In New York City, rats are the kings of the vermin world . They run rampant on the streets, in train stations, and, if you're an unlucky renter, in your apartment. I see a rat scamper across the street more often than not when I'm coming home when it's dark out. They know how much power they have, and they're not afraid to show it. In other areas of the U.S., rats are a much rarer sight. This is true even in other cities; New York is kind of the only one that has a substantial rat population. I…