By Serena Solomon and Nicole Breskin
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MIDTOWN — You never know when you're going to see a rat — on a subway platform, in a park, or on the street. But soon you'll be able to see them on a Google map.
The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has launched a Rat Indexing project to track rat populations across Manhattan neighborhoods to better control vermin. First up are Washington Heights and Chinatown.
“We’re going to produce high-tech rat maps that will show hot spots of rat activity,” said Rick Simeone, director of Pest Control Services for the Department of Health. “The goal is to know more about where rats are so we can manage them better.”
Inspectors using hand-held computers will look for the five signs of a rat infestation, including dead or live rats, droppings, burrows where they nest, rub marks along walls and gnaw marks.
"Inspectors go property by property down the block," said Mario Merlino, acting assistant commissioner for the Veterinary Pest Control Services.
Depending on what they find, properties are graded on a scale of zero to three with three being a failing grade. Property owners could get a letter if they don't pass the rat test.
The department encourages landlords to deal with the problems themselves, but sometimes, as in the case of a vacant lot, exterminators are sent in.
The information is also uploaded onto a Google map, accessible though the "Rat Information Portal" on the Health Department’s Web site. The site also provides information on how New Yorkers can deal with the creatures.
Rat Indexing was first tested in the Bronx in 2007. Manhattan is the second borough to have a rat count. The plan is to eventually expand to all five boroughs.
"We are trying to solve rat problems before they get... serious enough to where people complain," said Merlino. "Managing rats is a neighborhood issue."
