Bloomberg disputes city rat complaints as 'epidemic'

Mayor Michael Bloomberg downplayed fears Tuesday that New York City is becoming an even more enticing refuge for rodents, despite calls for the city to do more.

Bloomberg told reporters that the health department is inspecting entire neighborhoods as part of a concentrated effort to control the rat population.

amNewYork reported concerns about the rise in rodent complaints and the health department’s tactics last Friday.

“In the areas where we have focused our efforts, I think the number of rats are down like a third,” Bloomberg said.

But Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and other officials held a news conference Tuesday calling for the restoration of city pest control aides who were laid off last year to save about $1.5 million. The jobs, he argued, actually generate $6 million a year because they levy fines against property owners with filthy lots.