of the human population! So, the next time you're feeling lonely on the subway, just remember, you've probably got a couple of furry friends sharing your commute (just try not to make eye contact).
Signs You Might Be Sharing Your Apartment with Steve Buscemi (Just Kidding, Probably Not)
Okay, so maybe Steve Buscemi isn't your roommate (although that would be a story for another day), but here are some telltale signs you might be cohabitating with some uninvited guests:
- You hear tiny pitter-patter in the dead of night (think: horror movie with less screaming).
- Your carefully placed breakfast cereal mysteriously disappears overnight.
- The garbage disposal starts sounding suspiciously like a rock concert (thanks, rogue pizza boxes!).
If you're experiencing any of these delightful occurrences, fear not! There are ways to reclaim your domain from the whiskered overlords.
## How To FAQs:
How to get rid of rats in your apartment?
Contact a pest control professional! They've got the expertise (and the heavy-duty traps) to send those rodents packing.
How to avoid attracting rats?
Keep your place clean, store food in sealed containers, and dispose of garbage properly. Basically, don't give them a reason to stick around.
How to make peace with your new rat roommates?
Let's be honest, this might be a tough one. But hey, maybe they'll develop a taste for takeout menus and start leaving you glowing reviews? (Just kidding... please don't try to befriend wild rats.)
How to tell the difference between a rat and a really big mouse?
Size is a good indicator. Rats are generally bigger and stouter than mice. But if you're squeamish, just call them both "unwanted guests" and move on.
How to win a staring contest with a rat?
We don't recommend it. Rats are persistent little creatures. Just blink and call animal control.
