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I enjoy seeing grassy tram tracks, but is there something even better we could grow between rails?
(slrpnk.net)
Cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/21571852
Another example: https://lemm.ee/post/64307085
I’ve heard that as well; and claims that they are essential to keeping the sewer pipes clear. Not sure to what extent I would put stock into all that but they are certainly a pest. Disease, filth, destruction of homes.
My city ultimately considers them a pest considering there is a tax-funded public pest control office fighting rats year round. People can call them and they will come to the home and deploy rat control measures (usually poison) at no cost, just like a pro exterminator.
I haven't heard this about keeping sewer pipes clean, but I'm not sure I believe that either. They like to be clean, and wash themselves frequently, like cats. I don't think they're any worse about carrying diseases than the cute animals people like to see around. The worst rat diseases I'm aware of can't be spread to humans, but only to other rats. I know they can damage buildings and food supplies, but I think their negative impact in cities is exaggerated simply because many people find their appearance gross or creepy. Their behavior isn't that different from that of wild animals that people enjoy having around.