Boston to Join “Rat Summit” with New York, Seattle, and Chicago to Address Rodent Infestation
Boston’s Public Works Department and Inspectional Services team are set to attend a “rat summit” alongside other major cities like New York, Seattle, and Chicago to discuss rodent control strategies. These cities, all dealing with severe rat problems, will come together to exchange ideas and explore solutions that can help reduce rat populations in urban areas.
Boston’s Commissioner of Inspectional Services, Tania Del Rio, emphasized the city’s interest in learning from New York’s approach to “containerizing” residential trash, a method designed to limit rodent access to waste. In addition, Del Rio mentioned that Washington D.C. has made notable progress in handling rodents in alleys. The summit provides an opportunity for Boston to learn from these initiatives and apply similar techniques to reduce its own rat population.
Boston recently introduced its own rat action plan, which involves 15 city departments working together to tackle the growing issue. Local residents, like Allston resident Megan Henderson, have expressed frustration with the persistent presence of rats in their neighborhoods. Henderson was even bitten by a rat while walking, a painful incident that required medical treatment. She hopes the city’s efforts will result in fewer rats roaming the streets.
A key focus of Boston’s rat control plan is waste management, which Del Rio stressed is the most critical factor in slowing down the rat population. She pointed out that older infrastructure and housing on the East Coast contribute to the problem, making it more difficult to control. Additionally, the city is exploring innovative approaches such as sensor technology in sewers and parks to map rodent activity and partnering with MIT students to utilize artificial intelligence for tracking 311 calls related to rats. This data-driven approach is intended to identify problem areas and direct resources accordingly.
For more on Boston’s rat control efforts, check out this article from x.com.
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The city is also phasing out traditional rodenticides due to environmental concerns and is testing alternatives like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and dry ice to combat rodents. While rat contraceptives have been tested by a private group in Jamaica Plain, the city is cautiously observing the results before considering their implementation. Overall, the most significant step forward will be improving trash containment to limit the food sources available to rats.