logo
NYC rolling out rat birth control this month. What to know about the city's new strategy for reducing rodents

NYC rolling out rat birth control this month. What to know about the city's new strategy for reducing rodents

CBS News02-04-2025

New York City is preparing to roll out an unconventional strategy for tackling its rodent problem: rat birth control.
The city says its pilot program goes into effect April 26, distributing pellets to select rat mitigation zones beginning in Harlem.
"Two rats in a given year can reproduce 15,000 descendants," New York City Councilmember Shaun Abreu said. "We have to go at the source."
As chair of the sanitation committee, he led the successful push for
Flaco's Law
, the rat contraceptive initiative named for the beloved owl
that died last year after consuming rat poison
.
Abreu estimates zones could start seeing a difference in as little as six months.
"We know these pellets are going to be attractive to rats because they're sweet. There's a compound in it called triptolide that targets ovarian function in female rats and sperm production in male rats," he said.
Animal welfare organizations including PETA have shared support for the program's mission to keep poison out of the mouths of pets and wildlife.
The New York City Department of Health and Hygiene says Flaco's Law will work in tandem
with existing containerization rules
, which they say have helped
bring down 311 complaints of rat sightings citywide
, down 24% year-over-year in January 2025 compared to January 2024.
You can email Elle with Queens story ideas by
CLICKING HERE
.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

NYC opens new front in war on rats as contraceptive program kicks off in Harlem
NYC opens new front in war on rats as contraceptive program kicks off in Harlem

Yahoo

time2 days ago

  • Yahoo

NYC opens new front in war on rats as contraceptive program kicks off in Harlem

Rats, not tonight, honey. The city just opened its latest front on its war against its most hated rodents — lacing rat bait around the city with birth control. The program kick-started on city property in Harlem last week — and is expected to cost nearly $600,000 annually for the anti-procreation pellets and a staff of five full-timers, including a city research scientist and pest-control aide, according to City Council documents. The move comes a week after UFO-like 'Empire Bins'' were put in the same Manhattan neighborhood to try to end curbside feasts for the relentless rodents. 'We're incredibly excited and optimistic about all the containerization work we're seeing in the city because that's reducing food competition — and really reducing a rat's ability to reproduce by cutting off its food source,' city rat czar Kathleen Corradi told The Post in an exclusive interview Monday. 'What the science tells us is removal of a food source, removal of those conditions that allow them to thrive, is how we get to achieve sustained production — and we're seeing really great results in that regard,' she said. The rodent 'contraceptive stations' rely on bait designed to specifically woo rats. The contraceptive pellets slow egg production in female rats and sperm mobility in males. The effort is part of 'Flaco's Law,' which the council passed after rat poison was linked to the death of the Central Park Zoo's beloved escapee Flaco the owl. The contraceptives are in tamper-resistant contraptions and pose an extremely low risk to humans, pets or 'non-target' wildlife, a city rep said. The city Health Department will conduct monthly inspections to track signs of rats in the area, according to the legislation. Once the pilot wraps in 12 months, workers will report to the mayor and council on whether the approach has been effective at curbing rats. Citywide rat sightings reported to 311 are down each of the past six months when compared to the same time period last year, coinciding with the city's new requirements for closed-lid trash containers. But not all areas around the city have seen a decrease in rat sightings. The community-board district where the contraception pilot program is in West Harlem has seen a 7.8% jump in rat sightings compared to this time last year, according to a Post analysis of 311 data. Corradi argues that the city's efforts are only as good as property owners' compliance from waste containerization to outdoor dining regulations. '[Human] behavior change is hard,' she said. 'We are doing integrated pest management on city-owned properties, but then the 98% remaining of the tax lots that are privately owned properties, that's up to the property owners to choose what mechanisms they're doing when it comes to [rat population] control.' Corradi added that when one area has success combatting the rodents, she doesn't expect hungry rats to simply migrate to other parts of the city in search of food because the rodent species is 'by nature, hyperlocal. 'Typically, these animals don't travel 100 to 300 feet from where they're living to their food source,' she said.

Birth of a new era as NYC plants rat contraceptives in Harlem
Birth of a new era as NYC plants rat contraceptives in Harlem

New York Post

time2 days ago

  • New York Post

Birth of a new era as NYC plants rat contraceptives in Harlem

Rats, not tonight, honey. The city just opened its latest front on its war against its most hated rodents — lacing rat bait around the city with birth control. The program kick-started on city property in Harlem last week — and is expected to cost nearly $600,000 annually for the anti-procreation pellets and a staff of five full-timers, including a city research scientist and pest-control aide, according to City Council documents. 4 The city is pulling out all the stops to contraception to try to curb its rat population. Christopher Sadowski The move comes a week after UFO-like 'Empire Bins'' were put in the same Manhattan neighborhood to try to end curbside feasts for the relentless rodents. 'We're incredibly excited and optimistic about all the containerization work we're seeing in the city because that's reducing food competition — and really reducing a rat's ability to reproduce by cutting off its food source,' city rat czar Kathleen Corradi told The Post in an exclusive interview Monday. 'What the science tells us is removal of a food source, removal of those conditions that allow them to thrive, is how we get to achieve sustained production — and we're seeing really great results in that regard,' she said. 4 Big Apple officials from Mayor Eric Adams on down have declared war on the rodents. Kevin C Downs for The New York Post The rodent 'contraceptive stations' rely on bait designed to specifically woo rats. The contraceptive pellets slow egg production in female rats and sperm mobility in males. The effort is part of 'Flaco's Law,' which the council passed after rat poison was linked to the death of the Central Park Zoo's beloved escapee Flaco the owl. The contraceptives are in tamper-resistant contraptions and pose an extremely low risk to humans, pets or 'non-target' wildlife, a city rep said. The city Health Department will conduct monthly inspections to track signs of rats in the area, according to the legislation. 4 Hundreds of 'Empire Bins' designed to get residential waste off of city streets were installed in Harlem this year. Kevin C Downs for The New York Post Once the pilot wraps in 12 months, workers will report to the mayor and council on whether the approach has been effective at curbing rats. Citywide rat sightings reported to 311 are down each of the past six months when compared to the same time period last year, coinciding with the city's new requirements for closed-lid trash containers. But not all areas around the city have seen a decrease in rat sightings. The community-board district where the contraception pilot program is in West Harlem has seen a 7.8% jump in rat sightings compared to this time last year, according to a Post analysis of 311 data. Corradi argues that the city's efforts are only as good as property owners' compliance from waste containerization to outdoor dining regulations. 4 A rat-chewed New York City Department of Sanitation trash bin shows how pesky the critters are. Gabriella Bass '[Human] behavior change is hard,' she said. 'We are doing integrated pest management on city-owned properties, but then the 98% remaining of the tax lots that are privately owned properties, that's up to the property owners to choose what mechanisms they're doing when it comes to [rat population] control.' Corradi added that when one area has success combatting the rodents, she doesn't expect hungry rats to simply migrate to other parts of the city in search of food because the rodent species is 'by nature, hyperlocal. 'Typically, these animals don't travel 100 to 300 feet from where they're living to their food source,' she said.

The 5 Best Peptide Products to Help Boost Hair Growth
The 5 Best Peptide Products to Help Boost Hair Growth

Elle

time6 days ago

  • Elle

The 5 Best Peptide Products to Help Boost Hair Growth

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Unless you're genetically blessed with thick, flowing locks, many of us wish for a little (or a lot) more hair. You may have naturally thin hair or have experienced some uncharacteristic hair loss lately. Chances are, you're probably on the hunt for alternative ways to make your hair grow faster and thicker—and you're not alone. I deal with hair loss occasionally, especially when I'm stressed out and trying to grow out my very short bob. Thankfully, there are plenty of tips and tricks for us thin- and short-haired folks, including one of my best-kept secrets: peptide products for hair growth. Peptide lip treatments and peptide serums have gotten a lot of good press lately, but the star ingredient can also work wonders on hair. 'Peptides encourage hair growth by improving blood flow to the scalp and strengthening the structure of hair follicles,' shares Dr. Candace Thornton Spann, a board-certified dermatologist in Las Vegas and the co-owner of Couture Dermatology & Plastic Surgery. 'They can also result in the formulation of more collagen, a building block that's vital to the health of the hair follicle,' she adds. Peptide hair serums are very beneficial to those on a hair growth journey, and there are plenty of hair growth shampoos, hair growth vitamins, and other treatments with peptides to explore. After speaking with Dr. Spann and other editors, scrolling through hundreds of customer reviews, and trying a few myself, I landed on the five best peptide products for hair growth—check them out below. This watery serum is meant to be applied and left on your scalp to work its magic. Thanks to peptides, caffeine, and various plant-based extracts, it not only densifies and thickens your hair but also helps your mane appear more voluminous overall. Key ingredients: Peptides, caffeine, Redensyl, Procapil, Baicapil Size: 1 oz. Ulta rating: 4.1/5 stars An ELLE editor says: 'I don't remember how I discovered this product, but I'm forever grateful I did. During the first two years of the pandemic, I applied the formula religiously every night, and I credit it for nursing my scalp and hair back to health after shocking and noticeable hair loss. I was amazed by the volume it provided (especially when I apply it while my hair is still damp from a shower) and how many baby hairs sprouted all over my head in the few weeks after I started using it.' —Carol Lee, associate beauty e-commerce writer Hair care starts in the shower, and you can set your strands up for success by utilizing this shampoo and conditioner to cleanse and revitalize your hair and scalp. Rosemary oil is known for encouraging blood circulation in the scalp (which encourages healthy hair growth), and the addition of peptides and plant proteins translates to stronger, less breakage-prone locks. Key ingredients: Rosemary oil, peptides, ceramides, proteins Size: 8.4 fl. oz. x2 Necessaire rating: 4.5/5 stars An ELLE editor says: 'First of all, the scent of this duo is incredible—if you like rosemary, treating yourself to this is a must. I've gotten multiple compliments on how good my hair smells when I use this, and it's currently in my rotation of shower products. Additionally, I've been applying a lot of heat to my hair these days, and my hair has maintained its strength and health—I don't doubt that using these products has something to do with it.' —Carol Lee Nutrafol is one of those hair growth supplements that actually work. 'I used to get highlights, and my hair incurred a ton of damage. It got to the point where I didn't feel like my hair could grow any longer than my shoulders. I tried Nutrafol supplements as a sort of last-ditch effort, and I couldn't believe how quickly my hair started growing—and how healthy it looked,' says ELLE beauty editor Katie Berohn. This set also includes the brand's collagen powder, which features marine collagen peptides to provide hydration and other materials for strong, healthy hair. Key ingredients: Marine collagen peptides, saw palmetto, tocotrienol complex, ashwagandha Size: 120 capsules and 12.03 oz. of powder Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars An Amazon reviewer says: 'This product really works! My hairdresser (without knowing I was taking anything) commented that my hair was growing and filling out more. I was thrilled!' K18's hair oil features the brand's signature peptide, an ingredient that strengthens strands and makes them appear smoother. By preventing and repairing damage, the silicone-free oil allows your hair to grow without breaking off before it can reach your desired length. Key ingredients: Peptides, hemisqualane, squalane, avocado oil Size: 1 fl. oz. An Amazon reviewer says: 'This stuff has helped my damaged, broken off hair so much. My hair was ruined with bleach, and this has been such a game changer in my hair journey. While it doesn't help with growth, it helps repair the damaged hair. 10/10. Will purchase again!' You may already drink caffeine to wake you up in the morning, but when applied topically, the ingredient can also wake the scalp and make your hair feel and appear denser. Other starring ingredients include peptides to promote the health of hair follicles and grape stem cells to thicken hair. Key ingredients: Grape stem cells, peptides, caffeine Size: 3 oz. Act + Acre rating: 4.8/5 stars An Act + Acre reviewer says: 'I tried this after seeing this on social media and reading the reviews. I have fine hair and breakage in one section. This has helped with the breakage and gives my hair volume at the scalp. As a bonus, I don't have frizz or flyaways on the small hairs around my hairline.' Dr. Candace Thornton Spann is a board-certified dermatologist in Las Vegas, the co-owner of Couture Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, and the founder of ReTress. The best way to go about treating hair loss is to figure out the root of the problem. 'It is important to identify and address what's leading to hair loss. For example, vitamin deficiencies can cause hair loss. Treating vitamin deficiency can encourage hair growth,' Dr. Spann says. She also recommends scalp oiling and scalp massage to promote hair growth. According to Dr. Spann, it all depends on what kind of hair loss you're dealing with. 'Something like alopecia areata, a non-scarring, autoimmune type of hair loss, can be completely reversed. Female pattern hair loss can be reversed if the follicles are treated early before follicles become scarred,' she says. However, follicles that are already scarred are unable to recover. As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee spoke to a dermatologist, tested formulas, and combed through customer reviews to find the best peptide products for hair growth.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store