Oak Lawn Goes On Rat Patrol

OAK LAWN, IL -- The Village of Oak Lawn is tripling the size of its rodent control program after a succession of mild winters has caused the rat and mice population to explode throughout the Midwest. This situation combined with booming construction throughout the village has unfortunately caused rats living underground to surface.

“Extended cold temperatures result in a lower number of rodents surviving throughout the winter," said Lindsay Heilig, a property maintenance inspector for the village. "We’re fortunate to have flourishing construction atmosphere, however, every time a shovel goes into the ground something is disturbed and becomes active."

Mayor Sandra Bury said at the last board meeting that the village has fielded a record number of complaints about rodents.

“We’ve had a lot of residents asking what they can do to handle the vermin they see out there,” the mayor added.

The village is enlisting the help of residents to help keep rodents at bay, especially during the summer months by offering FREE bait boxes for their homes and businesses. The rodent explosion is more noticeable in residential areas, since most businesses have monthly extermination service.

To prevent mice and rats from taking over your property, keep grass and shrubs trimmed, and firewood stacked at least four inches above ground. Dog owners especially need to clean up dog feces on a daily basis, which is like peanut butter to rats.

Also, lids on garbage cans and dumpsters should be kept closed and as clean as possible. If you’re storing a 25-pound bag of pet food in your garage or shed, you may want to consider putting it in a metal garbage can with the lid kept tight. And stop leaving food and water out for outside animals. These same proactive measures can also reduce mosquito breeding.

The village has employed an exterminator who goes out three days a week to set up rodent bait boxes on residential properties. There are no set appointments and residents will know if the exterminator has been at their homes by the black bait boxes left on their property.

Even if you’re not sure if you saw a rodent on your property, call the village, Heilig said. To request a FREE bait box, contact the village at 708-499-7820. Leave your name and address. If you have a dog, be sure to request a dog-proof rat box. Residents can also anonymously report unkempt properties on their block by calling the same number.

Signs of a possible rat infestation include:

• Brown rats can produce up to 40 droppings per night and are usually found concentrated in a specific area. The droppings are usually dark brown, and of a tapered, spindle shape, resembling a large grain of rice.
• If you’ve noticed smudges along skirting boards and walls, you might have rats. Rats use established routes and due to the dirt and grease on their bodies, will leave smudges on dark marks on objects they brush up against. Rats also have lousy eyesight.
• Black rats are agile climbers. If you hear scratching noises in lofts and attics, it could be rats. Brown rats can be identified by their grinding teeth.
• Brown rats are expert diggers and known for their extensive burrowing systems for shelter, food storage and nesting. Rat burrows are found next to solid objects and structures.
• Rats mostly nest in burrows, but they can also be found in lofts, attics, under eaves and even inside walls. If you see signs of shredding, such as insulation, paper and other soft material, it could be a rat’s nest.
• The vermin will also leave tiny footprints and tail swishes in dustier, less used parts of buildings. If you’re not sure, sprinkle some powder in the area. Look for little claw marks and tail swishes.

Interior and exterior hiding places:

• Interior locations where rats might be found include kitchens and laundry rooms behind appliances, dryers, and under sinks. Also attics and lofts, dropped ceilings and wall cavities.
• Check the exterior of your property for signs of rodent activity, such as gnawing on corners or decks or holes in plastic garbage cans; rat holes (burrows) around sheds and garages, compost bins, drain covers, trees, shrubs and tall grass.