Ideas to Solve New York's Rat Problem

I once saw a gigantic rat in Ashbourne - where we live - it ran across the pavement in front of me. It was the size of a rabbit. Earlier this year a baby rat climbed up our bird feeder to eat the fat balls. It got its foot stuck and was hanging there, squeaking. We rescued it and the baby rat ran back into our gabion baskets. Anyway ... I digress!

1. The Pied Piper

2. Cut off the food supply

Incentivise restaurants and other food outlets to dispose of food securely. 

3. Contraceptives

Put contraceptives in food near rat populations to stop procreation.

4. Rat Traps

Issue all residents with rat traps. 

5. Employ and train more rat catchers

6. Essential Oils

Apparently certain essential oils are disliked by rats. Liberally dousing known rat areas with essential oils might deter them.

7. Clean

Keep rat infested areas scrupulously clean. Remove sources of food.