Rat czars and pigeons on ‘The Pill’: cities wage war on pests

The Decibel

As long as there have been cities, there have been pest problems. Beneath our feet, rats scurry about and feed off our garbage. They breed quickly and plentifully. Above our heads, pigeons flock and dive, crowding around park benches and generally making a mess. The prairies have been contending with feral swine. Pest control has always been a delicate dance for cities, but now, they’re turning to new methods.

Oliver Moore is the Globe’s urban affairs reporter. He’s on the show to talk about why rats and pigeons have such a hold on our cities, and what some cities are doing to curb the populations. The Globe’s Alanna Smith also joins to talk about the truth behind Alberta’s claims that they’re rat-free.

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