Question 1

What does the rat map show?

Accepted Answer

The Rat Radar map displays two data layers: (1) rodent-related 311 service requests filed with city governments — reports of rat burrows, nests, and sightings — and (2) health inspection violations at restaurants where inspectors cited pest or rodent issues. Together, they give you a real-time picture of rodent activity across the city.

Question 2

How current is the data?

Accepted Answer

Rat sighting data syncs from city 311 APIs continuously or daily. Restaurant inspection data is updated weekly from each city's health department. The map reflects conditions within the last 1-7 days depending on the city.

Question 3

Why does restaurant inspection data matter on a rat map?

Accepted Answer

Rats and rodents are one of the most common health code violations in restaurant inspections. When a health inspector cites "insects, rodents, or animals present" at a restaurant, it's official documentation of rodent activity — often more precise than 311 reports, because inspectors are trained to identify evidence.

Question 4

Which cities are on the rat map?

Accepted Answer

Rat Radar covers major US cities including Boston, New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio, Dallas, San Diego, Seattle, Denver, Nashville, and many more. We regularly add new cities.

Question 5

Is this data from the government?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All data comes directly from government open data portals: city 311 APIs, health department inspection databases, and state-level open data platforms. Rat Radar aggregates and visualizes public records — we don't collect or invent data.

Question 6

Can I check a specific restaurant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can search for any restaurant by name and see its full inspection history, including whether inspectors ever cited pest or rodent violations. Click any pin on the map or search from the restaurants page.

Question 7

Where does the critter sighting data come from?

Accepted Answer

We use official 311 service request data from cities across the US. When residents report rodent activity, it appears after the city publishes it to their open data portal.

Question 8

How often is the restaurant health data updated?

Accepted Answer

We pull inspection data regularly from each city's health department. New results typically appear within a day or two of publication.

Question 9

Is there a mobile app?

Accepted Answer

Rat Radar is a mobile-friendly web app that works great on any device. No download needed — just visit our site on your phone!