DC to fight rat epidemic with ‘blitz’ pilot program

Published April 1, 2026 5:10pm ET



The top health official in Washington, D.C., announced on Wednesday a new pilot program dedicated to fighting rodent infestation in the nation’s capital this spring.

The district has had a problem with rats for years, with rodent complaints surging nearly 13 times between 2014 and 2024. The city is consistently ranked among the 10 cities with the worst rodent infestation rates. Mayor Muriel Bowser is committed to quelling the rat epidemic.

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