NYC rat control is a big job – almost as big as the rodents in the crosshairs. Just how big are the rats making up the Big Apple’s rodent population?

Large & In Charge
According to recent research from a doctoral student at Fordham University, some of New York City’s largest rodents are nearly 1 ½ pounds, with some topping the scales at a whopping 2 pounds.

What About Those Giant, Mutant Rats You’ve Heard So Much About?
The study’s leader doesn’t believe there are any 3 pounders, as he’s yet to find evidence of a rodent that rotund. And though much-larger Gambian pouched rats have been found in NYC, they’re believed to be released pets, and not part of an active, breeding population.

The Good News, If Any?
Bigger rats are not more dangerous. And that’s a good thing, because the resident rodent population of NYC’s common species, Rattus norvegicus, tops the charts at a whopping 2 billion according to a 2014 study. Bigger rats are also less commonly out-and-about, leaving their younger progeny to tackle riskier food sources, sticking to their own known and reliable supply.

How Can You Avoid These Supersized Sneaks?
By steering clear of dumpsters and other rat-favored buffet locales – and with a proactive prevention and treatment program.

Have your NYC rat control issues gotten a little larger? Let the pros at Stern Environmental Group cut them down to size.