RATS!

Boston has a rodent problem due to a combination of factors, including the city's age, infrastructure, and food waste. To address the issue, the city has released a Boston Rodent Action Plan. Check it out!

---

Factors contributing to Boston's rodent problem

• Food waste: Food waste is a major driver of rat populations in urban areas 
• Infrastructure: Boston has old sewer systems, alleyways, and brick and cobblestone streets 
• Human behavior: Poor trash storage, removal, and mitigation contribute to the problem 
• Access to water: Rodents need water, and standing water sources are a favorite 
• Remove food sources: Remove debris piles and nesting sites 
• Seal entry points: Seal any outdoor entry points 
• Use traps, baits, and repellents: Use traps, baits, poisons, and repellents 
• Treat buildings: Treat buildings for rodents before construction, renovation, or conversion 

Actions to reduce the rodent population

• Limit access to water: Remove standing water sources, such as leaky hoses, irrigation lines, and pet water bowls 
• Remove food sources: Remove debris piles and nesting sites 
• Seal entry points: Seal any outdoor entry points 
• Use traps, baits, and repellents: Use traps, baits, poisons, and repellents 
• Treat buildings: Treat buildings for rodents before construction, renovation, or conversion
  
• Use Covered Bin: Never leave out trash in plastic bags - used covered bins
  

You can reduce your trash by nearly 36% when you recycle.
Boston provides mixed curbside recycling pickup services for residents. If we recycle right we can reduce waste by 40 percent in Boston. The city has a neat app that you can download to your phone www.boston.gov/departments/public-works/recycling-boston

Composting in Boston—Sign up, it’s free, and JUST DO IT!
Thanks to our neighbor Susan Schadler for writing in and reminding us about the food waste program and how it helps with the rats situation ..
Boston has a highly user-friendly composting program for households in buildings with 6 or fewer units.  Well-sealed counter-sized buckets and an outside bin are provided after you sign up. Presto—you are up and running. Pop every food item that you would normally put in the trash in the counter bucket, and put the contents in the outside bin for pick-up on Monday mornings. It really couldn’t be easier.
The real kicker are the benefits that come from this simple practice.

1. Combat rats in your street/alley (composting is one of the most effective actions you can take)
2. Help Boston control a burgeoning landfill crisis that is raising our taxes
3. Keep your kitchen neater and cleaner
4. Feel the glow from doing the right thing with close-to-no effort

Sign up at https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-works/curbside-food-waste-collection
Questions? The website answers many. The organization that runs the program (garbagetogarden) is very responsive to phone calls and emails.

• Phone: 617-977-4547
• Email: [email protected] "

Thanks Susan for this timely reminder !

---

ZERO Waste TIPS click on the picture !