Rat sightings reported to 311 are down 16% citywide, compared to this time last year.

Mayor Eric Adams attributed the improvement to the new garbage mandate implemented early this year.

“Since residential containerization requirements took effect eight months ago...we have seen rats fleeing," he said.

Residents are mixed when it comes to rat sightings.

"The infestation around the front of my house has probably gotten marginally better,” said Sean Terrell, a Bushwick resident. “It was usually every day, every other day, I would see rats chilling."

Others claim they don’t see that much of a difference.

"If you look around, you'll see them every day,” said Yiftach Yerushalny. “You can see them every hour if you really try.

Residents say there’s always room for improvement when it comes to these critters.

"The bins aren't going to do anything if people have all their trash in the street,” said Terrell. “There's probably like 30 people living in my apartment, and we have like, three or four bins. That's just not enough."

"The lid thing, I don't think really helps, " said Yerushalny. “Like it's a good idea, but they still can get through from the side and people don't actually close them and everything."

Some residents say the new garbage bins may be helping, but there’s still several other factors contributing to the rat infestation.

"Those rats come out at night at 1562 DeKalb,” said Nancy Hill. “They go up and down the street…into the neighbors across the street, into their windows. They have to close their windows at night."

Despite some progress, the challenge continues.

"I don't think we'll ever win the war,” said Yerushalny. “I mean it's their city - the rats. We need a much bigger solution for sure."