‘Rat Trap Map’ Highlights Bed-Stuy Hot Spots As City Steps Up Pest Control

BED-STUY, NY — There comes a time in every New Yorker’s life when we have to ask: do I live in a rat hot spot?

For Bed-Stuy residents, the answer might soon change as rat-busters head their way while city officials roll out new efforts to curb the growing rodent problem.

Council Member Lincoln Restler says rat reduction is a top priority in Bed-Stuy this year. The push follows nearly 1,500 rat complaints to 311 in 2024, the second-highest total of any neighborhood citywide.

Restler said he’s recently met with local yeshivas and the Department of Sanitation to discuss switching schools to rat-proof “tilt truck” trash containers as part of the city’s broader effort to keep rodents at bay.

"Containerization of garbage is the best way to reduce rats by keeping trash bags - the food source for rats - off our streets," Restler added. "I’m grateful that these schools are all eager to do their part to help reduce rats."

In Bed-Stuy, data from the city’s Rat Portal shows several rat hot spots across both residential and commercial areas, including around K455 Boys and Girls High School, Lafayette Gardens Playground and especially along Myrtle Avenue.

The online map also lists each address’s most recent inspection date, the total number of inspections since 2015, and property details for the building.

Residents can also enter a specific address into the map to see how their block performed during the most recent rat inspection.

The portal breaks down inspection results across all five boroughs using color codes:

• Green for “Passed at Last Rat Inspection,”
• Pink for “Rat Activity at Last Rat Inspection,”
• Purple for “Failed for Other Reason at Last Rat Inspection,” and
• Gray for “Not Inspected in the Past Six Months.”

Restler said the anti-rat effort doesn’t stop there. His office has also partnered with building management companies to containerize apartment buildings across the neighborhood.

In addition, the office has funded private exterminators to target rats on vacant lots and around tree pits in Bed-Stuy.

Restler added that there will be a Rat Academy on March 30 at 5 p.m. at PS 54 (195 Sandford Street), where residents can learn practical tips to keep rats off their blocks. Sign up here.