Rat Academy: Learn How To Handle Rats In Prospect Heights

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, NY — As Brooklyn's war on rats continues, Prospect Heights residents can grab tools at an upcoming "Rat Academy" session.

The session, hosted by a number of elected officials and the NYC Department of Health, will take place at the Brooklyn Central Library from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on March 23.

The session will equip locals with tools to prevent rats in homes and buildings, with localized elements specific to the Prospect and Crown Heights areas. Register for the event using this link.

Prospect and Crown Heights have been no exception in New York City's increasing rat problem. In 2022, monthly calls to the city's 311 line about rats increased by as much as 50 percent over the year before.

Most recently, rats and Prospect Heights locals found a new battle ground in tree pits, many of which became overrun by rat infestations.

The city's website features an interactive map to show rat activity and inspection results across New York City. Much of Prospect Heights and Crown Heights have passed their most recent rat inspections, though many were years ago.

To keep the rats away, NYC Health recommends keeping garbage and clutter clear, storing all garbage in rat-resistant containers with lids, keeping landscaped areas free of tall weeds and shrubs, sealing cracks and holes in the building and sidewalk and putting litter in trash on sidewalks.

Rat Academy trainings will also be available virtually from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on April 26. In-person sessions are scheduled for March 23 in the Bronx and April 6 in Manhattan. For more information on rat prevention trainings, visit this link.