DC Deploys Rat Birth Control to Tackle Surging Rodent Population

City health officials aim to reduce current rat numbers and prevent future pregnancies.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:05pm

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A glowing neon outline of a rat, its body composed of vibrant, pulsing lines against a dark background, conceptually representing DC's efforts to address its persistent rat problem through innovative methods.DC's new rat control program aims to reduce the capital's surging rodent population through a combination of lethal bait and non-lethal contraceptive measures.Chicago Today

Washington, DC is taking a new approach to its ongoing battle against rats, deploying a combination of lethal bait and edible birth control to tackle the surging rodent population. City health officials say they will begin distributing the contraceptive bait in neighborhoods with heavy rat activity, alongside traditional poisons, in an effort to both reduce the current population and prevent future pregnancies.

Why it matters

Rats have long been a persistent problem in the nation's capital, with residents reporting increased sightings and growing frustration. The new strategy aims to provide a more effective and humane solution, building on successful programs in other major cities like Chicago and New York.

The details

In addition to the lethal bait that will be used to take out existing rats, DC will also distribute a liquid contraceptive to prevent new pregnancies. Crews will first reduce the current population, then return in about three weeks to assess whether any young rats have survived. City health officials stressed that the bait alone won't be enough, and that residents must also do their part by properly containing trash and food waste.

  • The new rat control program will begin deployment in the Adams Morgan neighborhood.
  • Crews will return in about three weeks to evaluate the program's initial impact.

The players

Ayanna Bennett

DC Health Director, who announced the new rat control strategy.

Joshua Goodman

Official with the New York City Department of Sanitation, who discussed successful rat reduction efforts in the Big Apple.

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What they’re saying

“You have said that we need a more effective strategy, and so we have come up with a new strategy.”

— Ayanna Bennett, DC Health Director

“There was a dead rat in my yard a couple of weeks ago and I had to call a friend to ... go in the back yard and get it for me. I can't even look at it. It's terrifying.”

— Local Resident

What’s next

Early results of the program will be closely monitored, and officials plan to expand the use of the contraceptive bait to additional neighborhoods if the initial deployment proves successful.

The takeaway

DC's new multi-pronged approach to rat control, combining lethal and non-lethal methods, represents a potentially more effective and humane solution to a longstanding urban challenge. However, the program's ultimate success will depend on residents doing their part to eliminate food sources and properly dispose of waste.