FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - A Flagstaff company has made massive strides in addressing rat overpopulation around the country.
Senestech has developed a liquid that acts as a form of birth control in rats, rendering them sterile. The product, called Contrapest, has been introduced to areas from Boston to Chicago and even the subways in New York City.
Officials with Senestech say the current way for rats to be given similar treatments is through injection, but a new method would be taken orally.
The officials say the goal of this contraception is to help curb rat populations that are interfering with human resources, such as food and infrastructure.
Poisoned rats cause concern because they can kill predators that eat them. That includes household pets or wild animals like bald eagles or mountain lions.
Officials say it's about finding a good balance between slowing population growth and not negatively effecting the population too much.
Contrapest is a non-lethal liquid. It was specifically designed to not kill animals.
The team that designed it says they will be able to alter it to be useful on other invasive species like horses, camels, mice, and eventually canines and feline populations.