If the Norway brown rats you see crawling along subway tracks and platforms have learned anything it is how to adapt. In fact, they've become so good at it, the MTA is devising a new way to try and get rid of them by sterilizing female rats.
Timothy Wong, an exterminator with M&M Pest Control, says just getting the female rats to take the bait from subway trash rooms will be tough enough.
"I think it's going to be a long shot," Wong says. "You got to remember when they're in the subway they have so much to eat, like Taco Bell and pizza."
He says the female rats would have to consume roughly 10 percent of their body weight in the bait for 5 to 10 days to become sterile.
"I think this is part of the tool," he says. "But is this the solution? I don't think so."
But the MTA is working on the pilot project with a company from Arizona called SenesTech, which used ContraPest in agricultural areas of Southeast Asia.
This is the first time it would be used in a transit system.
Bait traps and glue strips have helped cut back on the roughly 40 million rats in New York City.
Friday, May 17 2013 9:34 PM EDT2013-05-18 01:34:58 GMT
Two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield, Conn., in between the Fairfield and Bridgeport stations. At least 60 people have been hurt, the governor said.
Two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield, Conn., in between the Fairfield and Bridgeport stations. At least 60 people have been hurt, the governor said.
Friday, May 17 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-18 01:12:56 GMT
A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:53:52 GMT
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has approved the master plan for the American Dream megamall in the Meadowlands sports complex. The approval at Friday's special board meeting means the
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has approved the master plan for the American Dream megamall in the Meadowlands sports complex. The approval at Friday's special board meeting means the
Friday, May 17 2013 8:28 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:28:27 GMT
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:54 PM EDT2013-05-17 21:54:45 GMT
The big game will be played in New Jersey but the big party will be in New York City. Organizers call it "Super Bowl Boulevard."
The big game will be played in New Jersey but the big party will be in New York City. Organizers call it "Super Bowl Boulevard": it will stretch from 44th Street on Broadway all the way to 34th Street.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:03 PM EDT2013-05-17 21:03:04 GMT
A 21-year-old Hofstra University student was shot and killed during an apparent home-invasion robbery in Uniondale, Long Island. The suspect also died in the incident.
A 21-year-old Hofstra University student was shot and killed during an apparent home-invasion robbery in Uniondale, Long Island. The suspect also died in the incident.
Friday, May 17 2013 4:17 PM EDT2013-05-17 20:17:46 GMT
A Humvee carrying six Navy SEALs and two other sailors overturned during a training exercise at Fort Knox in Kentucky, killing one of the SEALs and injuring the others, military officials said Friday.
A Humvee carrying six Navy SEALs and two other sailors overturned during a training exercise at Fort Knox in Kentucky, killing one of the SEALs and injuring the others, military officials said Friday.
