Rodent Prevention
Preventing Rodent Infestation is a Community Effort
Rodents are an unpleasant nuisance that affect all urban areas. Like all animals, rodents like rats need food, water and shelter. The more resources they have, the more likely they are to have bigger and more frequent litters. A common misconception is that only vacant properties attract rodents. Well-maintained properties can also attract rodents because they offer food, water, and shelter.
Rodent Sightings
A rodent sighting is rarely an isolated incident. If you see a rat, there are likely more in the area. Rodent prevention efforts are most successful when the community works together.
Rodent sightings can be reported online at Let Us Help. When contacting the Southwest Suburban Health Department regarding a rat sighting, the following is needed to conduct an effective investigation:
Name.
Phone number.
Your address.
Address of the sighting.
Photos/videos are optional, but can be very helpful.
Rodent Abatement Actions
Numerous actions are continuously being taken to explore how to reduce rodent activity in the City. Continuous actions taken to address the issue include
Utilizing pest control vendor to address hotspots.
Utilizing rodent birth control to disrupt the reproductive cycle.
Conducting walk-throughs in neighborhoods identified as hotspots.
Using direct mailers to residents in hotspots.
Following-up on complaints received.
Producing public service announcements on social media telling residents how they can take action.
Acquiring additional funding and create ongoing education.
Issuing violations and citations for non-contained refuse/containers.
Mailing educational letters to property owners in areas with complaints.
Issuing notices/orders to property owners with harborages, food sources, and active burrows.
Monitoring of rodent hot spot areas.
Rodent Investigations
Environmentalists may conduct investigations to identify potential food, shelter, and water sources for rodents in complaint areas. If rodents and/or burrows are observed on a property, the property owner will receive an order to exterminate the rats and or eliminate the burrows. Please note the Environmentalists cannot enter private property to investigate for rodents and the City does not provide extermination services.
If rodents are present in your home or living on your property, consulting a licensed pest control professional is strongly recommended.