Brooklyn: Rodent Report 2025–2026
Brooklyn ranked #1 among the five boroughs with 15,266 NYC 311 rodent complaints (36% of the citywide total).
Study period: 1 Jan 2025 – 25 Jun 2026. Source: NYC 311 Open Data + DOHMH Rodent Inspections. Pull date: 2026-06-25.
15,266
311 rodent complaints (2025–2026)
#1
citywide rank (most complaints)
19%
inspections failed for rat activity (all-time)
What drives rodent complaints in Brooklyn?
Brooklyn leads all boroughs with 15,266 rodent complaints filed with 311 during the study period (Jan 2025–Jun 2026). The ZIP codes 11226 (Flatbush), 11221 (Bushwick), and 11216 (Crown Heights North) are the highest-volume complaint areas. Brooklyn's dense row-house and apartment stock, combined with large green corridors like Prospect Park, creates persistent harborage.
NYC Rat Mitigation Zones in Brooklyn
The NYC DOHMH has designated the following Brooklyn neighborhoods as Rat Mitigation Zones: Bushwick, East New York, Crown Heights. These designations concentrate city abatement resources and increase DOHMH inspection frequency for property owners.
Which Brooklyn ZIP codes have the most rat complaints?
The following Brooklyn ZIP codes appear in the top 20 citywide for rodent complaints during the study period.
| ZIP | Neighborhood | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 11226 | Flatbush | 956 |
| 11221 | Bushwick | 918 |
| 11216 | Crown Heights North | 897 |
| 11233 | East New York | 892 |
| 11238 | Prospect Heights | 830 |
Source: NYC 311 Open Data (erm2-nwe9). Only ZIPs in the citywide top 20 are shown here; full ZIP-level data available via NYC Open Data.
How do DOHMH rodent inspections break down in Brooklyn?
DOHMH has designated multiple Brooklyn neighborhoods as Rat Mitigation Zones. Brooklyn recorded 142,359 all-time inspections that failed for rat activity — the highest raw count of any borough. Property owners in Brooklyn are legally required under NYC Health Code to keep their properties rat-free. A failed Initial Inspection triggers a Compliance Inspection; documented abatement is the owner's burden.
| Result | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Passed | 537,458 | 58% |
| Failed for Rat Activity | 142,359 | 15% |
| Bait applied | 125,792 | 14% |
| Failed for Other Reason | 61,442 | 7% |
| Failed for Rat Activity and Other Reason | 33,289 | 4% |
| Monitoring visit | 20,825 | 2% |
| Stoppage done | 3,117 | 0% |
| Cleanup done | 947 | 0% |
Source: DOHMH Rodent Inspections (p937-wjvj). All-time records through 2026-06-25.
Looking for a licensed exterminator in Brooklyn?
Rat Exterminator Corporation (Brooklyn-based, 5.0★ on Google) is a licensed NYC pest control operator serving Brooklyn and all five boroughs. NYC property owners facing active rodent infestations have a legal obligation to remediate under NYC Health Code — professional exclusion and abatement is the documented-compliance path.