Local News
The educational week aims to get residents on board with taking steps to reduce and eradicate rat infestations.
An electric rat trap is seen along the bike path in Somerville. (Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff)
Somerville is declaring war on rats. The city kicked off “DeRATification Week” on Monday, launching a campaign to curb its growing rodent population.
“Rats are tough and scrappy, but so is Somerville,” Mayor Jake Wilson said in the announcement. “DeRATification Week is about giving residents the tools and know-how to hit rats where it hurts. When we do the basics right, rats lose their edge.”
The campaign highlights steps residents and businesses can take to deter rodent activity while improving the services the city provides.
Residents can request a free city inspection for evidence of rodents, or visit the revamped “rats” information page to check for rodent traps near them.
The city will emphasize ways residents can store trash in sealed, secure containers, eliminate food sources and clutter, report rodent activity early, and maintain properties to prevent burrowing.
The issue of rats was top of mind for Mayor Wilson during his election campaign, when he outlined plans, including rat birth control and imposing fines, to tackle the pests.
Residents told Wilson that the rat problem has become so bad that they are no longer using their yards in the evening or letting their dogs outside after dark because they fear run-ins with aggressive rats.
On his campaign website, Wilson said he is ready to “declare all-out war on rats.”
The first key to doing so, Wilson said, is education.
City Councilor Jesse Clingan agrees.
“In a city like Somerville, where many residents are renters, education matters—for landlords and tenants alike,” said Clingan, in a statement.
“Tenants are often the first to spot issues, and property owners need to act quickly,” Clingan continued. “When everyone does their part, we make real progress. I’m grateful to the Wilson administration for leading this practical, citywide effort.”
Beth Treffeisen is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on local news, crime, and business in the New England region.
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