623. Can New York City Win Its War on Rats?

This Freakonomics Radio episode explores New York City's ongoing struggle with rat infestation, interviewing experts like urban rodentologist Bobby Corrigan and Rat Czar Kathy Corradi. The podcast details various rat mitigation strategies, including the limitations of poison, the challenges of birth control for open rat populations, and the implementation of a new city-wide plan focusing on secure trash containers and improved waste management. A key takeaway is that a multi-pronged approach, combining environmental modifications with targeted treatments, is necessary for effective rat control. The episode also highlights the surprising lack of reliable rat population data and the complexities of changing ingrained human behaviors related to waste disposal. Ultimately, the podcast reveals the multifaceted nature of urban pest control and the ongoing search for effective, humane, and sustainable solutions.