NEW YORK -- The number of pest complaints in New York City jumped by more than 2,000 from 2012 to 2013, almost a 10% increase, according to a new report.
The New York City comptroller's office released the report, which audited the number of pest complaints and found an increase from 22,300 in 2012 to 24,586 in 2013. Complaints can be made to the city's 311 hotline and online.
Comptroller Scott Stringer on Sunday called the health department's response to the problem "weak and inadequate."
New York City is, somewhat infamously, known for its rats.
Saw a rat in the subway. New York trip is complete...— Kat (@bluemilkcrafts) October 12, 2014
But seeing a rat on the subway is one thing -- having them in homes and apartments is another.
“This is a rat race we’re all losing and it’s one that affects our quality of life,” Stringer said. "Our audit found that the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene wasn’t managing its pest control program effectively, even as the number of complaints about pests grew."
"Say hello to my little friend!" Yes, its a live, scampering New York rat, scavenging along 8th ave last night. pic.twitter.com/nmYTVvytN9— Johnny Leroux (@JohnnyLeroux1) November 2, 2013
Stringer also said health inspectors didn't follow through on protocols to combat the problem. In 160 cases, no field inspection was conducted.
A health department spokesman says the agency "strongly disagrees" with the audit, and the agency takes a proactive response to exterminating rats in the city.
On its website, the department calls for a community effort to control the rat population.
"Rats like to live where people live," the department states. "A community effort works best, where everyone in the neighborhood takes steps at the same time to prevent rats from entering the buildings and to remove their food and shelter."
I dropped my phone onto the subway tracks last night, and a rat legitimately sat on it. Excuse me while I go submerge it in toxic waste— allie pisano (@AlliePisano) October 12, 2014
Additional reporting by the Associated Press